I Got Married Last Year, and This Is How I’m Using My Bridal Experience to Become a Better Wedding Planner

Last year was, without a doubt, one of the most intense years of my life. Not only did I plan my own wedding, but I also managed six other weddings in the same year, with two of them happening on consecutive weekends right before mine! Needless to say, the whole of September was one giant blur of wedding mania.

And yet, looking back, that whirlwind has made me a better wedding planner today. Here are some of the biggest lessons I learned from being both a planner and a bride.

1. Delegation Is Not Weakness - It’s Wisdom

As planners, we’re used to having everything under control. But when it came to my own wedding, I had to learn to let go. My family, bless them, stepped up in ways I’ll forever be grateful for while I looked after my clients’ weddings.

The truth is: you cannot do it all. Whether you’re hiring a wedding planner, leaning on your family, or both, don’t be afraid to delegate.

That being said, be mindful of how much you’re relying on loved ones. Parents and siblings often run on pure adrenaline during a 3, 4, or 5-day affair, and it can take a toll. My own mum ended up on crutches after the wedding when her knee gave way, a stark reminder that even the most willing helpers need rest and care too.

2. Communication Is Everything

When I’m working with couples, I always tell them: please talk to us. We’re here to make the process easier, and that includes the emotional side of planning. If something is keeping you up at night, tell your planner.

Over the years, I’ve learned that when clients go unusually quiet after being very involved, it often means something is weighing on them. That’s why I now do gentle “welfare checks” when communication dips. It’s not about chasing timelines, but about making sure my couples aren’t carrying the weight of planning alone.

3. Book the Core Vendors Early

One of the smartest things I did as a bride was to lock in my key vendors as soon as our Gurdwara date was confirmed. I knew who I wanted to work with, and I didn’t waste any time securing them.

Of course, it took a little convincing to get my husband on board with my vision (a very relatable struggle for many couples!), but we worked it out by focusing on the kind of effect and style we wanted for the day.

To my couples, I always recommend: outline your style early. It doesn’t need to be final, and it’s completely normal to evolve your vision along the way. But having a starting point, whether that’s a colour palette, a theme, or a mood, helps every decision feel less overwhelming.

4. My Biggest Takeaway: Empathy

Being a bride gave me something that no amount of years in the industry could, perspective. I now know first-hand how exhausting, emotional, and joyful this journey can be.

It’s made me softer in my approach, sharper in spotting stress signals, and even more determined to protect my clients’ peace of mind. Weddings are about love and celebration, but they’re also about navigating family dynamics, managing budgets, and juggling countless moving parts.

If last year taught me anything, it’s that a wedding planner’s role isn’t just logistics, it’s welfare, it’s support, and sometimes it’s simply reminding you to breathe.

💍 Getting married made me a better planner because I now plan not just with expertise, but with lived experience. And if you’re on this journey yourself, remember: you don’t have to carry it all alone.

If you're looking for a wedding planner that truly gets it, send me an email - hello@ivoryevents.co.uk I'd love to support your planning journey.

All images from Helaina Storey

Supplier List: Venue: Marylebone Town Hall

Photographer: Helaina Storey

HMUA: Maira HMUA

Florist: Blue Sky Flowers

Dinner: Chutney Mary

Cake: Lily Vanilli