10 Mistakes Most Couples Make When Wedding Planning
All photos by Klose Up Photography
If you've found your way to this post, it's likely that you are newly engaged and just beginning the wedding planning process. First of all, congratulations! This is an exciting new chapter in your life, full of possibilities. Before you dive too far deep into your Pinterest "Wedding Inspo" montage, let's take a step back and talk about:
10 mistakes most couples make when wedding planning
- and how to avoid them.
1. Not Having A Clear Budget In Mind
One of the biggest mistakes I see couples make when planning their wedding is not having a clear budget in mind from the start. It is critical to sit down with your partner and/or anyone contributing to your wedding fund and discuss the numbers. Having a clear budget in mind will help you determine your priorities, make smart decisions and tactfully allocate your recourses to each area of the event.
2. Not Setting Your Ideal Timeline Before Booking Your Venue
Another big mistake I see is not setting your ideal timeline BEFORE booking your wedding venue. For most couples, photography is a big priority. To ensure those dreamy golden hour couples portraits, it's important to build your timeline around the sunset time.
A general rule of thumb is to set your invitation time to approximately 2 hours before the sun goes down.
EXAMPLE TIMELINE:
4:30 pm - Guest Invitation Time
5:00 pm - Ceremony begins
5:30 pm - Cocktail Hour begins (Family photos + Couple Sunset photos)
6:30 pm - Sunset time & Reception begins
3. Letting Other People's Opinions Get the Best of You
Allowing other people's opinions to affect your decisions is another common mistake I see couples make. Please remember that your wedding is exactly that - YOURS. Do not let the opinions of others sway you from creating the day of your dreams. It's okay to take advice, but nobody gets to dictate the details of your day except you. Period.
4. Hiring A Friend or Family Member Instead of a Professional
This one might be controversial, but hiring a friend or family member instead of a professional in any capacity is a mistake. It's not to say that they won't do a good job, but your friends and family are meant to attend as guests. You want them there to celebrate you and your partner, not to work. You will never regret hiring a professional, but you might regret missing out on valuable time with that person. Along with that, most family and friends are not properly insured to work at venues, which is often a requirement.
5. Not Hiring A Videographer
One of the biggest regrets I hear from couples is not hiring a videographer! Photos are wonderful, but video captures your day in a completely different way - showing more moments, more emotion, more movement, and more of the whole picture from your day. I cannot recommend videography enough. Being able to relive those feelings and emotions in a live-action, cinematic experience is simply priceless.
6. Not Letting Your Vendors Know About An Awkward Family Dynamic
Your wedding vendors should know about any awkward family situations like divorces, people who do not get along, a parent who has passed away, or who won't be attending, etc. These have the potential to ruin a wedding day if not approached carefully (a day where emotions are already heightened.) The more we know, the better we can adjust and mediate awkward encounters to make the day as smooth and drama-free as possible.
7. Trying To Do Everything Yourself
Whether you’re on a tight budget or are a DIY queen, too many projects all at once can cause unnecessary stress and frustration. Instead of trying to do everything yourself, make a list of things that can be done by someone else, and don't be afraid to ask for help! People love to feel included in your day even if it's something seemingly small.
8. Forgetting To Live In The Moment
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be cherished every step of the way! Forgetting to live in the moment and enjoy the process is a big mistake I see couples make when planning their wedding. Allowing ample time, enlisting the help of industry professionals, trusting the process, and letting the small things go are all great ways to help you be more present.
9. Not Letting Your Vendors Do What We Do Best
For the perfectionists of the world, it can be hard to give up control and trust the expertise of someone else when it comes to planning the biggest event of your life. Trust me, I get it! But you'd be surprised at the amazing things that happen when you let your vendors do what they do best. Give your florist room to be creative, trust your planner with your timeline, be open to the suggestions of your photo/video team, and let us guide you along the way.
10. Not Hiring A Wedding Planner
The single biggest mistake I see couples make is not hiring a wedding planner (or at minimum a coordinator) for their big day. Think of us as the captain of this crazy ship, steering the course and directing the crew through whatever challenges come our way. A wedding planner is one of the best investments that you can make when it comes to creating and executing the wedding of your dreams.
If you’re still unsure about whether a wedding planner is right for you, check out this blog on 6 Common Myths About Wedding Planners.
