Cue the happy tears, champagne pops, and an accidental group chat announcement that you said “YES” before calling your mom. Whether you’re still staring at your hand like it belongs to a royal or you’re deep in spreadsheets and “urgent” cake tastings, welcome to the magic and mild chaos that is wedding planning.
We at Foundry 45 have seen everything — barefoot vows, choreographed bridal party entrances, and once… a llama in a tuxedo (10/10 would recommend). And after years of love stories, near meltdowns, and triumphant dance floor finales, we’ve put together a guide that’s part Pinterest dreams, part Bridal Bootcamp, and all real talk.
Grab your notebook (or your favorite napkin — no judgment). Here comes the good stuff.
Start with the heart, not the hashtag.
Yes, you can have a wedding worthy of a 10k-save Pinterest board. But before you spiral into aesthetic anxiety, stop and ask: What do we actually want this day to feel like? Chill backyard bash? Moody candlelit vibe? Disco barn extravaganza? Find your “feel” — then pick your fonts.
No one ever cried over a missing charger plate.
But they will cry tears of joy if there’s enough food, strong cocktails, and someone’s grandma slaying it to “Uptown Funk.” Prioritize comfort, not couture-for-chairs. Think soft lighting, easy seating, and a bar that people can actually find.
Let the venue do the heavy lifting.
Foundry 45 was built for real weddings (aka, not styled shoots where everything is fake and no one is sweating). Industrial-chic, wildly flexible, and full of charm — it’s your blank slate for all your biggest ideas (and spontaneous conga lines).
Planning burnout is a real thing.
There will be a night where you question everything and Google “how much does it cost to elope in Iceland.” We see you. Step away. Breathe. Go watch a movie and eat snacks shaped like dinosaurs. The napkin font can wait.
You NEED a private cake moment.
During the party, sneak away for five minutes. Just the two of you. Grab a drink, steal a bite of cake, take a mental snapshot. Everyone says it flies by — and they’re not lying. You’ll thank yourself later for this little pause.
Pack flats. Hydrate. Assign a bathroom buddy.
Your feet will hate you by hour four. Bring backup shoes. And that dress? It’s not going to hold itself up in the stall. Choose a trusted friend for bathroom missions and survival kits: floss, deodorant wipes, Advil, safety pins, maybe a tiny fan. Pro tip: chocolate = morale booster.
Something will go rogue. Embrace it.
Rain might sprinkle mid-ceremony. The playlist might shuffle to “Baby Shark.” Someone might call you the wrong name in their toast. You know what? That’s the stuff you’ll laugh about forever. Perfect is boring. You’re writing a story.
Pick vendors who hype you up and hand you snacks.
When you vibe with your vendor team, the whole day gets easier. They should get your vision, make you laugh, and tell you to drink water. We know all the cool, kind, wedding-loving pros — just ask us!
The Real Truth: You’ve Already Won.
You found your person. Everything else? Icing. When the lights go down, your cheeks hurt from smiling, and your guests can’t stop talking about “the best wedding ever,” you’ll know: you did it. And we’ll be in the background, probably crying happy tears.
Want to see your dream space IRL?
We’d love to show you around. Come tour Foundry 45, spill the tea on your vision, and let’s make wedding magic together.
