24 Wedding-Planning Secrets That Only Pros Know

couple eating cake
Photo: Jessica Claire

This may be your first time down the aisle, but it's not ours. We polled our editors and other top industry pros for behind-the-scenes secrets that will help you make the most of your big day.

01 of 24

Cut Stationery Costs

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Kate Headley

"If you're going with an expensive printing process, use it for the invite, and have the supporting pieces flat-printed." —Elisabeth Engelhart, former associate art director

02 of 24

Know When to Skip Flowers

couple eating cake
Katie Stoops Photography

"Flowers cost a lot, so skip them on the bar and along the aisle. Nobody will miss them." —Brooke Porter Katz, former senior editor

03 of 24

Brand Yourself

couple eating cake
Jose Villa

"Have a logo designed (seek out affordable design websites) and a stamp made. Use it on favors, bar signs, and menus for chic branding on the cheap." —Cara Sullivan, contributing editor, and owner of Wild Floral Design, Chicago

04 of 24

Overstaff Your Bar

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YunHee Kim

"Overstaff the bar! You can't have too many bartenders. It's a surefire way to keep guests happy—no one wants to wait at a party." —Kristin Newman, founder and owner, Kristin Newman Designs, Charleston, South Carolina

05 of 24

Offer Tasty Takeaways

couple eating cake
Belathée Photography

"Go for edible favors at a destination wedding, so guests don't have to squeeze them into a suitcase." —Calder Clark, owner and creative director of event design firm Calder Clark, Charleston, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina

06 of 24

Have a Quick Cake Cutting

couple eating cake
Jessica Claire

"After the first cut, have your caterer slice and garnish the cake out of sight. There's nothing worse than watching a sous chef hack away at your beautiful, towering cake." —Calder Clark

07 of 24

Number RSVP Cards

Yellow and Gray Wedding Invitations
Elizabeth Messina Photography

"Number RSVP cards before mailing (on the back, in pencil) to keep track of anyone who doesn't respond or forgets to write his or her name." —Jamie Moore, co-owner, Sinclair & Moore Events, Seattle

08 of 24

Get a Vow Booklet

couple eating cake
Beau-Coup.com

"Write vows in pretty notebooks, or tape them into a vintage book. A folded piece of paper is not super elegant." —Cara Sullivan, associate general manager

09 of 24

Extend the Party

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Shawn Connell / Christian Oth Studio

"When in doubt, spring for the extra hour of reception time—people will always want to party more." —Michael McCormick, former design director

10 of 24

Practice, Practice, Practice

couple eating cake
KT Merry

"Ladies, bustles aren't part of your everyday wardrobe. Eliminate day-of confusion by taking a how-to video during a fitting." —Shira Savada, former real weddings editor

11 of 24

Ask for a Two-Lengthed Bustle

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Elizabeth Messina Photography

"Since you're probably going to take off your heels at the reception, ask your seamstress to make two bustle lengths. When you're barefoot (or in flats), your dress won't be too long." —Lauren Sozmen, owner, Loli Events, New York City and Paris

12 of 24

Choose Rosy Lipstick

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Jessica Peterson

"Nude lipstick will wash you out in photos. Go for a true rose—it will translate as the perfect pinky-nude shade." —Melissa Milrad Goldstein, former beauty director

13 of 24

Spring for Styling Services

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Lauren Kinsey

"Consider a styling service to help the bride dress, steam bridesmaids' dresses, and manage the groom and groomsmen." —Lyndsey Hamilton, creative director, Lyndsey Hamilton Events, New York City and Lenox, Massachusetts

14 of 24

Bobby Pins are King

bride and groom walking holding hands
Charley Star Photo

"Have a few bobby pins on hand, even if you don't need them for your hair. They'll be your secret weapon for getting out of a dress with a row of fabric-covered buttons." —Shira Savada

15 of 24

Size Rings and Wedding Bands Right

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Brumley & Wells

"If you're buying a diamond eternity band, size up by a quarter—you want room for your finger to expand and the flexibility to stack rings. It's very hard to adjust it after the fact, and a little too big is better than too tight." —Gregory Jezarian, owner, G. Jezarian Purveyor of Fine Jewelry, New York City

16 of 24

Have a Plan B

couple eating cake
Judy Pak Photography

"If you're getting married outdoors, have a rain plan that makes you genuinely happy. There's no such thing as a weather magician!" —Lauren Sozmen

17 of 24

Hire a Videographer

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Mademoiselle Fiona

"It's worth the money. My family has film footage from my grandparents' 1946 wedding, and I treasure it." —Shira Savada

18 of 24

Be Smart About Floral Placement

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Mademoiselle Fiona

"Epic floral installations are memorable, but have your designer scope out the HVAC situation before you commit. A heating vent aimed at flowers could toast them." —Sullivan Owen, owner and creative director, Sullivan Owen Floral & Event Design, Philadelphia

19 of 24

Keep Your Jewelry Sparkly

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Liz Banfield

"Put jewelry on last. Hair spray, perfume, and makeup can dull diamonds and ruin pearls." —Colleen Banks, former associate style editor

20 of 24

Keep Your Head On

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Erich McVey

"Beach wedding? If you're wearing a floaty headpiece, veil weights are a must for keeping it in place." —Cara Sullivan

21 of 24

Get Great Photos of Kids

couple eating cake
Hannah Hudson Photography

"For great kid photos, give them a role: Maybe they lead guests in a parade to the reception, or sit on pillows at the ceremony spot." —Corbin Gurkin, owner of photography company, Corbin Gurkin, Charleston, South Carolina

22 of 24

Skip the Phones

couple eating cake
Katie Stoops Photography

"Guys, take your phones out of your pants pocket—especially if you're in a slim-fit suit. It's not a good look." —Shira Savada

23 of 24

Unplug Your Wedding

couple eating cake
Heather Waraksa

"I can't endorse an unplugged ceremony enough. That way guests will stay actively engaged in what's going on (and their phones will stay out of any professional shots)." —Shira Savada

24 of 24

Appreciation Is Key

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"Always, always send thank-you notes. And not just to your guests, but to your vendors, too. These people put their heart and soul into your big day, and a simple note can mean a lot." —Shira Savada

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