From last-minute dress dramas to unexpectedly emotional moments, these brides share the lessons they wish they’d known before walking down the aisle.
No one understands the highs and heart-flutters of wedding planning quite like a bride who’s lived through it. And while Pinterest boards, bridal planners and dream-day checklists all have their place, there’s something far more valuable about advice from women who’ve recently said “I do”.
Looking back at some of the best advice shared by our brides in 2025, this feature gives you the kind of wisdom you won’t find in a any planning app. From last-minute dress dramas to the joy of stealing five quiet minutes together, their reflections are honest, stylish and surprisingly moving.
Whether you’re months from your big day or newly engaged and still in the blush of the proposal, these are the real wedding truths our brides would pass on to their best friend, sister or future daughter – and now, they’re passing them on to you.
Haya
“Don’t be afraid to do unconventional or non-traditional things, even if no one gets it at first – We exchanged our more vulnerable, private vows the morning of the wedding, just the two of us, then shared shorter, less raw, versions during the ceremony in front of our guests. Spent the night before (and morning of) together, then jumped into a pool fully clothed. Chose a millefoglie cake assembled live instead of a classic tiered one. Did a mashup of a slow song and an upbeat one for our first dance. And even coming from Arab and Indian families, just choosing to have a small destination wedding in the first place was enough to raise eyebrows. But every decision, especially the scrutinized ones, made the day feel more like us.“
Discover more from her wedding here.
Valeria
“Trust in the unexpected. Three days before our wedding, thunderstorms were forecasted. Determined to shift fate, we followed an old Italian legend and delivered sixty eggs to the nuns at a monastery. Miraculously, the skies cleared, and just as our first dance began, the gentlest raindrops fell -cinematic perfection before the heavens opened and we danced in the rain, atop the tables, with thunder and lightning illuminating the sky.”
Discover more from her wedding here.
Suzie
“Do something at your wedding that’s personal to you – ours was having my husband Ryan perform a DJ set. It combined our skills and tastes, and it was a great way to stand out. Don’t feel pressured to do everything everyone else does – skip the signage if it’s unnecessary. And most importantly, allow yourself plenty of time to get ready. I allotted 30-minute blocks for unexpected delays, which helped me stay relaxed and enjoy the day.“
Discover more from her wedding here.
Holly
“Stick to your guns — everyone will have opinions, but yours are the only ones that matter.”
Discover more from her wedding here.
Henna
“Make sure to spend as much time as possible with your partner during the events, as the moments pass quickly.”
Discover more from her wedding here.
Fran
“Wedding dress shopping is fun with friends, but the best decisions are made solo.”
Discover more from her wedding here.
Emily
“You only do this once (hopefully) so make it exactly how you want it.“
Discover more from her wedding here.
Rosana
“Do not allow anything to take away from you enjoying your wedding weekend. It could help to designate a bridesmaid or groomsman to be the point of contact for any emergencies rather than deal with issues yourself on the day.”
Discover more from her wedding here.
Natasha
“Work with suppliers you connect with – those relationships made the lead-up and the day itself more enjoyable.”
Discover more from her wedding here.
Annie
“Think of yourself as the guest of honour at your wedding, not the host. That was key to revelling in the planning process and completely relaxing and enjoying the day itself for me. Everyone’s there to celebrate you. As soon as you reframe things, you rid yourself of a whole lot of pressure and stress. “
Discover more from her wedding here.
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