From missed moments to clandestine Starbucks meetups, we talked to real brides who shared their biggest wedding planning mistakes and what they would do differently if they could turn back the clock.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Emily Blumberg Photography
“We planned and built our wedding from the ground up (ceremony and reception site included) which is probably our biggest “mishap”. If you’re able to afford the help, take it! It really isn’t that much more cost-effective to do it all yourself vs. hiring some help.” – Jessica married September 2016
“If you really want help, work with a wedding planner from the very beginning [so you know] they are invested in you and your day. It allows you more time with this person and their team to build a relationship.” – Dylan married September 2019
Ladies, we couldn’t agree more! For crafty brides, doing everything yourself seems to be the best way to get exactly what you want, until the day comes and you’re caught up trying to perfect the details instead of just enjoying yourself and the company of your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to hire some help!
Investing in a wedding planner or day-of coordinator is definitely worth it–as long as the two of you see eye to eye. It is important to meet with these vendors (and any other vendor you hire for your big day) ahead of time to make sure your personalities and aesthetics are compatible. A planner is there to help your day run smoothly not add extra stress to your already full plate. If you’ve already hired a planner or day-of coordinator and aren’t getting a good vibe, consider looking elsewhere. You will likely lose your deposit if you decide to go another route, but at least you’ll be happy with the outcome at the end of the day. You’re already spending a pretty penny on your wedding, you may as well make the most of it!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Carlie Statsky
“We wish we had invested in a better, more extensive videographer and that we had been more specific with them about what to capture. Sure, they captured the wedding itself, but there are things they missed, like our grandmas and all those important people in your life that are there for your special day.” – Alyssa married March 2012
“I would say my biggest wedding planning mishap was not testing the sound properly with our wedding videographers. A lot of our wedding video’s audio got distorted because we didn’t properly test out the microphones and camera equipment. I assumed the people we hired would have done so, but unbeknownst to us they didn’t, and it was really disappointing to know much of the dialogue from the ceremony was unable to be used.” – Jessica married September 2016
So true! For most couples, hiring an amazing photographer is the #1 item on their wedding budget (aside from the venue), but many couples forget to hire a videographer. Some photographers do video as well, but that is usually a different package with different pricing, so just make sure you mention that you are interested in video before requesting your quote.
We definitely suggest hiring a videographer for your big day! Check our our Little Black Book to see the best of the best in your region. To find the one that’s right for you, watch the videos on their website. Make note of the ones that you like and be specific with them about the moments that you want them to capture. It’s a good idea to make a “shot list” like this with your photographer as well.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY | Erin Wilson Photography
“I didn’t mock up every display/decor item for the day of the wedding. Since we were our own wedding planners, I had taken photos of our table layouts, table arrangements, and other decor items I mocked up since I wouldn’t be on location to help assist setting up the day of. I had completely forgotten to mock up the bride/bridesmaid’s floral bouquets and so my bouquets were missing most of the greenery I had ordered. I also didn’t think to mock up how the name cards should look, so they were another little item that didn’t end up how I had envisioned it.” – Jessica married September 2016
We feel you–weddings have so many elements and moving pieces, it’s so easy to forget something! Whether you’re planning it yourself or having someone do it for you, go over the day from start to finish and make a checklist of each moment and every element that goes into it. This can be tough to do on your own, so don’t hesitate to ask your fiancé(e) or someone in your bridal party to help you out!
For elements that you have a specific vision for, make sure to have mock-ups (or examples) of exactly how you want it to look. If you’re doing it yourself, it’s a good idea to try it out ahead of time to make sure you can execute your plan the way you want it–just like you should do a hair and makeup trial before the day-of.
While we all want our weddings to turn out exactly the way we envisioned, things happen that are outside of our control. It’s important to let these things slide and don’t let them interfere with your good time. Remember, you’re getting married (yay!), and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters!
PHOTOGRAPHER | Corina V. Photography
“My wedding planning mistake/suggestion would be – trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right know that you can always change course. The woman who did the alterations on my gown (at a very reputable place) sadly kept making mistakes. My wedding planner ended up having to sew part of the skirt to the bodice while I was getting ready! It still looked and felt beautiful, but the whole thing was so silly. I really should have known from the first fitting that I needed to find someone else for alterations. Brides are already spending so much money on their day, it should be absolutely the way that they want it.” -Sharon married July 2014
When you hire any wedding professional, you’re putting your trust in them to do the job and do it well–that’s why they’re the professional, right?! But sometimes, even experts (with great reviews) make mistakes. If something doesn’t feel right or your vendor is not answering your questions or addressing your concerns, don’t be afraid to switch course. While some vendors may be able to make a mistake and turn it around, sometimes, there’s just not time for that and there’s no harm in getting a second opinion.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Anya Kernes Photography
“When I bought my gown I was advised to order a size that seemed too big, but I trusted their judgment. When the gowns arrived my original suspicions were correct and they were too big! The seamstress told me that the gown couldn’t be altered properly without drastically changing the neckline because of the sleeves. It was now weeks before I left for my wedding and I was freaking out, to say the least.
I was sobbing with the seamstress in the dressing room. She was so kind and saw how upset I was. She told me that she had a friend who worked in manufacturing for this specific designer.
We met at a Starbucks and she told me that there was a gown in my size but it was meant for another bride. I hesitated because I just didn’t feel right taking another bride’s gown. The seamstress looked me dead in the eye and said, ‘They will make that bride a new one! You don’t have time!’ I took her advice and she had her friend swap the two gowns.
All-in-all, everything turned out fine in the end, but if it wasn’t for that amazing seamstress going above and beyond to help out a frazzled bride, my wedding day could have looked a lot different than I had imagined.” – Jacqueline married October 2015
OMG, this has to be one of the craziest mishaps we’ve ever heard! Going gown shopping can be overwhelming and of course, you would be inclined to trust the person helping you place the order. Our advice in this sticky situation is to trust but verify. It’s true that bridal sizing is different than regular ready-to-wear sizing, but inches don’t lie. Do the research yourself and compare your measurements to the designer’s size chart (which is normally available on their website or upon request) to determine which size you should order.
This story also teaches us another valuable lesson, be nice to your vendors…you never know who could be the one to save your big day!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Erin Wilson Photography
We’re pleased to tell you that despite these little mishaps, all of these real brides still look back fondly on their wedding day. The moral of this story–it’s a party, don’t sweat the small stuff and remember what it’s all about–LOVE!