11 Wedding Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s face it, wedding planning is stressful. While there are some amazing parts of the wedding planning process, some parts will leave you frustrated and annoyed.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. We’re sharing with you the mistakes to avoid during the wedding planning process to help it go smoothly. Trust us, with a little bit of preparation, you can have your dream wedding and actually enjoy planning it.

This blog post is all about the 11 common wedding planning mistakes every couple should avoid.

1. Setting a Budget Before Doing Your Research

The first step usually recommended to couples who are starting the wedding planning process is to set the budget. But that’s a mistake and here’s why: if you don’t have an idea how much everything costs, how can you set a realistic budget? In our opinion, you’re setting yourself up to go over your budget.

The first step should be doing your research. Look up the cost of venues in the area you want to get married in and see how prices differ based on the day of the week and the time of year. Once you have a rough idea how much the wedding you want is going to cost, then it’s time to start creating a real budget.

2. Listening to Too Many Opinions

One of the biggest challenges for couples, especially brides, is dealing with a million opinions. It’s your day, please remember that. The important opinions belong to the couple, not every single guest attending the wedding.

If you listen to everyone and try to make them all happy, you won’t get the wedding you want. And you’re going to be so stressed out trying to please everyone that you won’t enjoy the wedding planning process.

3. Taking Too Many People Wedding Dress Shopping

Obviously, this mistake is geared toward the bride or brides. Wedding dress shopping should be incredible and you should be prepared. By preparing for it, think about who you want to be there with you. Only bring along your most trusted friends and family members. Also, consider only inviting one to five people. Even that can be a lot of people if they are too opinionated.

Brides should feel their most beautiful on their wedding day so make sure you trust that the people you invite want to help you find your dream wedding day look. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for your choices and taste.

4. Inviting Everyone You Know

Everyone is ready to celebrate you as soon as you get engaged. And you’re going to be ready for the excitement as well. But don’t go overboard. The per person cost is one of the biggest factors in wedding planning. Don’t rush into the guest list. Take the time to think who you want to be with you on your special day and why they play an important role in your life.

Also, consider limiting the number of plus ones. Not every person needs to bring a date. Remember, you can’t take back an invitation or save the date card, so think about the size wedding you want before sending anything out.

5. Forgetting to Create a Rain Plan

Rain plans are specific to couples planning to get married outside. When touring venues, make sure you like their rain plan because you might have to use it. If you don’t like the rainy day set up, you might want to find another venue. No matter what the weather is like, you’re going to want amazing wedding photos so make a plan that you’re happy with.

6. Not Sharing Your Registry Information

Or even worse, not even creating a wedding registry. We’ve seen people say not to include wedding registry information on invitations. That’s so outdated! Link to your wedding website on your invites and save the dates. Make sure all your registry stores are linked to your website.

It’s not rude to share this link with people. Your guests want to get you gifts and the best way to get what you want is through an easy to find wedding registry. If you don’t, you’re going to end up with a bunch of things you don’t want/need.

7. Focusing Too Much on Less Important Details

People are going to remember the food, the venue and the entertainment. After the wedding, the couple cares most about the photos. The guests are not going to care as much about the decor, the flowers and other little details. It doesn’t mean ignore the smaller things, just don’t make them a big part of your budget or spend a lot of time on them.

8. Not Accommodating Guests

Remember to consider your guests dietary restrictions and mobility constraints. Make sure your menu options can accommodate all of your guests. Also, make sure your venue is mobility friendly. Guests are going to be disappointed if they can’t attend because of one of these issues. Or even worse, they show up and can’t eat or access the locations chosen.

9. Waiting Too Long to Start Wedding Planning

Another big mistake couples make is waiting too long after getting engaged to start planning. If you want a long engagement, that’s great. But if you’re planning a wedding a year from now and haven’t started, there might be problems. Venues book up quickly and it takes a long time to get your wedding dress.

If you have a specific season in mind, start planning as far in advance as possible. It’ll help with the stress as well because you won’t be rushed.

10. Overplanning Your Schedule

After getting engaged everyone is going to want to see you. People might want to throw engagement parties, take you to wedding expos, etc. On top of that, you’re going to be planning. Make sure to take time to yourself so you’re not overwhelmed.

Consider having date nights where you unplug and don’t talk about the wedding. Find activities that help you relax as well, such as yoga. Lastly, keep an eye on your schedule and don’t let it get overbooked.

11. Forgetting to Have Fun

You’re getting married! It’s time to celebrate and have fun. The biggest mistake is that you look back on your wedding planning process and didn’t enjoy it at all. Remember, focus on yourself and your significant other. You deserve your dream wedding day!