Psst. Ready to hear a little secret? No-one really knows what they’re doing when they first start planning a wedding. It’s all a bit overwhelming and uncertain and confusing as you try to make sense of this and that and where to start. From messing up your engagement announcement to inviting a few too many people, trying to do every single wedding trend on TikTok to leaving your wedding suppliers until the last moment, planning a wedding is packed full of mistakes of some kind or another. That’s the worrying news.
The good news, however, is that every single mistake can be avoided. Now, we're not saying you shouldn't make mistakes when planning your wedding because messing up here and there and having those uh-oh moments is all part of the wedding planning fun, right? In fact, 71% of couples admitted to making at least a few mistakes along the way, which shows just how normal it is.
That said, there are a handful of common mistakes that are worth avoiding as a way of saving you a lot of time, effort and money, which is where this guide comes in. Yepp. We've listed some of the most common mistakes made while wedding planning so that you can avoid them altogether (and enjoy making some smaller mistakes instead).
Mistake No1: Overspending (Obviously)
One of the most common mistakes couples make when planning their wedding is overspending, and we get it. It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all, as you try to create your dream wedding. The problem is: this can lead to financial problems in the future. Instead, it's super important that you set a budget and then stick to it. Remember, the most important part of the wedding is the love between you and your soul mate, not how much money was spent.
Mistake No2: Not Prioritising What Matters
Another pretty common mistake a lot of couples make is not actually prioritising what is most important to you, so make sure you know what yours are. From our experience, every couple has different priorities and personalities, and it's essential to identify them from the start. That couple be the venue, the food, the photographer, the band or the season in which you tie the knot. Whatever it is to you, make sure you allocate enough resources to the things that matter most to you.
Mistake No3: Overcomplicating Things
We’re not sure how far along your wedding planning journey you are, but you’ve probably discovered one thing already: wedding planning can very quickly become overwhelming. That’s when your brain can start going a bit fuzzy, and the reason so many couples make the mistake of overcomplicating things. That’s why we want to remind you that simplicity is almost-always the key to a dreamy wedding day. It’s about focusing on the things that matter most to you and simplifying everything else.
Mistake No4: Ignoring the Guest Experience
This is your big day. The moment in your love story that will remember forever as you kickstart your happily ever after to the sound of tin cans clinking behind your car. But while the focus should be on your experience, it's a good idea to think about the experiences your guests have too. After all, guests are an essential part of the wedding. Some might say what makes a wedding so memorable, and that’s why their comfort and enjoyment should be a top priority. Consider things like transportation, accommodation, the food you serve, the entertainment you choose and everything else that will give them such a good time.
Mistake No5: Not Communicating with Suppliers
If there’s one thing that every wedding requires, it’s experienced suppliers, and there’s a lot of them to think about when planning your wedding. From the caterers to the photographer, the DJ to the florist, transportation to the end of the night fireworks, there’s a lot of people to coordinate – and one of the most common mistakes couples make is not communicating effectively with these people. So make sure you have everyone you need and then be as clear as you can about your expectations, budget and timeline from the start.
Mistake No6: Not Considering the Season
The season in which you have your wedding can have a significant impact on the event's success. For example, if you plan an outdoor wedding in the middle of summer, you'll want to ensure there are enough shade and cooling options for guests, while winter weddings require cosy corners, a warm venue and shelter from any rain. Basically, you want to consider the weather and other seasonal factors when planning your wedding.
Mistake No7: Ignoring Your Traditions
For more and more couples, weddings have become non-traditional celebrations where the couple’s love story is all that matters. But for a lot of people, weddings are still steeped in cultural and family traditions, and you might find it’s important to honour these customs. If you or your partner come from a culture with specific wedding traditions, make sure to incorporate them into your wedding planning. It's also important to consider the desires of both families and find a way to incorporate their traditions as well.
Mistake No8: Not Hiring a Wedding Planner
Possibly one of the most significant mistakes couples make is not hiring a wedding planner. Trust us: wedding planners are the experts on all things weddings. That’s what makes them perfectly placed to help couples navigate the planning process, manage vendors and handle any unforeseen issues that may arise. Of course, wedding planners might feel like an unnecessary and additional expense, but a good wedding planner can actually save couples a huge amount of money in the long run by negotiating with vendors, using their contacts, applying their discounts and finding cost-effective solutions.
Mistake No9: Choosing The Wrong Wedding Venue
Of all the decisions you make, picking the perfect wedding venue for you might just rest at the very top. That’s because your wedding is your backdrop. The place where you’ll create every memorable and beautiful wedding experience, where the tone, vibe and atmosphere for your big day will burst from, and where your guests will have the time of their lives celebrating you. That’s how we’ve always looked at the Thursford Garden Pavilion; as that unique place where you can customise your wedding however you like as you look to bring your unique vision to life and create the most beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos.
The Conclusion Planning a wedding is a big undertaking, and there are many common mistakes that couples make during the process. By being aware of these mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, couples can ensure that their wedding day is a beautiful and stress-free celebration of their love. Remember to prioritise what is most important, communicate effectively with vendors, consider the guest experience, and hire a wedding planner if needed. Most importantly, enjoy the process and celebrate the love between you and your partner. Thanks for reading.