Planning a wedding is full of decisions – some you’ll love forever, and a few you’ll rethink once the day has passed. Looking back on our own wedding (7 years ago!!) there are so many choices I’m grateful we made, and a couple I would approach differently if I could do it again.
If you’re currently planning your wedding and wondering what truly matters, here’s an honest breakdown of what I loved about our wedding day and what I would’ve changed.
5 Things I Loved About Our Wedding Day
1. Hiring a Live Band for Our Wedding
Choosing a live band was one of the best decisions we made. We hired Cody Robbins and his band – they were amazing. Live music elevated the entire atmosphere, and it was so fun.
If you’re debating between a band or a DJ, consider the energy you want your wedding to have. For us, live music created a memorable, immersive experience our guests still talk about.
2. Wedding Photos That Didn’t Feel Rushed
We invested in a professional wedding photographer whose style we trusted, and it made all the difference. Koryn, we adore you still! Because our timeline allowed for breathing room, photos felt relaxed and natural – not rushed or forced.
This is one of the biggest lessons I share with couples now: when your photography timeline is realistic, your entire wedding day feels calmer. Also your photos are so important – invest in the right photographer!
3. Perfect Fall Wedding Weather with The Right Venue
We planned a fall wedding, and the weather truly showed up for us. Crisp air, soft light, and seasonal colors made everything feel cozy. This was such a miracle because the week leading up to our wedding was full of snow and rain. Luckily, any outdoor pictures we took turned out so beautifully, couldn’t have asked for better weather!
As for the ring ceremony + reception, we knew being outdoors was not in the cards for us – I mean, hello, we chose November in Utah! So we had to make sure we picked the right venue. We decided to go with The Bright Building and it was exactly what we needed. They provided all the tables and chairs, and we brought the rest. It was the perfect blank canvas for us to make our own!
4. Family Support That Allowed Us to Relax
Our family and loved ones helped bring our wedding day to life, which allowed my husband and me to stay present and enjoy the moment. I come from a family of amazingly creative women who have put on their fair share of weddings. While they set up our reception, we snuck away to the mountains after picking up lunch from our favorite place and spent time together talking about how excited we were! We weren’t answering questions, managing logistics, or troubleshooting details.
That said, this is exactly where hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator becomes invaluable. A planner allows your family to be guests – not behind-the-scenes problem solvers – and gives you the freedom to fully experience your wedding day.
5. Bridesmaid Dresses They Could Wear Again
We intentionally chose bridesmaid dresses that felt timeless and re-wearable rather than overly “wedding-specific.” Not only did this ease financial pressure, but many of my bridesmaids have worn their dresses again since.
Thoughtful, practical decisions like this make your wedding feel considerate and guest-friendly.
A Couple Things I Would’ve Changed About Our Wedding
1. Practicing the Ring Ceremony & Hiring a DJ
We got married in the Provo Utah LDS temple, so we wanted to do a special ring ceremony later for family and friends who weren’t able to be at the temple. We didn’t rehearse our ring ceremony, which led to us walking down the aisle with no music playing *major face palm*. Later, during the reception, I found myself running back and forth to my phone managing the playlist. The live bad had left at this point, so it was just me + my Spotify playlist.
Looking back, I am still glad we opted to just have the live band during the beginning of the reception while everyone was mingling. However, I would’ve put someone else (aka not ME) in charge of the party music. This would have eliminated stress and allowed us to stay present throughout the evening.
2. Skipping the Cake Cutting Tradition
We included a cake cutting because it felt like something we were “supposed” to do – but it ended up feeling awkward and unnecessary for us.
If a wedding tradition doesn’t resonate with you, it’s okay to skip it. Your wedding should be filled with moments that feel meaningful, not obligatory.
Final Wedding Planning Advice
Your wedding doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should feel like you. The best wedding planning decisions are the ones that protect your experience and allow you to be present with the people you love.
If you’re planning a wedding and want support creating a calm, intentional day, working with a planner can make all the difference.