Hey, we all make mistakes, but when it comes to your wedding, you want everything to go as smoothly as possible—especially when you’re investing so much time and money into this event. But don’t worry! You can take steps to ensure that your special day is a dream come true by avoiding some common blunders during the planning process. That’s why we asked event planning pros to share their six biggest missteps couples shouldn’t make when wedding planning in 2023.
Skipping the Budget
When you don’t have a budget, it’s difficult to develop a wedding vision that aligns with your finances, explains Peter Mitsaelides of Brooklake Country Club & Events. He suggests researching vendors in your area to get a feel for pricing and getting an approximation of guests. That headcount is going to play a big role in how far your budget will take you.
Waiting Too Long to Book Vendors
There is a wedding boom going on right now, so once you have your wedding date set, don't hesitate to start booking. This is especially important if you have a specific vendor you want to work with for your event. "If a bride has a particular vendor in mind but wants to wait to hire them, the chances of them being available as the wedding gets closer diminish exponentially," notes Monika Kreinberg of Furever Us.
Avoiding Bright Colors
"While in past years, many brides came in asking for ivory, white, and 'safe,' traditional wedding colors, this year, green velvet invitations, rich burgundy papers, and deep royal blues have been incredibly popular," noes Lilia Shatnaya of Plume and Stone Invitation Studio. "Don’t be afraid to be adventurous with unique color combinations. Colors allow you to express and convey a mood—bright and ethereal for a summer afternoon wedding or rich and moody for a candlelight reception under the stars."
Ditching the Timeline
Everyone wants their wedding day to run smoothly, so stack the odds in your favor by creating a timeline for the big day. And don't forget to share it with your wedding party! "This timeline helps to ensure they are on time to get ready and be a part of the pre-ceremony photos," says Mitsaelides.
Failing to Have a Plan B
Couples planning to have any part of their wedding day outside must make plans for inclement weather. This is a step many skip in an effort to save money, but it can cost you in the long run. Not to mention the stress it can cause on the actual day.
Focusing on Social Media Trends
According to Joan Wyndrum O’Hear of Blooms by the Box, it is easy for brides to become overly engulfed in trend images and lose sight of their own personal style and taste when planning their weddings. While sites like Instagram and Pinterest can definitely give you some inspo, don't let it dictate how your wedding day looks and feels.