When you work in fashion, planning a wedding feels like curating the ultimate editorial. You picture every detail, from the dress to the florals to that dramatic exit shot. But let me tell you, as someone fresh off the heels of her own wedding, there’s a whole lot that goes into planning that Pinterest boards just don’t capture. Here’s what I learned—and the advice I wish someone had given me—on navigating a wedding from a fashion girl’s POV. Spoiler: it’s not about picture-perfect, but about a wedding that feels perfectly you.
Dress First, Details Later: Nailing Your Look Sets the Tone
For those of us who live and breathe fashion, the wedding dress is the ultimate piece. Finding the dress feels like a lifelong mission. But after actually living that moment, my biggest advice is this: Don’t obsess over finding “the perfect dress” on day one. Give yourself room to discover what feels good, what makes you feel authentically beautiful, and what you’re comfortable in for an entire day. Try on different styles—even ones that aren’t your usual vibe—because nothing shakes up your wedding style like seeing yourself in an unexpected silhouette.
Once I had my dress, everything else fell into place. The vibe of my look informed every other decision, from the florals to the table settings to the music. For me, it was a chic yet minimalist silk gown with clean lines. I let that aesthetic guide my choices; everything else felt effortless once my dress was locked in. Whatever you choose, remember this: your dress should feel like you at your best, not just you as a bride.
The Invitation Game: Make Your Wedding Save the Dates Count
Here’s a major tip—don’t sleep on your wedding save the dates. This little piece of paper (or virtual invite) is the first hint your guests get about the wedding vibe. After a few rounds of experimenting, I realized my “save the dates” set the stage for the whole event. Think of it as the first editorial spread: it doesn’t have to give away everything, but it does need to intrigue.
When you’re a fashion gal, you’ll want these to be more than just pretty—they need to be an authentic snapshot of what’s to come. Are you planning a dreamy, ethereal beach affair or a slick city ceremony? Whatever your vibe, let it shine here. I went with a minimalist design on heavy card stock with delicate calligraphy—simple yet intentional, like the day I envisioned. It set the right expectations from the start and helped me feel like my guests were stepping into my world long before they arrived.
Venue Hunt: Choosing a Space That Speaks Your Language
If you’ve been to a few weddings, you know the vibe the venue sets from the moment you walk in. Choosing the right location was high on my priority list—almost as important as the dress. I learned to think of the venue as a character in our story, not just a backdrop. It needed to complement our style, not steal the show. And honestly, fashionistas, sometimes the simplest spaces, make the best canvas.
Don’t let trends guide this choice. Think about the kind of energy you want the space to bring to your day. Whether you’re drawn to an outdoor garden, an art gallery, or a penthouse with a view, make sure the venue’s aesthetic enhances your look and overall vision. For my wedding, I opted for a modern loft with industrial touches, which balanced perfectly with my minimalist style and allowed the people and moments to be the day’s real stars. You want a space that will look incredible in photos, yes, but also one where you can breathe and be present. It’s as much about feeling right in the space as it is about looking good in it.
Setting the Scene: Rethinking Wedding Themes as a Vibe
Let’s talk about wedding themes—or, as I prefer to call them, “vibes.” Personally, I found the idea of a heavily themed wedding daunting and not at all what I envisioned. What worked for me was letting the theme emerge naturally from our style choices and personalities. Instead of trying to make my wedding fit into a box, I focused on creating a feeling. For us, it was all about “understated elegance” with modern touches. We didn’t plaster the place with decorations that screamed one specific look. Instead, I found that subtle, curated touches went a long way.
If you’re struggling with how to bring your theme or vibe to life, look to your favorite sources of inspiration—your home décor, your wardrobe, your most-loved fashion editorials. Use those as hints, and bring them into your wedding design in subtle ways. You don’t have to over-brand the day. Just let it feel like an extension of your style. Our big win? Choosing a color palette we loved and then letting that guide the floral, lighting, and even the tableware. Let the vibe breathe through every choice without forcing it.
The Beauty Routine: Think Practical, Not Perfect
Let’s be real: the pressure to look flawless on your wedding day is real. But here’s a piece of advice I wish someone had shared with me early on: go for “beautifully you” over “bridal perfection.” Wedding makeup and hair don’t need to feel like a costume. After rounds of trials, I found that the best look was one that enhanced my features without hiding them. I stuck to my favorite neutral shades and soft waves—basically an elevated version of my usual glam.
Another tip: simplify your prep the week of the wedding. Skip anything new or dramatic. That last-minute chemical peel or hair experiment? It’s not worth the risk. Stick with tried-and-true routines, and let your skin and hair look their best naturally. A hydrating facial a few days before, a great night’s sleep, and your favorite skincare routine will do more than any one-off treatment. My goal was to look like myself—happy, radiant, and maybe a little more polished.
The Last Word: Keeping It Real on Your Big Day
At the end of the day, weddings have a way of putting a little too much focus on perfection. The best advice I can give is to let go of trying to control every detail and just enjoy what’s happening around you. The most beautiful moments from my wedding weren’t the ones that went exactly according to plan. They were the little, unplanned memories—like laughing with my partner during a quiet moment or seeing my friends’ surprised faces when they caught a first glimpse of the venue—that made the day unforgettable.
So, if you’re heading toward the altar with visions of a perfect day, I promise: you don’t need to sweat every detail. Start with what feels like “you,” and let everything else fall into place. On a day as personal as your wedding, the best plan is the one that makes you feel the most like yourself.