Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and chaotic) experiences of your life. I’m currently in the middle of it all as a bride-to-be, but I also had the honor of being my sister’s maid of honor and one of my best friend’s bridesmaids—both within the past year! After seeing two weddings up close (and all the magic and madness that come with them), I’ve picked up a few lessons I’m absolutely using while planning my own big day.
If you’re a future bride, or even a bridesmaid gearing up for a loved one’s wedding, I hope these help take a little pressure off and remind you what it’s all about.
1. Organization Is Everything
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Being organized helps everyone. A shared schedule, a detailed day-of timeline, and clear expectations make the entire weekend go so much smoother, especially when there are a lot of moving parts. Both of the brides I stood beside shared weekend schedules and a morning-of plan with the bridal party ahead of time, and it made such a difference. When everyone knows where they need to be (and when), there’s way less stress and way more room to enjoy the moment.
2. Assign Roles—People Want to Help!
So many people offer to help, and while it can feel overwhelming to delegate, I promise you, let them! There are so many small (but important) tasks leading up to the wedding that others can easily take off your plate. From someone being in charge of snacks in the bridal suite, to sending an order to get printed, giving out simple roles lets your loved ones feel part of the magic. It’s truly a gift to them and a major relief for you.
3. Bridesmaids Can Wear White (and It Looks Amazing)
One of my favorite unexpected trends from the past two weddings I’ve been in was bridesmaids wearing white! My best friend had us wear white pajamas on the wedding morning (so chic), and my sister actually had us wear white dresses for the wedding itself. I know it might sound intimidating at first, but it looked so clean and timeless in photos. The bridal party felt cohesive and elegant without taking away from the bride’s look at all.
4. Being on Both Sides Changes Your Perspective
Being in 2 weddings before planning my own made me realize just how much love, effort, and intention go into all the little details. It also made me appreciate those small, emotional moments, like a handwritten note or a personal touch in the decor. Being my sister’s maid of honor was especially meaningful. It reminded me how sacred this role is, and it shaped how I want my own day to go. Also, if you’re lucky enough to be invited to someone’s wedding, show up with gratitude! You never know how much went on behind the scenes that you’ll never even see.
5. Simpler Is Sometimes Better
There’s a lot of pressure to do everything. But in the weddings I’ve been part of, the most powerful moments were always the simplest. A quiet moment with my sister before she walked down the aisle. The private vows my best friend and her partner exchanged before their ceremony. Matching pajamas, coffee, and a girly playlist playing as we got ready together. You don’t have to overcomplicate your day. Focus on how you want to feel and build everything else around that.
Planning a wedding is a huge chapter but it flies by. The more grounded and organized you can be, and the more you surround yourself with people who love you, the more unforgettable (and fun) it all becomes. Whether you’re a 2026 bride like me, or helping someone else bring their vision to life, I hope this gave you a few helpful tips and a reminder to enjoy every second.
