Reflecting on Two Years: 10 Wedding Decisions I’ll Never Regret As a Wedding Planner

Real Wedding, Tips & Tricks

September 23, 2024

As my husband and I celebrate the second anniversary of our wedding, I’ve been reflecting on the decisions that truly made our day special. Weddings are filled with choices; while some fade into the background, others become cherished memories. Here are ten things I’ll never regret doing for my wedding as a wedding planner.

1. Including Our Dog with Signature Drinks and a Life-Size Cutout

Our dog, Quinn, couldn’t be there in person, but we made sure he had a presence! My husband, Evan, joked about wishing Quinn could be his best man, and that sparked an idea. I surprised Evan with a life-size cutout of Quinn, strategically placed at the start of the ceremony to greet him as he walked down the aisle. On top of that, one of our signature drinks was named after him: the “Quinn Crush.” It was a fun and personal way to include our pup in our big day.

2. Having an Audio Guestbook

We didn’t need more “stuff,” so instead of a physical guestbook, we opted for an audio guestbook where guests could leave us voice messages. We play the recordings each year and are reminded of everyone who celebrated with us. We love hearing their voices again—it’s an emotional and meaningful way to relive our wedding without cluttering our house with a guestbook we might never open.

3. Dual Table Numbers and Notes

Instead of traditional table numbers, we opted for envelopes that not only displayed the table number but also held personalized notes to our guests explaining why we sat them together and how grateful we were for their place in our lives. One of my favorite memories comes from a table where we seated guests from different stages of our lives—some from my sorority, some from Bumble BFF, and others from high school. The note challenged them to figure out how they all knew us. At one point, my brother’s high school friends convinced the whole table they were my sorority sisters! I wasn’t there to hear the conversation, but it’s still one of my favorite stories from the day.

4. Potted Plant Centerpieces

To avoid waste, we used potted plants for our centerpieces. The green of the plants and the white and terracotta pots enhanced our color scheme, and the decision meant we didn’t have to worry about tossing a bunch of flowers at the end of the night. The plants brought a homey, cozy feel to the room. They lasted long after our wedding, reminding us of the day without the short lifespan of cut flowers.

5. Choreographing Our First Dance

Our first dance was to “Remember This” by the Jonas Brothers. We spent weeks at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio learning the moves, and practicing at home helped us bond over a shared project—something neither of us had much experience in. It became our bi-weekly date night. When we finally performed it, it was more than just a dance; it was a fun, unforgettable moment that we shared with everyone, and it’s still something our friends and family talk about.

6. Skipping the Cake Cutting

We aren’t really “cake people,” so we decided to skip the traditional cake cutting, but we still shared a cupcake for photos toward the end of the night! What we did instead was offer a variety of desserts that felt more personal to us, and our guests loved the options. It was a simple, sweet moment without the fuss, and it fit our vibe perfectly.

7. End-of-Night Thank You Speech

As the night was winding down, we gave a thank you speech to all of our guests. Inspired by the notes we left on the tables, I made sure to call out each individual table, acknowledging their presence and encouraging everyone to meet us on the dance floor. It was a special moment to pause and truly appreciate having our favorite people in one room. It added an interactive element to the night, helping everyone feel connected, even if we couldn’t personally chat with every guest.

8. Private Moonlight Dance

This is really called a private last dance, but moonlight dance sounds so much nicer, doesn’t it? After all the hype of the day, it was so special to end the night with a private moonlight dance—just the two of us. While our guests waited for the bubble exit, we had a serene, quiet moment alone on the dance floor. It allowed us to soak in the last few moments of our reception, reflecting on the day before stepping into the next chapter. It was the perfect close to a whirlwind of a day.

9. Hiring a Videographer

Having a videographer for us was a must have. It’s not always possible for couples, but if you have it in your budget, you won’t regret it! We’ve replayed moments like Evan’s sisters surprising him by singing the mother/son dance song and hearing our vows and speeches over and over. It’s a gift we can share with family who couldn’t attend and relive whenever we want. These are the memories we’ll hold onto, and having them on video makes them feel even more alive.

10. Hiring a Planner

As a wedding planner, I also knew from the start how important it was to have someone else manage the day. Our planner handled everything from overseeing the vendors to ensuring my family and wedding party were in the right place at the right time. She even snuck in the cutout of Quinn at the perfect moment, coordinating everything so I didn’t have to worry. It gave me and my family the freedom to fully enjoy the day, knowing everything was being taken care of behind the scenes. I’ll never regret investing in that peace of mind!

These decisions weren’t just logistical choices but pieces of our story. They helped make our wedding feel like “us,” and as I look back on the day, I’m so grateful we followed our instincts and chose to prioritize the moments and details that mattered most to us.