5 Biggest Mistakes I’ve Seen as a Wedding Planner (And How to Avoid Them)
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting and overwhelming chapters in your life. As a professional wedding planner, I’ve seen it all: the breathtaking moments, the near disasters, and the “I wish we’d done this differently” conversations after the honeymoon. While every couple’s journey is unique, there are a few repeat offenders that show up time and time again. To help you avoid unnecessary stress and truly enjoy your special day, here are the five biggest mistakes I’ve seen couples make and how to avoid them.
1. Not Trusting Your Wedding Vendors
You’ve hired professionals for a reason. Whether it’s your photographer, florist, or caterer, your vendors are experts in their field. One of the biggest mistakes couples make is micromanaging or second-guessing them every step of the way.
Tip: Hire vendors you trust and then let them do their job. Read reviews, schedule consultations, and go with those who make you feel confident and heard. Trust is the foundation and relationships you’ve built with your vendors for a smooth wedding day.
2. Hiring Friends or Family Members as Vendors
It might seem like a great way to save money or make your wedding feel more personal, but this one often backfires. Just because your cousin dabbles in photography or your best friend has a good playlist doesn’t mean they’re equipped to handle the pressure and logistics of a wedding day.
Tip: If you want to involve loved ones, do so in a way that doesn’t add pressure or jeopardize important tasks. Let your friend read a poem or help DIY the favors, but leave the photography, DJing, and planning/coordinating to the pros.
3. Overloading the Shot List with Extended Family Group Photos
Of course, you want to capture the love of your entire family, but packing in too many group shots—especially with extended relatives—often causes delays, frustration, and missed moments.
Tip: Prioritize your must have family photos in advance and keep the list short and meaningful. Trust your photographer to capture candids during the reception or cocktail hour for the rest.
4. Skipping the Rain Plan (or Not Taking It Seriously)
Hope for sunshine, but plan for rain. Too many couples assume the weather will cooperate, and when it doesn’t, the lack of a Plan B can cause chaos.
Tip: Ask your venue and planner about backup options. Is there a covered area for the ceremony? Will there be enough umbrellas or tents? Rain doesn’t have to ruin your day—it just needs a little prep.
5. Trying to Please Everyone (and Losing Sight of What You Want)
It’s your day, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to make everyone else happy. Whether it’s seating arrangements, traditions, or song choices, trying to accommodate everyone can quickly dilute your vision.
Tip: Set boundaries early and stick to your non negotiables as a couple. It’s okay to compromise where it feels right, but not at the expense of your own joy.
Ready to plan your dream wedding without the stress?
As an experienced wedding planner, I specialize in creating seamless, joy filled wedding days that reflect your style, values, and vision. If you're feeling overwhelmed or just want a professional by your side to guide the process, I’m here to help.
Let’s chat! Schedule your free consultation today and let’s bring your dream day to life.
Happy Planning <3
Niticia
