11 Common Wedding Planning Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Planning a wedding is exciting, but it’s easy to make mistakes…sometimes without even realizing it.
As a wedding photographer with over 500 weddings under my belt (and plenty of planning experience), I’ve seen it all. The good news? Most mistakes are totally avoidable if you know what to watch out for.
Below, I’m sharing 11 common wedding planning mistakes that couples make and more importantly…how to fix them.
Whether you’re just getting started or finalizing details, this list will help you avoid stress and keep your wedding day running smoothly.
1. Following Bad Internet Advice
The Mistake
Scrolling TikTok or Instagram for wedding advice and using it as your main planning guide.
Why It Matters
What works for one couple may not work for you. Many of these tips aren’t realistic, practical, or suited to your specific wedding style, budget, or timeline.
The Fix
Start with a solid planning framework, like a detailed wedding checklist (of things you want for your wedding) or advice from a trusted vendor.
These give you a clear structure and help you filter online ideas. Inspiration is great, but having a plan ensures you’re not making decisions that will backfire later.
2. Overlooking the Importance of a Rain Plan
The Mistake
Planning an outdoor wedding without a solid backup plan.
Why It Matters
Weather is unpredictable, and even a light drizzle can ruin the ceremony, make guests uncomfortable, and create a logistical nightmare.
The Fix
Always prepare for the worst. Rent a tent, choose a venue with indoor options, or have umbrellas ready for guests. A little planning now will save you from scrambling on your wedding day if the skies open up.
3. Not Having a Wedding Plan
The Mistake
Jumping into wedding planning without a checklist or budget to guide you.
Why It Matters
Without a plan, it’s easy to lose track of what needs to be done, overspend on things you don’t need, or miss important deadlines.
The Fix
Start with a planning checklist to stay organized and on track. You can download a free checklist (like this one) or invest in a budget-friendly printable planner (like this one) that can keep you organized from start to finish.
Having a roadmap makes everything less overwhelming and helps you stick to your plan and budget.
4. Bright Lights on the Dance Floor
The Mistake
Keeping the dance floor brightly lit all night.
Why It Matters
Most people don’t want to feel like they’re on stage while they dance. Bright lights can make guests self-conscious, and that usually means an empty dance floor.
The Fix
Lower the lights for a more inviting vibe. Dimmable or ambient lighting is perfect for creating a fun atmosphere where guests feel comfortable letting loose.
Pro Tip
Let your photographer and videographer know in advance that you’ll be lowering the lights and when it will happen. This helps them prepare for the changing conditions and adjust their settings to capture the best possible photos and videos. As a photographer, I never mind when the lights are dimmed…it creates a great atmosphere…but giving us a heads-up ensures we’re ready to deliver amazing results.
5. Forgetting to Confirm Vendor Arrival Times
The Mistake
Assuming your vendors know exactly when to arrive without confirming the details.
Why It Matters
Miscommunication can cause delays, disrupt the timeline, and add unnecessary stress on your wedding day.
The Fix
Reach out to all your vendors about a week before the wedding to confirm their arrival times. Double-check that everyone is on the same page with the schedule so things run smoothly. A quick email or call can save a lot of last-minute headaches.
6. Poorly Placing the Photo Booth
The Mistake
Setting up the photo booth in a spot that’s hard for guests to find.
Why It Matters
If it’s hidden away, people might forget to use it entirely. There is a venue near me that puts the photo booth in a barn loft. I can confirm the photo booths at that venue are barley used unless the booth owner goes down and begs people to come up all night.
The Fix
Choose a location that’s easy to access. A corner near the reception area works great…it’s visible without being intrusive. This encourages guests to have fun without distracting from other parts of the event.
Pro Tip
As a photographer who also provides photo booths, I’ve noticed that placing the booth between the dance floor and the bar is a game-changer.
It becomes part of the natural flow of the evening, and guests are more likely to stop by throughout the night since it’s right in their path. This placement keeps the booth busy without feeling out of the way or disruptive.
7. Ignoring Setup Logistics
The Mistake
Leaving stickers on decor items, skipping a test run for your centerpieces, or not organizing decor in advance.
Why It Matters
When setup takes longer than expected, it can throw off your timeline and add unnecessary stress. Unprepared decor can lead to last-minute scrambling and setups that don’t look how you envisioned.
