Dec 30, 2024
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting—and stressful—experiences you’ll ever have. While every couple’s journey is unique, there are common pitfalls many of us stumble into. To save you the headaches I faced, here’s a candid look at the 10 wedding planning mistakes I made and tips to sidestep them.
1. Not Setting a Realistic Budget Early On
- Mistake: I started planning without a clear idea of how much I could afford to spend. Spoiler alert: things spiraled out of control quickly!
- How to Avoid It: Before booking anything, sit down with your partner and discuss your financial boundaries. Use tools like budget planners to allocate funds to each aspect of your wedding (venue, catering, flowers, etc.). Leave room for unexpected expenses—they will happen!
2. Saying “Yes” to Too Many Guests
- Mistake: I wanted everyone to feel included, so I didn’t trim the guest list. The result? A crowded venue and soaring catering costs.
- How to Avoid It: Be ruthless with your guest list. Focus on close friends and family. Remember, every additional guest adds to your overall costs.
3. Booking Vendors Without Doing Enough Research
- Mistake: I rushed to book vendors based on price alone and didn’t check reviews or portfolios. One vendor ghosted me weeks before the wedding.
- How to Avoid It: Always vet vendors thoroughly. Look at reviews, ask for recommendations, and request contracts that outline responsibilities and deadlines.
4. Ignoring the Weather
- Mistake: I dreamed of an outdoor wedding in the spring but didn’t have a contingency plan for rain. It poured, and chaos ensued.
- How to Avoid It: If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, always have a backup plan, such as a tent or an indoor option. Check historical weather trends for your date and location.
5. Overloading the Wedding Day Schedule
- Mistake: I packed the schedule with too many events, leaving little time for mingling or relaxing.
- How to Avoid It: Prioritise the moments that matter most to you. Build in buffer time between activities to handle delays and enjoy the day without rushing.
6. DIY Overload
- Mistake: I thought DIY projects would save money, but they consumed all my free time and led to last-minute stress.
- How to Avoid It: Pick one or two DIY projects you’re passionate about and leave the rest to the pros. Factor in the cost of materials and your time when deciding whether DIY is worth it.
7. Forgetting About Myself and My Partner
- Mistake: I got so caught up in pleasing others that I lost sight of what my partner and I wanted.
- How to Avoid It: Your wedding should reflect your personalities and love story. Stay true to your vision, even if it means saying no to outside opinions.
8. Skimping on a Wedding Coordinator
- Mistake: I thought I could manage everything myself, but juggling last-minute details was overwhelming.
- How to Avoid It: If a full-service planner isn’t in your budget, consider hiring a day-of coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly.
9. Not Doing a Final Dress Rehearsal
- Mistake: I skipped a dress rehearsal and discovered wardrobe issues on the big day.
- How to Avoid It: Do a trial run for your entire look—dress, shoes, makeup, and accessories. Practice walking, sitting, and even dancing in your outfit.
10. Neglecting Post-Wedding Logistics
- Mistake: I didn’t think about what would happen to leftover food, décor, or gifts after the wedding.
- How to Avoid It: Plan for cleanup and storage ahead of time. Assign tasks to friends or family, or hire a professional team to handle post-wedding logistics.
Final Thoughts
Mistakes are part of the wedding planning process, but learning from others can help you avoid unnecessary stress. With careful planning, you can create a day that’s beautiful, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
