Sorry Not Sorry: The Most Overlooked Wedding Planning Mistakes

Wedding planning is a whirlwind of decisions, details, and Pinterest rabbit holes. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way. The thing is, some of the most common mistakes aren’t the obvious ones—they’re the sneaky, often-overlooked ones that can quietly derail your day.

But don’t worry—I’m here to call them out, unapologetically, so you can dodge them like the pro you’re about to become. Let’s dive into the most overlooked wedding planning mistakes and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

Morgan Leigh Photography

Mistake 1: Skipping a Backup Plan

You’ve dreamed of an outdoor ceremony under sunny skies, but what if it rains? Or gets too windy? Or, heaven forbid, it’s unbearably hot?

Not having a backup plan is a big gamble, and let’s be real—it’s one you don’t need to take. Whether it’s an indoor alternative, a tent rental on standby, or portable heaters for a chilly night, having a Plan B will save the day (and your nerves).

How to Avoid It: Talk to your venue and planner early about contingency options. The best backup plans are ones that you’re totally comfortable using if needed.

Mistake 2: Letting the Timeline Fall Apart

Your timeline is the backbone of your wedding day. Without one—or with one that’s too packed or poorly planned—you risk running behind schedule, missing key moments, or feeling unnecessarily stressed.

How to Avoid It: Build a realistic timeline with your planner, factoring in buffer time for delays, travel between locations, and those “just one more photo” moments. A well-paced timeline makes the day flow seamlessly.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the Hidden Costs

You’ve budgeted for the big-ticket items, but what about the little things? Taxes, gratuities, vendor meals, delivery fees, and overtime charges can sneak up on you and blow your budget.

How to Avoid It: Ask vendors for a detailed breakdown of costs upfront, and always budget a cushion for unexpected expenses (pro tip: 10-15% is a good start). Transparency is key.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Prioritize Guest Comfort

Your guests are there to celebrate you, but let’s not forget their experience. Long lines, unclear directions, and uncomfortable seating can take away from their enjoyment.

How to Avoid It: Think through the guest experience from start to finish. Is there enough shade or warmth? Are there clear signs to guide them? Are the chairs comfy enough for an hour-long ceremony? Happy guests = an even happier celebration.

Mistake 5: Overloading the DIY List

DIY projects can add a personal touch, but taking on too many can lead to unnecessary stress and late nights gluing name cards or crafting table numbers.

How to Avoid It: Be realistic about what you can handle. Choose one or two meaningful projects, and leave the rest to the pros. Your time is valuable, and trust me, no one will know if you didn’t hand-stamp every favor bag.

Mistake 6: Forgetting to Eat and Hydrate

It sounds silly, but it’s one of the most common wedding day mistakes. With all the excitement and energy, it’s easy to forget to eat or drink enough water, leaving you feeling lightheaded or hangry (and no one wants that).

How to Avoid It: Schedule time to eat throughout the day—yes, schedule it. Have snacks on hand and ask your planner or a trusted friend to make sure you’re staying hydrated.

Mistake 7: Losing Focus on What MattersIn the middle of all the planning, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of the big picture.

How to Avoid It: Whenever things start to feel overwhelming, take a step back and remember what this day is really about: celebrating your love with the people who mean the most to you. Perfection isn’t the goal—connection is.

Sorry Not Sorry, These Are Avoidable

Mistakes happen, but with a little planning and the right mindset, you can steer clear of these common pitfalls. Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful—it can actually be fun when you focus on what matters and lean on your team to help.

Let’s plan smart, stay organized, and keep the focus on what truly makes your day unforgettable: the love you’re celebrating and the memories you’re creating. One detail at a time, we’ve got this!