Wow — where do I even begin? Our wedding day was truly one for the books. I originally planned to hop on here and share all the dreamy, picture-perfect moments, maybe with a few tiny hiccups sprinkled in for fun. But honestly? I could probably write an entire novel called “What Not to Do on Your Wedding Day.” 😂
Don’t get me wrong — it was still the most magical, love-filled day of my life. There were heartwarming conversations with our guests, sweet stolen moments with my new husband, and so much laughter with our wedding party. But let’s just say… things got a little wild. I’m starting to think there might be something to that whole “Mercury in retrograde” theory!
Still, I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. Every mishap taught me something valuable, and today I’m sharing my honest lessons, a few giggles, and some tips to help your day go a little smoother than mine did.
1. Double-Check Vendor Details 📋
It might sound simple, but this one’s a biggie. Make sure every vendor has the exact and most up-to-date information — from timing to names to final details. Staff can change, and small miscommunications can turn into big surprises later.
I recommend confirming everything in person if you can (or at least over a video call). Trust me, it’s worth the extra time.
2. Make Detailed Lists (Like, Really Detailed) 📝
Lists are your best friend — for you, your vendors, and anyone helping out. Be specific. Don’t just say “family photos.” Write out which family members you want in those photos. It’s amazing how much smoother things go when everyone has a clear game plan.
3. Listen to Yourself 💛
Your wedding day is your day. You’ll get tons of advice from friends, family, and Pinterest boards alike — but at the end of the day, you and your partner know what feels right. Follow that gut feeling. It’s the one voice that always knows what will make your heart happiest.
4. Savor Every Moment 🌿
No matter what happens — good, bad, or hilariously unexpected — soak it all in. You only get one “I do,” and even the messy parts become beautiful memories someday.
The Behind-the-Scenes Scoop
Alright, you asked for it — here’s the inside look at how our wedding day really went down. Spoiler alert: there were laughs, tears, and quite a few “are you kidding me?” moments. 😂
The Suits Saga
The day before our wedding, we went to pick up the suits from Men’s Wearhouse… and found out the groom and ring bearer’s sizes were all wrong. Cue the panic! Thankfully, we sorted it out the next morning and everyone looked perfect.
My advice: Write down all your confirmed sizes and double-check once they arrive. A quick confirmation email can save a lot of stress later!
Set-Up Surprises
I went into wedding planning with an open mind, ready for suggestions. But looking back, I wish I had trusted my original vision a bit more. It would have made the day feel even more “us.”
My advice: It’s okay to take help, but don’t lose sight of what you truly want. Print out inspiration photos, share them with your team, and delegate! A friend, sister, or bridesmaid who knows your vision can be a huge help on the big day.
Morning-of Madness
The morning of our wedding started out lovely — breakfast at a cozy bed and breakfast, coffee in hand, the whole vibe was calm… until it wasn’t. Between forgotten jewelry, missing hair clips, and a slightly awkward “you’re my favorite” joke gone wrong, the morning quickly became chaotic. 😅
Then came the classic “forgot the ring at home” situation (yep, that happened) — but despite all the bumps, we still managed to laugh through it.
My advice: Have your glam team come to you. Pack your essentials the night before. And assign a “runner” — someone who can grab any last-minute items so you can stay in the moment.
Music Mishaps 🎶
Ah, the ceremony music — this one still makes me cringe a little. My dad and I were called up to walk, but we were confused and thought we missed our cue. I rushed up the stairs, my tiara tilted, veil slightly crooked — and then realized the DJ was playing the wrong song.
It was a 57-second track that looped awkwardly with breaks of silence between repeats. Not exactly the romantic soundtrack I envisioned!
My advice: Confirm all music details with your DJ in person or on a quick call the day before. And if possible, have them attend the rehearsal. It makes all the difference. Our DJ was a kind person, so it’s too bad!
Photos & The Great Family Shuffle 📸
Our photos turned out beautiful — but we missed a lot of moments I really wanted. Not everyone was present for family portraits, and we couldn’t get to every guest table during the reception.
My advice: Be specific on your photo list. Don’t just write “family photos” — name each person. This small detail ensures no special moment slips away.
Catering & Cake 🍰
Our caterer forgot to cut the pork loin, which led to a bit of chaos. And our wedding cake… let’s just say it wasn’t exactly what I ordered. Thankfully, the vendor made it right later with a complimentary replacement.
My advice: Reconfirm your order details the week of the wedding. Even a quick email with reference photos can make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Reception Rollercoaster 🎉
After the ceremony… honestly, I have no idea what happened. 😂 The timeline went out the window! Family photos were missed, the slideshow never played, and dinner ran late. But despite it all, we laughed, danced, and made beautiful memories with our guests — some of whom traveled from 12 different states to be there. That love and support meant everything.
My advice: Assign or hire a day-of coordinator to keep things running smoothly. It’s one of the best investments you can make.
Looking Back 💫
Even though our wedding and honeymoon didn’t go quite as planned (because of course it didn’t!), I’m choosing to see it all as part of our story. Every hiccup, every laugh, every imperfection — it all made our day perfectly us.
Some have even suggested a small vow renewal in the future, and honestly? I love that idea. Maybe we’ll do a little “redo” one day.
If you’re planning your wedding, my best advice is this: plan your heart out, but hold your plans loosely. Focus on what matters most — marrying your best friend and celebrating with the people you love. Everything else? Just part of the story. 💕
If you’ve been through your own wedding adventures (or have some advice to share!), I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Let’s keep learning, crying, and laughing together — one love story at a time.
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 