Lessons Learned

by Jonna Dodge

2021 was quite the year to plan a wedding. It was a wonderful, yet challenging time to come together and celebrate. In looking back, there’s a number of things I wish someone would’ve told me. Here are a few nuggets of advice that can make a difference for your wedding.

Choose your team players— a wedding planner was a must for me. Hire a day-of coordinator as well and someone to clean up afterwards. You don’t want to get stuck doing that yourself.

Determine your budget, then stick to it. Save where you can—no harm in borrowing! I reused a friend’s veil and saved some money. No one even noticed.

DIY what you can, but know when to ask for help. Pinterest and IG are your best friends in planning, but give yourself a reality check: Most of those photos come from styled shoots with all the bells and whistles. Be inspired by the pieces you can recreate, and design around the rest.

Prioritize what matters to you. For me, that was photography and flowers. Choose a few areas to beautify, and don’t worry about the rest. Your guests will have enough to look at with the spaces you’ve focused on.

For the guestlist: Invite who you want—those who really matter. Don’t question yourself. Bigger isn’t always better.

Channel the Cub Scouts: Be Prepared

Pack an emergency kit: Lip gloss, deodorant, dress tape, Advil, Band-Aids, sewing kit, handkerchief, floss, toothbrush… Have a personal attendant—someone who can carry your emergency kit, position your train and veil, and hold your dress in the bathroom.

Challenge the status quo: You don’t have to cut cake! We scooped ice cream, and it tasted great.

In the few days before, let it go. Reflect on all the amazing things planned and don’t sweat the small stuff that didn’t get done. Your day truly will go by in the blink of an eye—cherish every moment. Dakota Lynn Photography Ellie Koleen Photography