Know The Most Important Wedding Planning Mistakes To Avoid


Quinta Cascata dos Sonhos, Venue | Almargem do Bispo, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Planning a wedding is an exciting and fun time, but it can also be difficult to handle and cause stress. With so many details to consider, it’s easy to make mistakes that can turn your dream day into a nightmare. So, we compiled a list of common and most important mistakes to avoid to help you plan your wedding more easily. Whether it’s spending too much or not giving yourself enough time, keep reading to find out how to avoid these problems and make sure your wedding day is awesome.

Not setting priorities

Every couple has different priorities when it comes to their wedding day. Whether it’s the venue, the photographer, or the entertainment, make sure you and your partner are on the same page about what matters most to you. This will help you focus your time, energy, and resources on the elements that are most important to creating your perfect day.

Not setting a realistic budget

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is not deciding how much they can spend before they start planning. If you don’t have a clear list of expenses, it’s easy to spend too much and find yourself in debt after the wedding. So, sit down with your partner and determine how much you can spend on each part of the wedding, from the venue to the flowers and the photographer.

Quinta da Suratesta, Venue | Beja, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Inviting too many guests

When you invite too many guests, it can make the wedding venue feel crowded and cramped. You want your guests to feel comfy and move freely. Also, it can impact your budget. More guests mean more food, drinks, and seats. It can be hard to spend quality time with each person. You might feel rushed or overwhelmed trying to greet and thank everyone for coming.

So, focus on inviting the people who are truly important to you and who you know will support you on your big day. It’s better to have a smaller, more intimate wedding where you can really connect with your guests, rather than a huge event where you barely have time to say hello to everyone.

Ignoring the guest list

Another common mistake is failing to finalise the guest list early in the planning process. The number of guests will impact everything from the size of the venue to the food and drinks you’ll need to provide. Make sure to create a guest list early on and stick to it to avoid any last-minute surprises or end up spending more money than you planned.

Ignoring the needs of your guests

While your wedding day is ultimately about you and your partner, it’s important to consider the needs and comfort of your guests as well. Make sure to provide adequate seating, food, and drinks for everyone. If you have out-of-town guests, consider arranging accommodations and transportation to make their experience as enjoyable as possible.

Igreja Matriz de Almargem do Bispo, Church | Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Letting others control your guest list

Another mistake is allowing people to decide who should come to your wedding instead of making the decision yourself. Your wedding day should be about you and your partner. That includes choosing who you want to share it with. Letting others control your guest list can lead to inviting people you may not even know or care about, which can make your wedding day less enjoyable for you. Remember, it’s okay to politely decline suggestions and stick to your vision for your special day.

Booking vendors without research

Your vendors play a crucial role in bringing your wedding vision to life, so it’s essential to choose them wisely. Before you book anyone, do your homework! Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and meet with potential vendors to ensure they’re the right fit for your big day.

Choosing vendors based only on their pricing

One big mistake people make when planning their wedding is choosing vendors only because they offer the lowest price. It might seem like a good idea to save money, but it can lead to problems later on. When you only focus on price, you might end up with vendors who don’t provide good quality services or are not reliable. For example, a cheap photographer might not take good pictures, a low-cost caterer might not serve tasty food, or they could cancel at the last minute or not show up on time. Imagine the stress and disappointment on your big day if things don’t go as planned!

Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Waiting too long to book vendors

Waiting until the last minute to book your vendors can result in limited options and higher prices. So, it’s best to start looking and reaching out to vendors as soon as possible to secure your preferred choices. This includes vendors such as the caterer, photographer, florist, and entertainment. Booking early not only ensures you get the vendors you want but also gives you time to negotiate contracts and make any necessary adjustments.

Forgetting to provide meals to your vendors

One big mistake you don’t want to make is forgetting to feed your vendors. Your vendors, like the photographer and the DJ, work hard to make your wedding day perfect. They’re on their feet for hours, making sure everything runs smoothly. So, it’s important to provide them with meals during the event. This ensures they have the energy to do their best work and stay focused. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in how smoothly your wedding day goes.

Overlooking vendor communication

Effective communication with your vendors is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly on your wedding day. Make sure to provide clear instructions, timelines, and contact information to all vendors, and confirm details in writing. Keep checking in with them to address any questions or concerns and avoid last-minute surprises.

Quinta Pinhal das Confreirias, Venue | Almargem do Bispo, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Not hiring a videographer

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not hiring a videographer. They capture all the special moments of your big day on video. Without a videographer, you might miss out on these moments of your big day. Videos can capture the emotions, the laughter, and the tears. Having a video of your wedding allows you to share the experience with loved ones who couldn’t make it. And it also gives you something to look back on for years to come. So, don’t make the mistake of not hiring a videographer for your wedding. It’s an investment in memories that you’ll love forever.

