I Wish I Knew This Before My Wedding Day

 

REAL MISTAKES WE’VE SEEN and how to avoid them for a smoother, more meaningful celebration.

Peter Huyen

1. Skipping Your Hair and Makeup Trial

Your wedding day is about feeling beautiful, comfortable, and completely yourself. But we’ve seen brides skip their trial and end up feeling disappointed on the day itself. One bride even tried fixing her makeup herself, while another spent the whole day feeling like a version of herself she didn’t recognize. A trial isn’t just about how you look — it’s about how you feel. And feeling calm, radiant, and confident begins long before you step into your dress.

2. Hiring a Big Photo Agency Instead of Someone Who Connects With You

Your wedding visuals shouldn’t feel mass-produced. We’ve worked with couples who chose large agencies, only to have unfamiliar photographers appear on the wedding day — or worse, different people across multi-day events. It’s hard to relax and feel seen when you’re rebuilding emotional connection again and again. Choosing a filmmaker or photographer who knows you  and is there from the beginning to the end makes all the difference in how your memories are captured: with care, nuance, and soul.

3. Not Setting Boundaries with Parents During Your Wedding Day

We’ve seen it many times  a bride trying to enjoy her getting ready moments, only to feel overwhelmed by a well-meaning parent who’s just a little too involved. Whether it’s opinions on your hairstyle or comments about timing, too much input can cloud your calm. Gently setting expectations in advance helps create space for you to breathe, feel grounded, and truly be present. Your peace is part of the beauty of the day.

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4. Buying Your Wedding Dress Too Early

We get it  after the engagement, it’s tempting to dive into Pinterest boards and scroll endlessly through bridal designers on Instagram. And by all means, enjoy the inspiration! But when it comes to booking dress appointments, it’s best not to rush. Choosing a gown before you’ve confirmed your venue or defined the overall concept can lead to a look that doesn’t quite fit the tone of your celebration.
The ideal time to shop for your dress is once your venue is secured, your color palette is set, and your design direction is aligned with your planner or stylist. That way, you’re choosing a gown with the full vision in mind and your look will feel intentional and entirely you.

5. Giving Your Phone to Someone You Trust

One of the best things you can do on your wedding day? Step away from your phone. We’ve seen brides get pulled into texts, logistics, and social media  and slowly disconnect from the magic unfolding around them. We often suggest giving your phone to a sister, best friend, or planner for the day. Let them handle the questions, calls, or updates, while you stay fully present. This is your one day to be entirely in the moment.

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Sincerely Yours, Vanilla Film
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