6 Things I Learned Planning My Own Wedding, As an Edmonton Wedding Planner

If there’s one thing I can say with certainty, it’s this: being both the bride and the planner is one of the wildest, most eye-opening experiences of my life. I went into my wedding with years of hospitality experience, my WPIC certification, and a love for all things events. But nothing could have prepared me for what it actually felt like to walk through the planning process from the other side.

Now that the confetti has settled, I want to share the six biggest lessons I took away from planning my own wedding—lessons that now shape how I work with every couple I plan for at Truly Fitz Weddings & Events, right here in Edmonton.

1. Details Matter More Than You Think

I’ve always believed that the magic of a wedding is hidden in the details—but living it firsthand gave me a new appreciation for just how powerful those little touches are.

Our guests still talk about the custom friendship bracelets we made for them. Instead of traditional place cards or favours, we created bracelets that doubled as both—a playful, sentimental nod to the people who’ve been part of our story. Watching guests ogle at them all night long was such a fun reminder that thoughtful details really do connect people.

One detail I almost skipped (and am so glad I didn’t) was our welcome sign. I nearly went with a simple printed foam board, but opted for a custom sandwich board instead—and it became an unexpected photo op! It added so much personality and set the tone for the evening before guests even walked in.

When I plan Edmonton weddings now, I always tell couples that details don’t have to be expensive—they just have to be intentional.

2. The Guest Experience Is Everything

Our entire guest experience revolved around food—and it was one of the best decisions we made. Before guests even sat down for the ceremony, we had welcome drinks ready for them. That one small gesture set the tone in such a classy, thoughtful way. It instantly made everyone feel taken care of—and kept the mood joyful and relaxed.

Right after the ceremony, we rolled right into cocktail hour with tray-passed appetizers: mini sliders, mac and cheese cups, and BBQ chicken skewers. It created the most seamless flow between the ceremony and reception and kept everyone mingling, laughing, and well-fed.

Now, when I design Edmonton wedding timelines, I always consider how guests feel between moments: when are they waiting, walking, or wondering what’s next? Great flow equals a great experience—and food and drink never hurt either.

3. Timelines Are Lifesavers

You can have the most stunning décor and the best vendors in the world, but if your timeline doesn’t flow, your day won’t either.

For our wedding, I built in intentional buffer time—something I always encourage for my couples. It allowed us to breathe, take photos without rushing, and actually enjoy the newlywed rush together (which I swear, most couples miss!).

There were small pivots throughout the day—as there always are—but because I’d prepped the schedule with extra flex time, it never felt stressful. Having a solid, realistic timeline meant I could step out of planner mode and just be present.

If you’re planning a wedding in Edmonton, factor in real-life things like unpredictable weather, downtown traffic, and sunset timing. A few extra minutes in the right places can completely change the energy of your day.

4. Communication Is Just as Important as Contracts

Every single one of our vendors went above and beyond—and I truly believe that was because of the communication we built from day one. Your vendor team can make or break your wedding day.

I prepared a detailed décor inventory list that outlined every single item: quantities, where it belonged in the space, and which vendor was responsible for setting it up. It might sound extra, but it prevented confusion, saved time, and ensured every candle, sign, and floral piece ended up exactly where it was supposed to.

That level of clarity created a sense of calm and teamwork that carried through the whole day. When I plan weddings for my Edmonton couples, I always say—contracts protect you, but communication connects you. And when your vendors feel connected, they’ll treat your day like their own.

5. Be Prepared for Sticker Shock (Especially in Edmonton)

One of the most surprising lessons? The price tag. It’s so common to assume that because you said the word wedding, the cost magically skyrockets—but there’s a real reason behind it.

Your wedding is one of the most monumental days of your life. The time, skill, and preparation your vendors pour into your experience are truly unmatched. When you hire an wedding florist, photographer, or planner, you’re not just paying for the “day of.” You’re investing in months of communication, design prep, logistics, and expertise that all come together for a few perfect hours.

Once I understood that, I stopped seeing vendor costs as expenses and started viewing them as investments in peace of mind. And that mindset shift made all the difference.

6. You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Do It All Yourself

This one was tough for me. I’m a control freak by nature, and as a planner; the idea of letting go was… a process. For months leading up to our wedding, I had to remind myself: you’ve done the work, now it’s time to trust your team.

And I’m so glad I did. My vendors absolutely crushed it. Letting go meant I got to soak in moments like dancing with my husband, hugging our guests, and seeing our daughter Millie watching from the crowd. That’s what it’s all about.

If you’re planning your own Edmonton wedding, please trust your team. Let them do what they do best so you can live your day fully. You deserve to feel your wedding, not just manage it.

Final Thoughts

Planning my own wedding was both humbling and empowering. It reaffirmed what I already knew as a planner: weddings aren’t just about aesthetics or schedules—they’re about creating a day that feels like you.

At Truly Fitz Weddings & Events, these lessons guide the way I plan every Edmonton wedding. My job isn’t just to execute logistics—it’s to create an experience where you can be fully present, knowing the details, flow, communication, and guest experience are all handled.

Because trust me: you deserve to enjoy your own wedding day.

All Photography by Songbrid Photography