What 2025 Taught Me About Wedding Planning (And What I’m Leaving Behind)

Hey bride-to-be (or bride-to-someday, or just here-for-the-vibes gal 👋),

Can we talk about 2025? Because whew. It was a year.

A year full of champagne toasts, seating chart meltdowns, late-night Amazon orders, and, somehow, more cowgirl hats than actual cows. I planned bachelorette weekends, wedding showers, honeymoons, and everything in between — and if there’s one thing I learned?

The modern bride wants more ease, more fun, and way less stress.
So I made a list. Here’s what I’m saying goodbye to after 2025 — and what I’m absolutely bringing with me into next year’s weddings, parties, and champagne-fueled group chats.

1. Perfection is Overrated (Authenticity Wins)

Let’s be real — you probably started this journey with a Pinterest board titled something like “neutral disco meets timeless elegance” (we’ve all been there). Then came the 37 inspiration screenshots, the Instagram saves, the “my cousin did this and it was soooo cute” advice...

But the best weddings I saw this year? They weren’t the most styled. They were the most real.
The couple giggling through their vows. The maid of honor tearing up in a speech she swore wouldn’t make her cry. The bachelorette where nothing went to plan — and that made it even better.

What I’m leaving behind:
The pressure to have everything picture-perfect.

What I’m bringing with me:
A reminder that the most beautiful moments are the real ones — the ones that just happen.

2. Planning Without Boundaries = Burnout

This year, I saw brides go full throttle with spreadsheets and vision boards… only to crash somewhere between cake tastings and a million group texts.

And I get it. Planning a wedding, a shower, a bachelorette and trying to have a life? It’s a lot. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do everything yourself. You don’t even have to want to.

What I’m leaving behind:
Believing that being “a chill bride” means never asking for help.

What I’m bringing with me:
Boundaries, breathing room, and knowing when to delegate. (That’s literally what I’m here for.)

3. The Pre-Party Deserves the Main Stage

Can I just say it? The bachelorette party is not the pre-game. It’s its own moment. And so is the bridal shower. These aren’t just warm-ups — they’re golden-hour-worthy, full-of-love, memory-making milestones.

This year, I watched brides finally own these moments. No more last-minute brunches thrown together by overworked bridesmaids. No more generic party games in sad Airbnb lighting. We brought ✨vibes✨ to every single one.

What I’m leaving behind:
Underrating everything before the wedding day.

What I’m bringing with me:
Celebrating the whole journey — with joy, intention, and a little glitter.

4. TikTok Trends Aren’t Wedding Laws

Don’t get me wrong — I love a good trend. Disco balls? Yes please. Statement veils? Still thriving. But here’s what I saw in 2025: too many brides trying to cram in trends that didn’t feel true to them.

The best parties? The ones that had personality. Whether that was espresso martinis at every table, a custom playlist full of 2000s throwbacks, or a no-shoes sunset ceremony — the most unforgettable weddings were the ones that didn’t try to fit a mold.

What I’m leaving behind:
Copy-paste weddings based on social media pressure.

What I’m bringing with me:
Helping you plan something that looks like you, not your explore page.

5. Peace Is the New Luxury

This year, more than ever, I heard brides say,
“I just want to feel calm on my day.”
Not “perfect.” Not “impressive.” Just... present.

And let me tell you — peace takes planning. It means thinking through the tiny details before they become stressors. It means building a team that protects your energy. It means allowing yourself to rest, celebrate, and breathe.

What I’m leaving behind:
The idea that being stressed means you’re doing it right.

What I’m bringing with me:
Calm, clear, joy-filled weddings — with room to actually enjoy the day you’ve been dreaming about.

Final Thoughts (From Your Hype Girl)

2025 taught me a lot. But mostly? It reminded me why I do this.

You're not just planning a day — you're crafting an experience with your people. And whether that includes a full wedding weekend, a dreamy bachelorette trip, or a surprise honeymoon picnic with string lights and champagne, I’m here to help make it happen.

So here’s to 2026:
Less pressure. More meaning. More magic.
And way more disco cowgirl hats. 🤠✨

Ready to plan a wedding shower, bachelorette, or honeymoon with some heart (and some help)?

Let’s make it a vibe: get it touch!

👉 For more tips, tricks, and party-planning chaos control — sign up for the newsletter (aka the group chat).
We promise: no spam, just the good stuff. 💅

🤍 XOXO, Aly

Previous
Previous

What to do when your guest list feels out of control

Next
Next

What Actually Matters in the First 30 Days of Wedding Planning