We Are Ona, Flamingo Photo Collective
Between dress fittings, table layouts, and seating charts, wedding planning is nothing short of a whirlwind. Couples are told to plan every detail, but what if the most important one isn’t even on your checklist? According to top wedding vendors, there’s one often-overlooked factor that makes the biggest impact across all categories: intention. From who you hire to how you style, creating a day that feels personal, purposeful, and thoughtfully executed is the secret to an unforgettable celebration. Here’s what experts across florals, film, food, and beyond wish every couple knew to prioritize from the very beginning.
Florals Tell a Story,
Not Just a Style
Eden of Freak Haus sees flowers as far more than pretty arrangements. “Couples often forget that florals aren’t just decorative—they’re deeply personal, storytelling tools,” she says. “Every stem, every color choice, every wild, whimsical, architectural shape can reflect who you are as a couple: your history, your quirks, your chaos, and your connection.” She also emphasizes that couples tend to underestimate the power and cost of flowers, pushing them to the end of the budget line. “Florals are both a product and a service—an art form that sets the entire tone of the day,” she explains. When designed with care, they don’t just decorate a space, they create mood, atmosphere, and lasting emotional impact.
Freak Haus, Goshá, Feerique Event,
A Photo Studio, Stefanie Keeler, Tables London
Choose a Videographer
Who Understands You
Ryan of Our Story Creative says one major mistake couples make is prioritizing budget over connection. “Your film will feel completely different when your videographer connects with your story and knows how to tell it,” he says. “The day flies by, and you’ll miss more than you think. A great team with a strong vision helps you relive those in-between, unforgettable moments you didn’t even know happened.” Javier of Laguna Santa agrees, adding that passion and personality matter just as much as technical skill. “Choose a videographer who’s genuinely excited about your wedding—someone who takes your idea and throws two more back at you,” he says. “Another common oversight is choosing a vendor based solely on aesthetics. Make sure their style aligns with your personality and that you actually feel comfortable with them. Chemistry matters as much as talent.”
Laguna Santa, Klaui Varadi, Our Story Creative
Service Is the Most
Underrated Luxury
From the perspective of Olivia at Mi Scusi Catering, it’s not just the menu that matters, it’s the service. “True luxury lies in the seamlessness of the experience,” she says. “Couples often overlook the importance of tailored staffing across both food and beverage service, where the right ratio isn’t just operational, it’s atmospheric.” Impeccable timing, intuitive drink service, and effortless coordination make the difference between a wedding that feels rushed and one that flows. Olivia warns against comparing staffing purely on cost: “without regard for quality or impact, it can quietly erode the sophistication you’ve so carefully curated.”
AMi Scusi, Idan Gilony, Mi Scusi,
We Are Ona, John Joseph, Tables London
Smart Planning Leads to
Beautiful Wedding Photography
When it comes to wedding photos, Julia Wade points out a small but impactful detail many couples forget to plan for: the timing. For example, “One detail that often gets overlooked is deciding when to put on your veil—especially if you’re planning a first look and formal photos before your ceremony,” she says. While a veil can add movement and romance to portraits, it also has the power to create a dramatic aisle moment. “Thinking through this ahead of time can help you feel more relaxed and avoid last-minute decisions on the wedding day,” Julia advises. In other words, it’s these pre-planned details may seem small, but they can transform your images from beautiful to breathtaking.
Kristen Piteo, Julia Wade, Daniel Kim
Design Is More Than Aesthetic,
It’s Your Narrative
Circling back to intention, florist Freak Haus shares one final piece of wisdom that applies across the board: “Exceptional styling and design do more than decorate a space—they craft a seamless, immersive narrative that begins the moment invitations are sent and doesn’t end until the last guest departs.” Weddings that feel cohesive and captivating don’t happen by accident—they’re the result of layered, story-driven design choices that reflect the couple’s essence from start to finish.
Lune 1860, Cordero Atelier, Idan Gilony,
Focus Place, Nice Print Photo, Cordero Atelier
