15 Wedding Planning Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs (From a Photographer Who's Seen It All!)
There's a lot to think about when planning a wedding, isn't there? You’re juggling about 47 different to-do lists, Pinterest boards coming out of your ears, and probably getting about 17 different (but well-meaning!) opinions from Aunt Susan and the rest of the family.
As a wedding photographer in Lancashire who's been lucky enough to witness countless beautiful days (and yes, the occasional full-on wedding wobble!), trust me: a little bit of savvy planning can go a long way to keeping you calm and smiling.
So, if you’re ready to dodge some of the most common (and totally avoidable!) wedding mistakes, pop the kettle on, get comfy, and let's dive into these absolute lifesavers.
1. Starting Without a Clear Budget
Weddings and budgets can go together like jam and scones — absolutely brilliant if you’re careful, but a right messy disaster if you're not! Jumping into planning without knowing your financial boundaries can lead to stress down the line.
Top Tip: Before you book anything, sit down together and set a realistic budget. And always, always leave a little "oops" fund – think 5-10% extra – for those unexpected costs that always seem to crop up!
2. Booking Suppliers Too Late
Good suppliers – like amazing photographers (ahem!), cracking florists, and those dream venues – get snapped up early. If you fall in love with someone's work, chances are other couples will too!
Top Tip: As soon as you’ve got your date secured, start locking down your absolute dream team of suppliers. Don't wait too long for the ones you genuinely adore. Find out more about securing your date with me right here.
3. Trying to Please Everyone
This is a biggie! If you try to make everyone happy – from your parents to Uncle Bob you’ve met 3 times– you’ll end up with a wedding that you don't even recognise as your own. This day is about the two of you, and that's it!
Top Tip: Remember: this is your day. Not your mum’s, not your best mate’s, and certainly not your second cousin twice removed’s. Make decisions that reflect your personalities and your relationship.
4. Ignoring the Weather
Outdoor wedding dreams are absolutely lovely — but a sudden thunderstorm here in the North West doesn't care about your Pinterest board. (It's basically a national sport for it to rain unexpectedly, isn't it?).
Top Tip: Always have a solid backup plan you're genuinely happy with, especially if you’re planning any outdoor elements. Don't worry, even a bit of drizzle can make for cracking photos if you're prepared!
5. Underestimating How Long Things Take
Spoiler alert: hair and makeup often takes longer than you think. So does getting 100 guests to sit down, or moving everyone from the ceremony to the reception. Time just flies on a wedding day!
Top Tip: Add more time to your timeline than you think you’ll need for every segment of the day. Future you, who's feeling relaxed and enjoying a cheeky glass of fizz, will absolutely thank you for it.
6. Skipping the Contracts
Verbal agreements? Nope. Absolutely not. Always, always get everything in writing. A contract protects both you and your suppliers, making everything clear and above board.
Top Tip: Protect yourselves and your investment by reading and signing contracts with all your suppliers — including your photographer (hey there 👋). [Link to your Booking Process or FAQs about contracts] My booking process is super straightforward, with everything in writing.
7. Micromanaging the Wedding Day
Once the day arrives, you've just got to trust your team and go with the flow. Trying to control every tiny detail on the day itself will only lead to stress and missing out on the good bits.
Top Tip: Hire suppliers you trust implicitly, then let them do what they do best. My aim is always to blend in and capture your day naturally, letting you forget I'm even there so you can truly enjoy it!
8. Not Having Prompt Sheets on the Day
Where does everyone sit at the ceremony? What group photos do you want? Print off some small prompt sheets for your groomsmen/bridesmaids/co-ordinator so that it’s clear, quick and right!
Top Tip: Check out my planning page for some quick (free downloads) to help!
9. Not Having a Rain Plan for Photos
We touched on this, but it's important for photos specifically! Some of the most atmospheric and genuinely British wedding photos happen in the rain – but you’ve got to be ready to embrace it!
Top Tip: Bring a few stylish, clear or coloured umbrellas, and if the heavens open, just embrace that classic British weather! A great photographer will know how to use it to your advantage. Check out mine!
10. Blowing the Budget on Just One Thing
That massive flower arch might be stunning, but if it means you can't afford a proper, experienced photographer, you might just live to regret it. Memories last longer than decorations.
Top Tip: Prioritise what really matters to you as a couple. Are stunning photos your top priority? Or is it the food? Decide where your money will bring you the most joy and lasting memories. Photos and feelings last way longer than table centrepieces! Here are my simple and clear prices and packages!
11. Letting Pinterest Dictate Everything
Pinterest is absolutely brilliant for ideas and inspiration... but it can quickly turn into a "wedding we think we should have" instead of the one that truly feels like you.
Top Tip: Use inspiration as a starting point, but always bring it back to what makes your relationship special and unique. Your wedding should reflect your story, not just the latest trend.
12. Not Communicating with Your Photographer
If you want a specific photo with your Nan, or a special heirloom included in your detail shots, or even if there’s a family dynamic I should be aware of, you must tell your photographer! We're not mind readers (yet!).
Top Tip: Don't be afraid to over-communicate with your photographer. Great communication means your wedding photos will hit you right in the feels every single time you look at them because they'll be exactly what you hoped for.
13. Overpacking the Day
Cramming in too many activities – too many formal photos, too many speeches, too many venue changes – can leave you feeling rushed, frazzled, and like you didn't get to properly enjoy anything.
Top Tip: Leave breathing space in your schedule. Schedule in moments for mingling, for a quick cuppa, for just being together. That way, you can actually savour and enjoy the day, rather than feeling like you're running a marathon.
14. DIY-ing Too Much
DIY touches can be absolutely fab and add a lovely personal touch — but if you’re not careful, they can turn into a full-time job (or worse, a full-time stress!) in the weeks leading up to the wedding.
Top Tip: Pick one or two DIY projects you genuinely enjoy doing, and that won't cause you undue stress. Leave the rest to the pros, or simply don't have them! Your time and sanity are precious.
15. Forgetting to Soak It All In
Honestly? This is the biggie. Your wedding day is a whirlwind. It will zoom by in a blur of happy faces, laughter, and hugs. Don’t spend it worrying about the napkins being the wrong shade of ivory, or if the band played that one song you almost forgot to request.
Top Tip: Take little moments throughout the day to stop, look around, and truly feel everything. Just the two of you, maybe during dinner, or a quick walk outside. This is the real good stuff, the memories you'll truly cherish. I'll be there to capture the feeling of those moments without you even noticing.
Your Wedding, Your Way
Look, there’s no such thing as a completely "perfect" wedding – and honestly, the little unexpected moments (and sometimes the "mistakes"!) often become the very best stories you'll tell later on. But by dodging these common planning wobbles, you'll be setting yourselves up for a day that’s less stressful, more joyful, and so much more you.
And when you’re ready to capture all the laughter, the happy tears, the dodgy dance moves, and those little glances no one else sees? I’ll be right there with my camera, ready to tell your story in the most beautiful, authentic, and you-do-you kind of way.
Planning a cracking wedding in Lancashire, the beautiful Lake District, or anywhere across the North West?
👉 Get in touch here and let's start chatting about your dream day!
