You’ve got the Pinterest boards, the ring selfie, and the dream dress in mind… but before you get swept away in a sea of champagne and flowers, let’s chat.
As a wedding planner who has seen a lot (like, a lot) of weddings, I’ve noticed a few repeat offenders when it comes to wedding planning mistakes. Don’t worry, this isn’t a roast of past couples. Planning a wedding is not something most people do more than once (ideally), so it makes total sense that there’s a learning curve. But here’s the good news: I’m here to help you beat the curve.
Let’s break down the most common wedding planning mistakes and how to avoid them so you can keep your focus on the fun stuff, like cake tastings and confetti cannons.
1. Not Setting a Budget First (Like… First First)
Let’s rip the band-aid off: not setting a budget early is the number one wedding planning mistake I see. It’s like building a house without blueprints - looks great until you realise you spent your whole budget on peonies and forgot to hire a caterer.
How to Fix it: Sit down early (yes, before booking the venue or buying the dress) and figure out what you can realistically spend. Then, prioritise what matters most. Love live music? Allocate more for the band. Don’t care about custom cocktails? Scale back there.
Bonus tip: A planner can help you create a realistic budget based on your vision and your numbers - no spreadsheet nightmares required.
2. Skipping the Rain Plan for Outdoor Weddings
Look, I love an alfresco ceremony as much as the next person. But let me be extremely clear: if your wedding is outdoors, you need an extreme weather backup plan. Even in the driest months, Mother Nature occasionally likes to RSVP ‘surprise drizzle.’ And don’t forget to plan for extreme heat also. Too much sun can be just as hazardous for guests (and you!) as rain.
How to Fix it: Always ask your venue about covered options and if they cost any extra in case of need. If you’re going the backyard route, plan for a tent that’s more than a last-minute pop-up gazebo. You need something of professional quality to withstand heavy rain and winds. Don’t forget the flooring, heating or fans, and side walls if the forecast calls for more than just “moody skies.”
3. Assuming a Backyard Wedding is Cheaper
Backyard weddings have that dreamy, romantic vibe… but they are not budget-friendly. In fact, this might be one of the sneakiest wedding planning mistakes couples make.
Why? Because suddenly you (or your planner) become the venue manager, hiring everything from toilets to generators, lighting, furniture, kitchen equipment, trash removal, parking solutions… you get the idea. A backyard wedding should be chosen because you hold the venue close to your heart and want to create memories there, not because you think it will be a cheaper option. It’s usually more costly than an all-inclusive venue.
How to Fix it: If you love the idea of a backyard celebration, go for it! Just make sure you understand the logistics and costs involved. Better yet, chat to a planner who can price it out accurately and make sure you’re not left short on shade or power. We offer one-off planning consults for couples who want to start off on the right foot.
4. Not Reading Vendor Contracts All the Way Through
If I had a dollar for every time a couple asked, “Wait, I thought they were staying until the end of the night?” I’d have a destination wedding fund of my own.
Vendor contracts are there to protect both you and the vendor. But they only work if you actually read them (yes, even the fine print).
How to Fix it: Set aside time to review each contract carefully. Check arrival/departure times, what’s included, cancellation terms, and overtime fees. And if you’re unsure about something? Ask! Or better yet, let your planner review them with you.
5. DIY-ing Things You Really Shouldn’t
We love a creative couple. But there’s a fine line between charmingly handmade and “I spent six hours crying over a Cricut and still don’t have place cards.” Some wedding tasks are better left to the professionals.
How to Fix it: Know your limits, both creatively and time-wise. Ask yourself: Is this going to save me money, or is it going to cost me sleep/sanity/my relationship with my glue gun? Spoiler: Signage is usually best outsourced due to the last-minute nature of seating charts, place cards, and menus.
6. Forgetting to Feed Your Vendors
It might sound small, but not planning vendor meals is one of those wedding planning mistakes that can leave a team running on empty. And trust me, no one wants a hungry photographer or a DJ fainting mid-set. We don’t need all three courses like your guests, but we can do our best work for you if we’re fuelled up during a ten-hour shift!
How to Fix it: Check your contracts. Most vendors specify a meal requirement, especially those working over six hours. Coordinate with your caterer to provide hot meals (not cold sandwiches) and ensure they’re scheduled to eat during a time they’re not actively needed.
Planners (hi 👋) can help manage all of this so it’s smooth, seamless, and stress-free.
In Conclusion: Mistakes Happen - But Not On Our Watch
Weddings are big, beautiful, emotional celebrations and it’s no surprise that the planning process can get overwhelming fast. But guess what? You don’t have to do it alone.
Hiring a wedding planner means you’ve got someone in your corner to help you avoid wedding planning mistakes before they become a problem. We’re here to save you time, money, and that 3am stress spiral over whether the napkins match the chargers. We don’t want planning to rob you of the joy you should be experiencing during this time.
Ready to plan smart and celebrate big? Get in touch with us here and let’s make sure your wedding is unforgettable, for all the right reasons.
