Planning a wedding should be one of the most exciting times of your life. But with so many details to consider, it’s easy to fall into some common traps that can turn your dream day into a bit of a nightmare. Don’t worry, though—we’re here to guide you through it.

Working as wedding photographers and videographers for the last 10 years, we have witnessed many unexpected situations due to poor planning at weddings. We’ve spoken with numerous brides, grooms, and wedding planners. With this information, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 mistakes often made during wedding planning, accompanied by our best advice for avoiding them. Let’s aim to keep things simple, casual, and, most importantly, fun!

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1. Not Setting a Budget First

The Mistake: Jumping into booking venues and vendors without establishing a budget.

How to Avoid It: Before you start looking at anything, sit down with your partner and possibly your families to discuss the budget. It’s crucial to know how much you’re willing to spend and who’s contributing. This will help guide your decisions and keep your finances in check.

2. Forgetting to Prioritize

The Mistake: Trying to make every aspect of your wedding perfect without considering what truly matters to you and your partner.

How to Avoid It: Make a list of your top three must-haves for your big day. Whether it’s the venue, the food, or the music, knowing what’s most important to you both will help you allocate your budget and efforts more effectively.

3. Not Having a Plan B

The Mistake: Not considering what you’ll do if things don’t go as planned, like bad weather for an outdoor wedding.

How to Avoid It: Always have a backup plan, especially for crucial elements like the venue. If you’re planning an outdoor event, make sure there’s an indoor option available just in case.

4. Inviting Too Many Guests

The Mistake: Letting your guest list grow uncontrollably, which can lead to budget overruns and logistical nightmares.

How to Avoid It: Be realistic about the number of guests to avoid going over budget. Start with a smaller list and only add more guests if your budget allows.

5. Skimping on Photography and Videography

The Mistake: Choosing a photographer and / or videographer based solely on price rather than style and experience.

How to Avoid It: Your wedding photos and films will be your lasting memories of the day, so it’s worth investing in a photographer whose work you love. Meet with a few photographers to discuss your vision and ensure their style aligns with yours before making a decision.

6. Overloading Your Schedule

The Mistake: Packing your wedding day with back-to-back events, leaving little room for relaxation or spontaneity.

How to Avoid It: Build in buffer time! This will help you enjoy your day more fully and allow for any unexpected delays.

7. Trying to Please Everyone

The Mistake: Making decisions based on what you think your guests will want, rather than what you and your partner want.

How to Avoid It: Remember, it’s your day! While it’s great to consider your guests’ comfort and enjoyment, your wedding should reflect your personalities and love story.

8. Forgoing Contracts

The Mistake: Not getting agreements in writing with vendors, which can lead to miscommunications and additional stress.

How to Avoid It: Always insist on contracts and make sure you read and understand the terms before signing. This protects you and ensures everyone is on the same page.

9. Neglecting to Delegate

The Mistake: Trying to do everything yourself instead of asking for help.

How to Avoid It: Delegate tasks to your bridal party, family members, or a wedding planner. They’ll likely be happy to help, and it will take some of the stress off your shoulders.

10. Losing Sight of What’s Important

The Mistake: Getting so caught up in the details of wedding planning that you forget the reason for the celebration.

How to Avoid It: Regularly take a step back to remind yourself and your partner that the wedding is about your love and commitment to each other. Keeping this perspective can help you enjoy the planning process and the big day itself even more.

When planning your wedding, it’s okay to make mistakes—that’s part of the process. The most important thing is to learn from them and keep moving forward. With a bit of preparation and mindfulness, you can avoid these common pitfalls and create a celebration that’s both beautiful and uniquely yours. Happy planning.