Wedding planning is no easy feat. I don’t know anyone who can honestly say they had zero hiccups while planning. It happens – more often than you might think. There are common problems with wedding planning, but there are ways to combat these issues and have a successful, stress-free wedding. In this blog post, we’ll share the 9 biggest disasters to avoid while wedding planning with practical solutions to bring your dream wedding to life.
Let’s get started!
You can jump ahead to a section:
► Budget Woes
► Venue
► Guest List
► Vendors
► Bridal Party
► Details
► Dress Woes
► Family Dynamics
► Last Minute Mishaps
First, let’s talk about a hot topic: the budget. No one wants to talk about the elephant in the room (hello, totally expensive day!) but it’s worth tackling.
Budgeting Woes
Budgeting issues from overspending, contribution expectations from family, underestimating costs, and unrealistic goals can cause immense issues while planning your wedding. The best advice? Set a realistic budget and stick to it.
Plan and Track Your Budget
1. Use this wedding budget estimator to figure out what most things will cost, on average.
2. Get this spreadsheet and plug in your costs as you go to monitor your budget.
It’ll keep you on track – with less surprises along the way.
Other ways to save: shop discounts and deals from wedding vendors, utilize promo codes at checkout when buying online, score deals on wedding invitations (and extras), and combine shipping on bulk items to save money.
► READ: 100 Greatest Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding for cost-saving tips.
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Next, let’s tackle issues that come up regarding venue selection.
Venue Selection and Availability
Picking your venue comes with its own list of issues, since not every place will fit your budget, your aesthetic, your guest list, and (dun dun dun) – the date. Sometimes, you have to compromise a bit in order to find the perfect venue that will work for you. Here are ways to do it.
Venue Booking Tips:
• OFF-SEASON Plan an off-season wedding. You’ll have more availability in your favor
• Unique Venue Select a non-wedding venue: it may be more work to bring your vision to life, but you may spend less and be able to pick more dates on the calendar.
• Get Married on a Weekday Try a weekday wedding: get married on a weekday and enjoy cost-savings, availability in the venue space and vendors, and guests have an excuse for a day off of work. :)
• Ask the Right Questions Make sure you get all the proper questions asked BEFORE you book. Read: 30 Questions You *Need* to Ask Your Wedding Venue.
These alternative options aren’t always easy, but sometimes it’s necessary when you’re trying to book a certain venue in your area, or stay on budget.
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Ah, the Guest List. It can be drama-filled, but here are some suggestions to help.
Guest List Drama
The guest list packs a serious punch in the stress department. Challenges you’re likely to face involve dealing with family dynamics, conflicts, and narrowing down the guest list without hurting feelings. The best way to combat this is using these tips.
• Make a Guest List ASAP Create a guest list early with your partner. Use this flow chart to help. Discuss what size wedding you envision, how many family members on each side you have, and figure out how many friends or colleagues you’ll include in the celebration.
• Numbers Be very specific and practical when it comes to guest list numbers. How much can you realistically spend at your wedding? Each guest adds to this number, so it’s important to keep your list manageable.
• Guest List Management Strategize and manage your guest list and create multiple tiers (an A and B list)
• RSVP Establish a strict RSVP deadline so you can fill in guests from the B list without it being obvious
• Decide if you’re going to invite a plus-one – or not
• Be specific on whether kids are invited – or not
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Booking vendors can get tricky. Let’s discuss it next.
Unreliable Vendors
There can be issues finding reliable and affordable vendors, communicating your expectations, and coordinating schedules. Here are some tips to help when handling wedding vendors.
• Research Do your research! Read reviews on wedding vendors before you book them.
• Before You Sign Read the fine print. Make sure you read, re-read, and ask any questions before you sign vendor contracts.
• Do a Trial Run For some vendors, you can work with them prior to the big day to make sure it’s a good fit for both of you. For instance, photography. It can be helpful to meet with the photographer first and do a “trial run” before the wedding and purchasing an engagement photo session. You’ll get to experience their shooting style first-hand, get photos taken, and see the quality BEFORE you sign off on a full wedding package. This is also helpful to do with your hair and makeup stylist(s). Schedule a trial run of hairstyle and makeup months prior to the wedding to make sure it’s exactly what you expect.
