10 Wedding Planning Mistakes (Almost) Every Couple Makes—And How to Avoid Them
Written by Mandy Dorr, Founder of Mandy Marie Events
Planning a wedding is a rare, remarkable chapter—and it's often one of the most significant investments a couple will ever make. At Mandy Marie Events, we've had the honor of guiding hundreds of couples through celebrations that are anything but ordinary. Along the way, we've also witnessed the same handful of mistakes—decisions that, while common, can quietly unravel the guest experience, budget, and joy of planning.
Below, we share the most frequent wedding planning mistakes we see and honest, experience-driven ways to avoid them.
TL;DR:
This guide outlines the 10 most common wedding planning missteps—and how to avoid them—so your celebration feels as elevated and unmistakably yours as it deserves.
Below, we share the most frequent wedding planning mistakes we see and honest, experience-driven ways to avoid them.
Photo By: Katina Patriquin
1. Forgetting to Enjoy the Planning Process
We see this often: couples fall into the trap of treating their wedding like a never-ending to-do list. The irony? It's meant to be a celebration from the very beginning.
Avoid it by:
Taking intentional breaks (date nights > seating charts)
Choosing a planning partner who leads the process
Celebrating milestones along the way (venue booked = champagne)
Planning should feel like a series of exciting experiences—not a stress test.
2. Miscounting Your Guest List
Underestimating your RSVP rate. When you're an incredible couple hosting an even more incredible event, the RSVP rate will likely be higher—yes, despite your luxury destination wedding location.
Avoid it by:
Using a shared spreadsheet that tracks guest headcount from day one.
Make sure all family members have an opportunity to add and review before final signoff.
Plan on an 85%+ RSVP rate; reducing your headcount is much easier than adding to the rental orders or dinner reception at the last minute.
Working with your planner to model costs early and often
Photo By: Steph Kadlicko
3. Inviting Too Many People
Every guest adds cost—meals, rentals, floral, decor, paper, and more. While inviting everyone who's ever meant something to you is tempting, a guest list that is too large can force trade-offs that affect the entire wedding weekend.
Avoid it by:
Curating a guest list that reflects your present, not your past
Prioritizing quality over quantity
Thinking about guest experience at scale
Still having trouble? Take your wedding budget and divide it by your guest count. If you're planning a luxury or multi-day wedding weekend, you want to ensure you can account for $2500+ per guest.
For more helpful information, reference our blog on breaking down the average cost of a luxury wedding!
4. Letting Outside Opinions Derail Your Vision
From family members to social media, outside voices can quickly influence the way your wedding should look. But the most memorable events are the ones that reflect you and your partner.
Avoid it by:
Aligning early with your partner on vision and priorities
Being gracious but firm with well-meaning input
Choosing a planner and designer whom you can trust to guide you
Photo By: Mashaida Co.
5. Skipping a Videographer (and Regretting It)
Photos are essential—but there's something about hearing your vows (10, 20, and 30 years later), seeing your first dance, and listening to that unscripted toast that photos cannot entirely capture.
Avoid it by:
Booking a videographer early (many book out as fast as photographers)
Considering a short-form content creator if a full video feels overwhelming for you
Thinking about what moments you'll want to relive—years from now
6. Forgoing a Wedding Planner
Trying to plan a multi-day event without professional support is a quick way to overspend and become overwhelmed. Even highly capable couples can benefit from someone with a network of relationships who lives in the details.
Avoid it by:
Hiring a planner before you book a venue
Asking your planner where to invest (and where not to)
Trusting their process—especially when it comes to investment, logistics, staffing, and guest experience
Check out our post on what to expect from your luxury wedding planner!
Photo By: Mashaida Co.
7. Booking Vendors Before You Hire a Planner
Even if you plan to hire a planner, doing it after you've signed vendor contracts often leads to mismatched priorities and surprise expenses.
Avoid it by:
Bring on your planner first (or as early as possible)
Letting them guide you through contracts, fee structures, and timing
Leaning on their vendor relationships to get better value
8. Avoiding Trends Altogether
Some couples are so committed to having a "timeless" wedding that they ignore what they actually love, just because it's current. We love a timeless vision—but no wedding is truly immune to time. And that's okay. Your celebration should reflect exactly who you are in this season of life—fully, proudly, and unapologetically.
Avoid it by:
Embracing trends that align with your personal taste
Pairing of-the-moment ideas with classic, grounding details
Remembering that what's personal is what becomes iconic
Your celebration should reflect exactly who you are in this season of life
Photo By: Emily B.
9. Not Having a Weather Backup Plan
No matter how sunny the city selected is or how the historical forecast looks, the weather is one detail you can't control. If any part of your day is outdoors, a Plan B isn't optional—it's essential, and it must be detailed with all vendor partners early.
Avoid it by:
Confirming your backup plan/space when you book the venue
Making sure the Plan B feels just as intentional as Plan A
Consider reserving additional rental items, tenting, heaters, and any permitting paperwork in advance.
Having options for photos, guest flow, and vendor coverage
10. Skipping the First Look
Trust us, we didn't always feel this way. This one evolved for us over time with experience. While saving the reveal for the aisle is emotional and romantic, it adds unavoidable timeline stress and limits your time together on the actual day.
Avoid it by:
Considering a private first look (it is personal, great for your photo and video gallery, and saves time, while giving you more time together)
Taking portraits before the ceremony so that you can attend and enjoy the cocktail hour with guests whom you may not see otherwise
Making room for you time in a day that moves fast
Photo By: Emily B.
Final Thought
Navigating a few of these missteps is part of the process. But when you have a trusted team, a clear vision, and thoughtful guidance, you can avoid the biggest mistakes and focus on what matters most: celebrating your love, your way.
And at the end of the day, trust your gut. This is the one celebration that's entirely about the two of you. Do what feels right, what feels real, and what brings you joy. That's the only rule that truly matters.
Ready to start planning? We'd love to hear what you're dreaming up. Let's start the conversation.