Wedding planning can be a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and sheer panic. With all the pressure and expectations that come with tying the knot, it’s easy for couples to make mistakes when it comes to timing. From underestimating how long things take to not giving themselves enough breathing room, there are plenty of pitfalls that can derail even the most well-intentioned wedding plans. In this blog, we’ll explore the seven timing mistakes all couples make while wedding planning and how to avoid them, so you can enjoy the big day stress-free. Whether you’re a seasoned wedding planner or a first-timer, these tips are sure to come in handy as you embark on one of the most important journeys of your life.

1. Reaching Out to Vendors Too Early

Reaching out to vendors too early is a common mistake made by couples during their wedding planning process. It’s important to wait until you’re officially engaged before making inquiries and hiring vendors. It’s also important to consult with your wedding planner before making any major wedding decisions like securing a venue or hiring a florist. This will help ensure that you’re not duplicating efforts and spending unnecessary money. Good vendors book up fast, so it’s important to avoid procrastination and book them in advance. [1][2]

2. Depositing Without Consulting Your Planner

One of the timing mistakes that couples make while wedding planning is depositing without consulting their planner first. This can put a damper on the planning experience as it can lead to stress, disappointment, and overworking. It is essential to work with a trusted team and look for red flags in the beginning to avoid this mistake. Couples should listen to their gut and let their planner guide them in the right direction. [3][4]

3. Procrastinating on Booking Key Vendors

One of the most common timing mistakes made by couples during wedding planning is procrastinating on booking key vendors, such as photographers, bands, videographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and coordinators. Waiting until the last minute to decide and book these vendors can have a significant impact on the wedding ceremony, particularly during high wedding seasons. Couples are advised to book key vendors in advance to avoid any disappointments or last-minute conflicts. [5][6]

4. Booking a Videographer at the Last Minute

Booking a videographer at the last minute is a common wedding planning mistake that couples make. Brides may initially view videography as optional, only to realize later that it is a must-have. Not having a videographer is often the number one regret of brides. Rachel Jo Silver, Founder of Love Stories TV, advises couples not to delay booking a wedding videographer. [7][8]

5. Sending Destination Wedding Invitations Too Late

Destination wedding planner Sandy Malone warns that sending out invitations too late is a common mistake that couples make. Because everybody has to travel to get to a destination wedding, it is best to send out save-the-dates and travel information as far out as 18 months prior to the big day. Formal invitations can be mailed at the one-year-out mark and should still have an RSVP date of eight weeks from the date they are mailed. Malone advises against delaying sending out invitations to avoid difficulty in planning and budgeting for all the events at the wedding destination. [9][10]

6. Not Securing Hotel Blocks Early On

Couples often make the mistake of not securing hotel blocks early on when planning their wedding, according to wedding planner Marilisa Schachinger. Failing to book accommodations in advance can lead to trouble if a city is booking up fast, particularly if your wedding falls during a large conference or popular sporting event. Schachinger suggests locking in reservations at two to three hotels as soon as a wedding date and venue are confirmed, allowing guests time to secure lodging and choose from plenty of options. [11][12]

7. Focusing Too Much on Small Details First

One common mistake that couples make is focusing too much on the small details from the beginning of the planning process without resolving the bigger, more important elements first. This can lead to valuable time being wasted on the smaller details like decor and favors, while essential tasks like securing a wedding venue and booking key vendors are left to the last minute. It’s important to prioritize tasks based on their level of importance to ensure a smooth and stress-free planning process. [13][14]

8. Not Creating a Floor Plan Before Designing

One of the biggest mistakes couples make when planning their wedding is not creating a floor plan before starting the designing process. Rushing into hiring vendors or choosing guest counts without mapping out the space and the design elements can lead to problems later on. It’s important to consider the maximum occupancy and to plan the dance floor and lounge areas in the space. Don’t forget to create a floor plan before starting the design process to ensure a flawless wedding day. [15][16]

9. Not Asking About Shuttle Usage in RSVPs

Couples often forget to ask guests about shuttle usage on their RSVP cards, which can lead to transportation problems on the wedding day. It is important to know how many guests will be taking the shuttle from the hotel to the wedding venue so that there are no issues with logistics. It’s a simple question to include on the RSVP card that can make a big difference in the success of the wedding day. [17][18]

10. Assuming Guests Will Attend an After Party.

Assuming guests will attend an after party can be a big mistake during wedding planning. Even though it may seem like a great idea to extend the celebration, not all guests may be up to it. Some attendees may have traveled long distances to attend the wedding, have work the next day, or simply not be interested in staying out late. It’s important to keep this in mind when planning the logistics of the wedding day and any additional events.