• Create a Master List When you do book vendors, place their contact information including phone number, email address, and website in a file on your phone that is easy to access. You never know when you’ll need to reach out to them, and having their contact info readily available is helpful to have.
• Wedding Timeline Hire a wedding coordinator to create a wedding timeline for you. (I offer them here!) and use it to plan out the details of your entire wedding day from start to finish. Moreover, you’ll be able to send the timelines to specific vendors the week of the wedding so everyone’s on the same page.
• Organize Stay organized! When you receive vendor correspondence, keep it in an email folder that is separate from your daily inbox. Save print-outs and contracts in a file folder or keep it in your wedding planning binder. I highly recommend getting this binder and organizer – it’s so helpful to have!
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A bridal party isn’t always sunshine and flowers! Here are tips for handling bridal party issues.
Bridal Party Problems
Choosing the right bridal party attendants is a huge decision. Who you ask to be in your wedding party is just as important as who you DON’T ask. Here are some common issues that can arise – and how to avoid them.
• Picking the Right Bridesmaids Read: Here’s How to Pick Bridesmaids — and Who NOT To Ask for strategies on making sure you choose the best bridesmaids (and Maid of Honor) for the role.
• Unclear Expectations One of the biggest problems with wedding planning has to do with expectations from family members or bridal party attendants. Be sure bridesmaids know what they are expected to do, what bridesmaids are expected to pay for, and make sure you’re showing gratitude to your bridesmaids with these tips.
• Communication Keep communication open and communicate effectively if difficult situations arise. Show your appreciation for bridesmaids’ support, and don’t expect them to focus solely on your wedding for the next many months. They have lives, too!
• Decide on Attire Together One of the major disagreements has to do with bridesmaid dresses. Ask their opinions what they like and don’t like. Consider mismatching bridesmaid dresses or letting them pick their favorite dress in a particular color.
• Keep Costs Down Weddings are expensive for all involved – bridesmaids, too! There’s a financial commitment and time commitment, so try to keep both to a minimum. Select affordable bridesmaid dresses, have bridesmaids wear any dress shoes they like best, and avoid requiring them to buy any “extras” they don’t really need.
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Sometimes, the drama is in the details. Let’s discuss it.
All The Details
Oh, wedding details can get out of hand! If you’re getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the details, you’re not alone. Many couples struggle with tasks like creating a timeline, choosing decorations, organizing transportation, booking hotels, making a wedding website, and ordering invitations on time. But don’t worry – here is some guidance to help.
• Delegate Delegate, delegate, delegate! With proper delegation to someone who can assist, you’ll have less on your plate and more time to focus on the details that matter to you most. Make sure you’re not doing it all by yourself; delegating tasks is crucial. Have your partner be in charge of wedding planning tasks they are particularly excited about. Ask your mom to handle anything related to flowers, or cake, or help you decide on an invitation suite.
• Get Expert Advice Invitations can be a tricky topic for some, and if you’re having trouble where to start you can use Wedding Concierge. It’s a free service where you do a video consultation with an invitation expert at Minted, who can help guide you as you select your style. It’s a great way to learn about invites and get started. Try it here.
• Wedding Website Learn the ins and outs of making your wedding website. It’s easy!
• Avoid Trends You Don’t Like Don’t feel pressure to fall into the wedding trend trap. If you don’t like a certain trend, don’t feel obligated to include it in your wedding. Always remember to prioritize what YOU like and create the wedding vision that excites you!
• Rent Rather Than Buy Many items can feel overwhelming, simply due to the sheer number of them. Buying so many decorations can feel like a big task, so do what many couples do: rent them instead. You can rent wedding arches and lighting (and more). Rent your wedding flowers here. Rent your suit or tux. It’s so much easier than purchasing new (and less wasteful).
• Prioritize Keep track of important details and prioritize what is most meaningful to you. Don’t get lost in the details. And remember THIS important wedding tip. :)
Click to play video below.
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Picking out the dress isn’t always easy. Let’s discuss dress drama.
Dress Drama
There is so much pressure on one article of clothing alone! Frustrations with finding the perfect wedding dress, handling the cost and time associated with alterations, costs of wedding day accessories, and even opinions from others can cause unnecessary drama. But don’t let it get you down. Here are some helpful suggestions to avoid problems with wedding planning when it comes to your bridal gown.
• Research Do some research before you go shopping to get an idea of what style(s) you like. Read: 30 Best Wedding Dresses on Etsy for some suggestions.
• Who Gets To Come to Dress Shopping You don’t have to invite everyone to come dress shopping if it’s going to stress you out. Read: Who Does The Bride Take Dress Shopping?
• Managing Expectations Know your budget early on related to your bridal gown. This will help immensely to guide your expectations while finding the right dress.
• Invest in Solid Shapewear Everyone can benefit from shapewear, simply for creating a nice, seamless silhouette under your dress. This is my go-to and I highly recommend it for everyone. I also recommend this adhesive bra for trying on wedding dresses – and for the big day itself. It’s perfect for any type of neckline.
• Listen To – But Feel Free to Ignore Opinions It’s harder said than done, but avoid listening to opinions related to your wedding dress. It’s YOUR wedding. If you like a dress, go for it! You’re the bride.
• Don’t Forget to Include Alteration Costs Alterations can be expensive! Make sure you have a realistic budget set for the wedding dress and its accessories, which may include a bustle, train, sleeves, alterations, proper undergarments, shoes, a veil, and a bridal purse.
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Next, let’s talk about some drama that comes into play with family dynamics.
Family Dynamics
It can be challenging when family doesn’t get along during wedding planning, or dealing with unique dynamics in the family. From divorced parents to family politics, cultural differences and expectations, it can take the fun out of planning such a memorable day. But here are some tips to help.
• Communication I know, it sounds easier than it really is, but communicating effectively when or if an issue arises is the best way to solve it.
• Setting Boundaries Set boundaries with particular family members to create a more peaceful wedding atmosphere.
• Consider Opinions Many family members may have strong opinions on the big and the small things, from what kind of ceremony you plan to the centerpieces you pick for the tables. But remember, an opinion is just an opinion. Everyone has one! Don’t let the opinions steer you away from the truth: you know the type of wedding you and your partner want to have. Make sure everything goes according to your vision. Listen – and don’t immediately react. Remember, it’s an opinion and just that.
• Take Breaks Don’t spend all of your waking hours planning your wedding. Take breaks. Go out on dates with your partner. Keep livin’ your awesome life! If you spend all of your time on tasks and to-do’s, you’ll lose sight of the magic of it all. Prepare for your marriage – that’s the important thing.
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Last but not least, let’s make sure things move smoothly for you and avoid some common last minute mishaps.
Last Minute Mishaps
Unexpected problems can arise as you get closer to the wedding day, but that doesn’t mean it has to ruin your best laid plans. Weather concerns, family emergencies, travel issues, vendor cancellations, and other problems can feel like a major deal – but remember staying calm is key. Here are some tips for handling wedding day mishaps.
• Hire a Day-of Coordinator Make sure your wedding day goes off without a hitch! Hire a day-of coordinator to keep your schedule going smoothly – and fix any last-minute mishaps that arise. Your wedding coordinator will also create a detailed timeline that everyone can follow. I’m a professional day-of and full-service planner, so let me know how I can help. I also offer virtual consultation to plan your big day – and create an amazing timeline you’ll be happy to have. I’m here for you! :)
• Backup Plan In case of poor weather, make sure any outdoor wedding ceremony or reception has a backup plan: a place to go in case of inclement weather. You never know – and it’s best to have a plan in place, just in case.
• Vendor Cancellations These things happen, but try to keep calm and look at your options. When a vendor cancels, look into the contract to see what money can be recouped. Look online to find last minute vendors in your area, and ask family and friends for recommendations. You can do it! Keep your chin up.
• Wedding Website Keep guests apprised of any last minute changes to the wedding plans by maintaining an updated wedding website. You can get one free here. The earlier you make a wedding website, the better: guests will keep it bookmarked and will be sure to visit leading up to the big day. And make sure you give it a catchy name like this, so guests won’t forget it.
And there you have it! These are the biggest problems that arise with wedding planning, but these helpful solutions can keep the issues at bay! Be being prepared for these common issues, you’ll be more able to adapt and maintain a positive mindset, which will help immensely throughout the planning process. I hope you can avoid most of these potentials pitfalls, and if you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comment box below.
You’ve got this! It’s going to be a successful and memorable wedding day. I just know it. :)
Chat soon-
xo
Emma
