Whether you're an expert planner and thrive on putting together a rockin' wedding party or you need all the help you can get, we know you're going to love all the advice given in our 10 best wedding planning posts of 2018.

Planning my own destination wedding this year came with a lot of ups and downs. From long distance booking, language barriers, traveling with precious cargo (my wedding dress to be exact) and dealing with unwanted opinions, it wasn't all “pure joy”. But as we all hope to learn from our mistakes and experiences, it cathartic to share all my wedding planning with you, in my Real Bride Diary.

Claire Eliza gets married in Mexico photographed by Corinne Graves

Ultimately, I am so happy I was my own wedding planner – in the end, Jack and I threw a party that was truly “us” void of outside influencers – most importantly, it was an absolute blast.

For those embarking on their own wedding planning journey, I encourage you to read through any of the sage advice below. You'll find my own tips from traveling with your wedding dress to choosing the right wedding photographer. We were also spoiled with plenty of wedding planning tips from expert contributors (I definitely consulted Wedding Words' guide to writing your own wedding vows!)

So in no particular order, these are the best wedding planning posts of 2018 on Bridal Musings…

1. Should You Throw A Destination Wedding? A Guide To Help Decide

Is a destination wedding right for you? Weddings by Emily Charlotte asks 5 key questions to determine if you should be a jet-set bride!

2. Do You Know Which Wedding Photography Style Fits You?

Photography by Corinne Graves via Bridal Musings

Fine art film photography, candid, editorial, dark & moody, traditional – expert wedding photographer Claire Eliza gives the details of all our favorite wedding photography styles.

3. 10 Ways To Personalize Your Wedding

From neon signage to thoughtful handmade details, WeddingWire helps us celebrate all the best unique and personalized wedding elements from our real weddings this year.

4. Ask A Bridal Stylist: Wedding Dress Bustle Advice (& Alternatives)

Expert bridal stylist Christina Castello explains which wedding dresses need bustles, which don't, the names, styles and what to do if you absolutely hate bustles.

5. The Dos And Dont's Of Traveling With Your Wedding Dress

After searching long and far for the perfect gown, the last thing you want is a wedding dress disaster at the airport. Follow our tried and true dos and don'ts of wedding dress travel.

6. How To Get Next-Level Service From Your Wedding Vendors

If you could get crying-happy-tears-behind-the-camera, family member level wedding service, you would want that, right? We offer 8 foolproof tips to get next-level service from your wedding vendors.

7. First Look Or Not? Wedding Photography Questions Expertly Answered

Do you know what to hire your wedding photographer for? We weigh in on the controversial “first look or after the ceremony” question and whether to hire your wedding photographer for that day-after hangover brunch.

8. The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Vow Writing

Planning to write your own wedding vows? Stressed, anxious, and procrastinating? Katelyn of Wedding Words is here to help us with the ultimate wedding vow writing guide.

9. 12 Ways To Throw An Eco-Friendly Wedding

Want to throw an epic wedding bash and save the world all at once? With a bit of research and a few creative ideas, it's easier than you think.

10. 6 Fun Weekend Events For Destination Weddings

Let your party last beyond the “I do's” with these six ideas for weekend wedding events from expert destination planner Emily Charlotte – including wine tastings and truffle hunting.

Need more expert planning advice? Visit our planning section and browse through our latest real weddings (after all, real brides often give the best advice of all!) Follow our best of 2018 stream for all of our favorite gowns, advice and real weddings of this year.