Underestimating the importance of contracts

Speaking of contracts, never underestimate their importance when working with wedding vendors. Contracts lay out all the details about what services the vendor will provide, when you need to pay, and what happens if you need to cancel, providing both parties with legal protection. Before you sign anything, make sure you read the contract carefully and understand everything in it, so you know what to expect.

Not having a plan B for outdoor weddings

While you can’t control the weather, you can prepare for it. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your wedding day will be sunny and clear. Always have a backup plan in case of bad weather, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception. Whether it’s renting a tent or securing an indoor venue as a backup, having a plan B will give you peace of mind on your big day.

Quinta do Careto, Venue | Beja, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Overlooking the importance of time management

It’s really important to manage your time well when planning a wedding. There are a lot of things to do within a specific timeframe, such as sending out save-the-dates and deciding where everyone will sit. You should make a detailed plan of when each task needs to be done and try your best to stick to it. Consider using a wedding planning checklist or hiring a wedding planner to help keep you organised and on track.

Forgetting to delegate tasks

Planning a wedding is a big job. Trying to do it all yourself is a recipe for stress and burnout. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to friends, family members, or hired professionals. Whether it’s DIY projects, researching vendors, or coordinating logistics, sharing the workload will make it easier for you and make sure everything gets done right.

Delaying important decisions

Waiting until the last minute to make important decisions can lead to stress and rushed choices. Whether it’s selecting a venue, choosing a photographer, or finalising the guest list, deal with key tasks early in the planning process to avoid unnecessary pressure closer to the wedding date.

Quinta A Lendária | Barreiro, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Presuming DIY will be more cost-effective 

One common mistake that people make is assuming that doing things themselves (DIY) will be cheaper. While it might seem like a good idea to make your own decorations or handle certain tasks without hiring professionals, it can actually end up costing you more in the long run. DIY projects often require materials and tools that you may not already have, and mistakes can be costly to fix.

Plus, your time is valuable too, so don’t forget to factor that in when deciding whether to DIY or hire help for your wedding. It’s essential to carefully consider whether doing something yourself will really save money in the long run.

Not communicating with your partner

It’s essential to communicate openly and regularly with your partner when planning your wedding. You both need to share your thoughts and make decisions together, otherwise, things can get confusing and problematic. Keeping the lines of communication open will help ensure a smooth planning process and a happy relationship.

Forgetting to plan for transportation

Forgetting to plan transportation until the last minute, can cause delays and confusion on the wedding day. Whether you’re arranging transportation for guests, the wedding party, or yourselves, make sure to plan ahead and confirm reservations well in advance.

Quinta Cascata dos Sonhos, Venue | Almargem do Bispo, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Ignoring dietary restrictions

With an increasing number of guests having dietary restrictions or preferences, it’s essential to consider these when planning your menu. Discuss with your caterer about it, so they can make sure there are options for everyone, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options. This way, all your guests can enjoy the food without worrying.

Leaving the legalities to the last minute

When planning a wedding, it’s crucial to steer clear of certain mistakes that can cause unnecessary stress and headaches. One big mistake is leaving the legal stuff until the very end. Legalities include things like obtaining a marriage license, ensuring all necessary documents are in order, and understanding any legal requirements for your ceremony. Ignoring these tasks until the last minute can lead to delays, confusion, and even the possibility of not being legally married on your big day. So, make sure to prioritise the legalities early on in your wedding planning journey to avoid any unwanted surprises later.

Getting caught up in perfection

It’s easy to want everything to be perfect for your wedding, but trying too hard for perfection can make you feel stressed and disappointed. Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love, not trying to make it look like something from Pinterest. Embrace the little imperfections and unexpected surprises, as they often make the best memories.

Quinta A Lendária | Barreiro, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Trying to please everyone

It’s natural to want your wedding day to be perfect, but trying to please everyone can lead to stress and disappointment. Remember that it’s your day, and ultimately, the most important thing is that you and your partner are happy with how it turns out. Don’t be afraid to make decisions that reflect your personalities and priorities, even if they aren’t traditional or expected.

Forgetting self-care

Don’t forget to take care of yourself during wedding planning. It can be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting, so make sure to focus on self-care. Make time for regular exercise, healthy meals, and relaxation activities to reduce stress and keep you feeling your best before the big day.

Fernāo Ferro, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

In conclusion, planning a wedding is a significant task that needs lots of thinking and paying close attention to details. By avoiding these common mistakes and staying organised, you can ensure that your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. Remember to focus on what truly matters – your love for each other – and enjoy every moment of the journey. Happy planning!

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Pedro Cruz

Wedding photographer and videographer from Lisbon, Portugal. Here is Pedro Cruz's short bio.

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