The Fix
Plan ahead! Start by removing all labels and stickers from candles, vases, and other decor items well before the wedding day. These small details take longer than you think and are easy to overlook.
I also recommend doing a complete test setup of your tables. Arrange everything exactly how you imagine it on the big day…linens, centerpieces, candles, table numbers, everything. Once it looks perfect, take photos of the setup from different angles.
Then, organize your decor into labeled tubs or boxes, and include printed photos of the table setup inside. Whoever is in charge of decorating can easily unpack and replicate your vision without needing to guess or ask questions.
This system saves time, eliminates confusion, and ensures your tables look exactly how you’ve planned.
A little extra effort ahead of time makes setup smoother, faster, and stress-free!
8. Skipping a Wedding Day Emergency Kit
The Mistake
Not having a wedding day emergency kit ready to handle small hiccups.
Why It Matters
Minor issues like wardrobe malfunctions, headaches, or stains can feel much bigger on your wedding day if you don’t have a quick fix. These little things will come up…it’s just a fact.
The Fix
Pack an emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, pain relievers, stain remover, scissors, and snacks. As a photographer, I always carry a small kit with these basics, and it’s saved the day more times than I can count. But since I’m not the photographer at every wedding, it’s best to prepare your own kit.
***For a full list of must-have items and recommendations, check out my blog post: Wedding Day Emergency Kit Essentials. Trust me, this small step can make a big difference in keeping your day stress-free!
9. Ignoring the Timeline for Setup and Breakdown
The Mistake
Underestimating how long it takes to set up and break down your wedding decor.
Why It Matters
Tight schedules can leave you or your vendors scrambling on the big day, which adds unnecessary stress and delays. And at the end of the night, the last thing you want is chaos because there’s no plan for cleanup or packing up personal items.
The Fix
Build in extra time for both setup and breakdown. Assign specific tasks to helpers or hire professionals to handle it for you.
A big part of this is having a clear plan for the end of the night. Decide what needs to be removed, who’s responsible for it, when it will happen, and where everything will go. Don’t forget to include items from the bridal suite or other areas.
Having a detailed “what, who, when, where, and how” plan ensures a smooth wrap-up to your amazing day…no stress, just memories to take home.
10. Booking Vendors Without Reading Reviews
The Mistake
Hiring vendors based solely on price or availability without digging into their reputation.
Why It Matters
A vendor with poor reviews can bring unnecessary stress and complications to your wedding day. While some vendors are amazing, others might look good on paper but fall short when it really matters.
The Fix
Start by reading reviews…but don’t just rely only on WeddingWire or The Knot. Vendors who pay for those platforms can sometimes have negative reviews removed, which means you’re only seeing the positives. That doesn’t give you the full picture.
Instead, here’s what I recommend:
- Check Instagram: Look up the vendor and tap on the “tagged” section of their profile. This shows posts from regular people and other vendors who have tagged them in wedding photos.
- DM for Opinions: Spend 15-30 minutes sending short DMs to a few people who’ve worked with the vendor. Ask for their honest experience. Couples can share what it was like to hire them, and other vendors can give insight into how they are to work with.
- Look for Patterns: For example, you might learn that a photographer you love takes stunning photos but has poor communication or delivers galleries late.
People tend to be honest in private messages, so these DMs can give you a much clearer view of the vendor’s strengths and weaknesses. Taking the time to research now can save you major headaches later.
11. Overloading Your Reception Timeline
The Mistake
Cramming too many events…like toasts, dances, and games…into your reception schedule.
Why It Matters
A packed timeline can feel rushed and overwhelming, leaving guests with little time to relax, mingle, or enjoy the dance floor.
The Fix
Keep it simple and prioritize the key moments that matter most to you. To avoid interruptions, I recommend front-loading all the major events, like your first dance, toasts, and cake cutting. Once those are done, dedicate the last two hours to dancing.
Straight dancing keeps the energy high, and you can mix in a couple of slow songs to give guests a chance to take a break, head to the bar, or use the restroom. This structure creates a fun and memorable flow without making the night feel rushed.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding comes with a lot of moving parts, but avoiding these common mistakes can make the process smoother and your wedding day more enjoyable.
If you like these tips and found them helpful…let me know…I have enough tips and advice to make many more of these posts.
Happy planning!
More Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas
Here are a few more blog posts that you might find helpful when planning your wedding:
