24 Wedding-Planning Secrets That Only Pros Know

This may be your first time down the aisle, but it's not ours. We polled our editors and other top industry pros for behind-the-scenes secrets that will help you make the most of your big day.

Stationery Cost-Cutting 

"If you're going with an expensive printing process, use it for the invite, and have the supporting pieces flat-printed." —Elisabeth Engelhart, associate art director

"Flowers cost a lot, so skip them on the bar and along the aisle. Nobody will miss them." —Brooke Porter Katz, senior editor

"Have a logo designed (seek out affordable design websites) and a stamp made. Use it on favors, bar signs, and menus for chic branding on the cheap." —Cara Sullivan, contributing editor, and owner of Wild Floral Design, Chicago

"Overstaff the bar! You can't have too many bartenders. It's a surefire way to keep guests happy—no one wants to wait at a party." —Kristin Newman, founder and owner, Kristin Newman Designs, Charleston, South Carolina

"Go for edible favors at a destination wedding, so guests don't have to squeeze them into a suitcase." —Calder Clark, owner and creative director of event design firm Calder Clark, Charleston, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina

"After the first cut, have your caterer slice and garnish the cake out of sight. There's nothing worse than watching a sous chef hack away at your beautiful, towering cake." —Calder Clark

"Number R.S.V.P. cards before mailing (on the back, in pencil) to keep track of anyone who doesn't respond or forgets to write his or her name." —Jamie Moore, co-owner, Sinclair & Moore Events, Seattle

"Write vows in pretty notebooks, or tape them into a vintage book. A folded piece of paper is not superelegant." —Cara Sullivan

"When in doubt, spring for the extra hour of reception time—people will always want to party more." —Michael McCormick, design director

"Ladies, bustles aren't part of your everyday wardrobe. Eliminate day-of confusion by taking a how-to video during a fitting." —Shira Savada, real weddings editor

"Since you're probably going to take off your heels at the reception, ask your seamstress to make two bustle lengths. When you're barefoot (or in flats), your dress won't be too long." —Lauren Sozmen, owner, Loli Events, New York City and Paris

"Nude lipstick will wash you out in photos. Go for a true rose—it will translate as the perfect pinky-nude shade." —Melissa Milrad Goldstein, beauty director

"Consider a styling service to help the bride dress, steam bridesmaids' dresses, and manage the groom and groomsmen." —Lyndsey Hamilton, creative director, Lyndsey Hamilton Events, New York City and Lenox, Massachusetts

"Have a few bobby pins on hand, even if you don't need them for your hair. They'll be your secret weapon for getting out of a dress with a row of fabric-covered buttons." —Shira Savada

"If you're buying a diamond eternity band, size up by a quarter—you want room for your finger to expand and the flexibility to stack rings. It's very hard to adjust it after the fact, and a little too big is better than too tight." —Gregory Jezarian, owner, G. Jezarian Purveyor of Fine Jewelry, New York City

"If you're getting married outdoors, have a rain plan that makes you genuinely happy. There's no such thing as a weather magician!" —Lauren Sozmen

"It's worth the money. My family has film footage from my grandparents' 1946 wedding, and I treasure it." —Shira Savada

"Epic floral installations are memorable, but have your designer scope out the HVAC situation before you commit. A heating vent aimed at flowers could toast them." —Sullivan Owen, owner and creative director, Sullivan Owen Floral & Event Design, Philadelphia

"Put jewelry on last. Hair spray, perfume, and makeup can dull diamonds and ruin pearls." —Colleen Banks, associate style editor

"Beach wedding? If you're wearing a floaty headpiece, veil weights are a must for keeping it in place." —Cara Sullivan

"For great kid photos, give them a role: Maybe they lead guests in a parade to the reception, or sit on pillows at the ceremony spot." —Corbin Gurkin, owner of photography company, Corbin Gurkin, Charleston, South Carolina

"Guys, take your phones out of your pants pocket—especially if you're in a slim-fit suit. It's not a good look." —Shira Savada

"I can't endorse an unplugged ceremony enough. That way guests will stay actively engaged in what's going on (and their phones will stay out of any professional shots)." —Shira Savada

"Always, always send thank-you notes. And not just to your guests, but to your vendors, too. These people put their heart and soul into your big day, and a simple note can mean a lot." —Shira Savada