Planning a wedding is an exciting journey full of emotional moments. But let’s be honest—it’s also a crazy and stressful run against the clock. Even the most organized brides can fall into traps. And then they contact the wedding planner, sometimes at the last minute, asking us to save them. Let’s see some common mistakes many brides make and how to avoid them.
Not Setting a Budget Early On
Planning without a clear budget can lead to overspending, last-minute cuts, and financial stress, which you don’t want.
What do you do? Sit down with your partner and anyone contributing financially to determine your budget. Divide it into categories—venue, catering, etc.—and stick to it. This early decision will bring a sense of control and relief, sparing you from the stress of overspending and last-minute cuts.
2. Trying to Please Everyone
From your cousin’s insistence on a buffet to your college friend’s preference for live music, trying to satisfy everyone will make you crazy, and you will gain wrinkles on your face.
What to do? Simple thought: Be selfish! Yes, and yes, come on, it’s your day. Accept input graciously like a queen but make decisions like a general. Base them on what feels right for you and your partner. A polite “Thank you for the idea; we’ll consider it!” works perfectly. This approach will empower you to make confident decisions and reduce the overwhelming feeling of trying to please everyone, wich by the way it is impossible.
3. Booking the Venue Before Finalizing the Guest List
Imagine this: You find a venue in the place you wanted—the walls, the tables, the garden—everything wonderful—and you are in love. But you come home and realize that it is too small to comfortably fit all your guests inside. It is hard!
What to do? Make your guest list before you go venue shopping. This ensures you choose a space that fits your needs without compromising your event.
Skipping the Wedding Planner or Coordinator
4. By this time, you may think I am here to promote my services. Well, honestly, of course I am. But as a woman who planned her whole 4-day destination wedding, I am qualified to tell you from the bottom of my heart, do not skip the wedding planner.
Thinking you can handle everything alone—or with help from your bridal party or family and friends, can and will lead to overwhelm. I wrote an entire article about that; it’s worth reading!
What to do? If a complete wedding planner is outside the budget, consider hiring a day-of coordinator. This professional will handle the details on your wedding day, ensuring everything runs smoothly. At the same time, you focus on enjoying your big day.
5. Ignoring the Weather
Planning an outdoor wedding without a plan B can be a nightmare if the weather isn’t on your side.
What to do? Always have a contingency plan, like a tent or an indoor option. Check the seasonal weather trends for your date to minimize surprises. The weather may interfere with your plans, even if it is an indoor wedding.
6. Overloading the Timeline
Letting too many activities be done on the day can lead to delays and desperation.
What to do? Build a realistic timeline with room for unexpected issues. Start by listing all the activities you want to include, then allocate time for each. Remember to add breaks, meals, and travel. Hire a professional or use online tools to create a schedule that allows everyone to enjoy the day without feeling overwhelmed.
7. Forgetting About Vendor Contracts
Paying more attention to the contracts or neglecting to sign one can leave you vulnerable to misunderstandings and surprises.
What to do? Read every vendor contract carefully. Confirm all details—pricing, delivery times, cancellation policies—let all arrangements in written form, even if the vendor is your uncle. And don’t be shy—ask questions!
8. Not Scheduling Enough Time for Hair and Makeup
Ahhhh, this happens so many times! If you think it will be quick, you are wrong.
What to do? Book a trial session with your stylist and makeup artist to estimate timing. Add more time for last-minute changes or if you get too nervous and need to breathe. Remember, the makeup moment is something to enjoy and breathe a bit without many people around. So enjoy it!
9. Overcomplicating DIY Projects
There are so many lovely ideas on social media that we think we can do all of them. Well, let’s face it, there are a lot. Taking on too many DIY projects can lead to unfinished tasks and tremendous stress.
What to do? Pick a few manageable DIY items that add value and delegate tasks to friends or family who want to help. Ah, give them a deadline and check.
10. Neglecting to Enjoy the Moment
You tried to do everything, and of course, on the big day, you have all the details on your mind. So, instead of enjoying your moment, you are inevitably nervous about imagining if everything is okay.
What to do? Once the day arrives, be like Elsa and let it go! Trust your vendors and team, and focus on the joy of marrying the one waiting for you on the aisle. The imperfections, if any, will just give moments of laughing. Remember, this is your day to enjoy, not to worry about every detail.
Planning a wedding involves many challenges, including scheduling and preparation. But if you avoid these common mistakes, your journey can be smoother.
Don’t forget to have fun along the way. It is a memorable day—it is your wedding!