Things I Wish I Knew/Did Differently For My Wedding

A little disclaimer is almost necessary for such a regretful-sounding title. I loved my wedding. The day was sunny and bright, the imam came on time, the groom's party was well attended to and my family and bridesmaids ran the entire show without a glitch (well except for one minor door gift slip which my bridesmaids gracefully took care of).

Basically, most of the things that I cannot possibly control like the weather and the imam's punctuality, went well, and that is my greatest regret yet because the things that I wanted to be better, were all within my control. There is a tight feeling in my chest as type this down but I need to gather my thoughts and sort it out so that future bride-to-bes can do better than me and will be able to relive their wedding day memories with little to no regrets.

1. I wish I did some research on wedding photographies and discuss the types of photos and poses that I like with the photographer, prior to the wedding day. Money does not always mean quality. At first I had snagged a good deal (RM1800 for photo and video for 2 events) with a small time photographer who was just starting up at the time and his then portfolio was small but his photos were beautiful, but I ended up with another team recommended by my wedding emcee. We came to the decision thinking that the team, being a professional team working with a television network would definitely produce great photos especially at a whopping service fee of RM4000 for photos and videos. Well I was proven wrong. The photos were mediocre. No the photos were not terrible, but instead of photos taken at a wedding, they look like photos taken at a company annual dinner. The photos were stiff and un-lively. There were no cute photos that I feel like I wanted to put on instagram. They did not instruct or direct me to pose a certain way or try different angles. I could go on and on about the things they did not do/did wrong but that is not my main point. I wish that prior to the wedding, I had looked up and saved some wedding photos and poses that I like and would like to recreate or just for inspiration and discuss them with the photography team.
2. I wish I had tried on my full wedding outfit days before the wedding. I had my wedding ensemble ready two weeks before the big day and till this day I am kicking myself for not thinking of trying out the outfit with all the accessories. My dress was simple as I wanted to be comfortable on the actual day but had I known better, there are several things that I wish I had done. I wish I had tried on the scarf for my hijab as it turned out to be too long for me and I did not like the shape that it made. I wish I had on taller heels despite wanting to be comfortable as my wedding was a full morning-to-evening event because I need the extra height to look good in photos.
3. I wish I had tried out a few photo poses and facial expressions for the wedding photography. As I can never guarantee if the photographers will turn out to be satisfactory even after a pre-wedding discussion, I can always count on my poses and facial expressions to be how I like them to be. Sadly, I didn't think of them earlier. 
4. I wish I had been more picky and detailed to my seamstress. Honestly my reception dress was my favourite part of the wedding. My nikah dress however, was not. It turned out to be different than what was discussed with the seamstress. I was too caught up in my sisters', who were also my bridesmaids, dresses that I just brushed it off and regretted it immediately after looking at the wedding photos. My nikah outfit was in a different cut than what was agreed to and it did not complement my body at all. 
5. I wish I had been more picky and detailed to my mak andam. I asked for no calla lilies and guess what did I get for my nikah bouquet? Calla lilies. 
6. I wish I did a better job with the seating chart. People can just be assholes and cancel without telling you. I will just leave this at that.
7. I wish I did not worry too much on the day and enjoyed myself instead. Honestly the reception event practically ran itself. I had no need to worry and yet I did and as a result, I was anxious the whole day.

All in all, I have had a beautiful wedding despite the regrets. I only hope that future brides can learn from my mistakes so that no brides will be anything but happy on their wedding day and looking back at it.

love,
hunn💖