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7 Wedding Decisions I’ll Never Regret

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As Desmond and I celebrate six years of marriage, I still swoon when I think about our wedding day. It remains one of my favorite memories, and I feel truly blessed to have had the wedding of my dreams.

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Erica A. Thomas and husband hugging

There were many things about our wedding that weren’t traditional—and that’s exactly what made our big day extra special and uniquely ours. From the very beginning, I made it clear that while suggestions were welcome, Desmond and I would be making the final decisions. Many brides feel overwhelmed by pushy opinions or the expectations of others, but protecting your vision is essential.

Here are the 7 wedding decisions I’ll never regret:

1. First Look Photos (Without Being Rushed)

In 2021 alone, I attended 10 weddings, and I noticed a common theme—one hour is simply not enough for wedding day photos. The stress and rushing were overwhelming.

Erica A. Thomas with husband

We decided to do our first look two hours before the ceremony, and it was perfect. That extra time allowed us to be fully present, relaxed, and emotionally grounded. When I saw Desmond, all the stress melted away—it felt like the world disappeared, leaving just the two of us. We were able to take beautiful photos, refresh ourselves, and truly enjoy the moment together before walking down the aisle.

Erica A Thomas and husband in their wedding

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2. Open Bar & a Three-Course Dinner with Cocktail Hour

Our wedding was about the experience, and food and drinks were at the very top of my list. We had several out-of-town guests, and I wanted everyone to feel welcomed, cared for, and fully immersed in the celebration.

wedding tablescape

From the open bar to the three-course dinner and cocktail hour, every detail was intentional. Guests still talk about how amazing the food and drinks were. Hands down, the best money we spent—great food and great vibes made the day unforgettable.

3. Spending Extra on the Details

Details truly set the tone of the day. From the fire throwerchampagne tower, to the luxury car exit, every special touch elevated the experience and made our wedding feel magical.

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These “extra” moments created stunning photos and unforgettable memories. The details made our wedding feel luxurious, personal, and timeless—and I wouldn’t change a thing.

champagne tower
champagne glass

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4. Skipping the Rehearsal Dinner

We chose not to have a rehearsal dinner, and I don’t regret it at all. Instead of adding another event and more stress, we kept things simple and focused our energy on the actual wedding day.

This allowed us to relax, be present, and enjoy our loved ones in a more natural, joyful way.

Erica A. Thomas and husband kissing in their wedding

5. Not Doing a Dress Change

I loved my wedding dress and wanted to stay in it all night. Skipping a dress change meant I didn’t miss a single moment of the celebration or feel rushed trying to switch outfits.

Erica A. Thomas and Desmond

Choosing one dress that made me feel confident, beautiful, and like myself was more than enough. And honestly—when would I ever get to wear this dress again? It was meant for this one magical day, and that made it even more special.

6. Leaving the Littles at Home

I gave everyone a one-year notice to schedule babysitters and nannies. I wanted our wedding to be a parents’ night out, and a child-free environment made the day more relaxing for everyone.

I didn’t want crying children, frazzled parents, or anyone feeling overwhelmed. This advance notice allowed parents to plan ahead so everyone could fully enjoy the celebration.

Erica A Thomas and husband in their wedding

7. Setting a Dress Code for All Guests

Everyone has a different idea of what “formal” means, so we went with black tie for all guests. It created a cohesive, elegant vibe and made everyone feel part of something special.

Seeing all our guests dressed to the nines made our photos stunning and added to the timeless, luxurious feel of the day.

Newly wed Erica A Thomas and husband with white car
Wedding venue and the newly wed
Erica A. Thomas and husband in Winery

Plus, our DJ kept the dance floor alive all night. From the first song to the last, everyone danced, laughed, and celebrated with us. The music created energy, joy, and memories we’ll never forget.

Final Thoughts:


Your wedding is your day, and your vision matters most. Do what makes you happy. These photos will hang in your home for years, and the memories will last a lifetime. Six years later, I still cherish every single choice we made, because our wedding was a true reflection of us, our love, and the life we’re building together .

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7 Wedding Decisions I’ll Never Regret

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Ready to host with confidence, elevate your gatherings and create unforgettable moments around the table? This beautifully curated guide was made for you. Get your copy now!

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