First-Year Bride Reflections: What I Learned Planning My Own Wedding

Being a wedding planner means I’ve spent years helping brides create their dream days. But nothing and I mean nothing, compares to planning your own wedding. In 2024, I had the incredible experience of becoming a bride myself, and it taught me lessons that I now carry into every wedding I plan.

Here’s what I wish I knew before planning my own wedding, the surprises that caught me off guard, and how being a bride has changed my perspective as a planner.

1. What I Wish I Knew Before Planning My Wedding

Even with years of experience, I didn’t anticipate how emotionally intense it would be. My biggest takeaway: planning your wedding is as much about mindset as it is about logistics.

Delegate without guilt: Even if you’re a planner yourself, you can’t do it all. Trust your family, friends, and your planner (even if that planner is you!) to help with the details.

Plan rest time: It’s tempting to fill every hour with meetings, fittings, and research, but scheduling downtime is essential. You need to show up fully for your wedding day, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Prioritise what truly matters: It’s easy to get lost in trends, Pinterest boards, and other people’s expectations. Decide what’s non-negotiable for you and your partner, everything else can flex.

2. Biggest Surprises During My Wedding Week

Even with meticulous planning, wedding week is full of unexpected moments. Here’s what surprised me most:

The whirlwind effect: Days and weeks can feel like they’re flying by. Two consecutive weddings before mine meant September was one giant blur!

Emotional highs (and lows): You’ll feel joy, nostalgia, excitement, and stress all in the same hour. It’s completely normal.

Family dynamics: Everyone wants to help, but even the most willing helpers need breaks. I learned to be extra kind and patient, especially with my mum, who ended up on crutches from wedding week adrenaline!

3. How Being a Bride Changed My Perspective as a Planner

Experiencing my own wedding has deepened my empathy and refined the way I approach every couple’s day:

I understand stress like never before: I now check in on clients in new ways, noticing when quiet moments signal something deeper.

I value presence over perfection: I remind my couples to carve out time for themselves, just 20 minutes alone together can change the energy of the whole day.

I appreciate emotions behind the details: From cultural traditions to personal touches, I now see how deeply meaningful every decision is for a bride and groom.

💡 My Advice to Brides

Being a bride is a rollercoaster, thrilling, emotional, and sometimes exhausting. The key is to prioritise rest, lean on your support system, and focus on what truly matters to you and your partner.

Your wedding day is more than a beautiful event; it’s the start of your life together. Plan with love, patience, and presence — and trust your planner (even if that planner is yourself!) to handle the rest.

Photographer: Zehra Jagani