The wedding planning process can be lengthy and complex and, if it’s your first time journeying through, then you may be exposed to a labyrinth of misconceptions that can lead even the most well-intentioned couples astray. We’re unveiling the truth and providing you with the expert clarity you need to move beyond the myths, so that you can make informed decisions and plan your day without hesitation or doubt.

#1: WHAT WORKS FOR SOMEONE ELSE, WILL WORK FOR ME

Perhaps the most important misconception to address is that there is one, “right way” to planning a wedding. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. While your friends, family, or even Pinterest may have some good and credible insight, let’s face it – the same thing doesn’t work for everybody. Don’t try to cram unrealistic expectations or recommendations from others into your day, simply because it made sense for them.

Instead, ask yourself these questions during your decision-making process:

• Does this align with the interests, personality, and values that are authentic to us as a couple?

• Are we happy with our decisions because they feel right to us or are we considering them because they were recommended by a friend or family member?

• What is necessary to attain our vision and does it fit within our budget?

• Logistically, does everything make sense? Will our venue and vendors be able to cater to our must-haves?

There’s no secret recipe to the perfect day. The goal is to stay true to you and your love story. Don’t get off track from achieving your own vision by trying to replicate someone else’s.

#2: CHOOSING A DATE IS SIMPLE

In a perfect world, we’d get engaged, snap our fingers and be magically transported straight to the altar. However, it’s just not always that easy. While it may seem like our ideal wedding date is specific enough or far enough away to have guaranteed availability, it might not make the most sense, logistically.

Ask yourself these questions, as a starting point, when locking down a wedding date:

• First and foremost, can our dream venue accommodate us on the preferred date?

• What time of year works best for our lifestyle, vision, guests, and schedule? If you’re planning a destination event, consider seasonal conditions, travel rates, etc.

• Considering all of our non-negotiables, does the lead time seem reasonable to be able to effectively make our day all that we hope for it to be?

While picking a wedding date may seem like one of the less demanding tasks, there’s much more that goes into it than reserving a day on the calendar. It’s a thoughtful process that requires your personal significance to align with the logistical needs. Give yourself as much, or little, time as you need to make your day one to remember.

#3: ALL REWARD AND NO RISK

This is a day you’ve likely been dreaming about your whole life, so it has to be perfect, right? As a wedding planner, that’s our goal. However, like any other day, there are certain things that are simply outside of our control. We can’t change the weather (although we wish we could) or completely eliminate every potential risk, but we can do our best to prepare for them. 

Here are some ways that we, as wedding planners, work to prevent any crisis before and during your event:

• If you’re opting for an outdoor wedding, we recommend exploring tented options or additional backup plans in case the forecast dramatically changes.

• We only collaborate with trusted vendors and locations that have continuously proven that they can carefully execute on the design, so that you can avoid any potential conflict.

• On the day of, we’re there from start to finish to ensure that all moving parts are operating smoothly,  so you don’t have to.

Lastly, remember that nothing in life is truly perfect and if minor mishaps take place, chances are you or your guests might not even notice. This day is about celebrating you and your love for one another – imperfections and all.

#4: YOU CAN’T CHANGE YOUR MIND ONCE YOU START PLANNING

Don’t get us wrong, it’s helpful to make clear and thoughtful decisions as you embark on your wedding planning journey, but it’s also okay if your original ideas evolve in a different direction. Planning a wedding involves discovery and inspiration that may open your eyes to a world of possibilities that you never thought of before starting. Additionally, you also might realize that you don’t want or need all that you originally hoped for and having the right guidance in these areas can help you narrow down or broaden your vision. 

These exercises are helpful in exploring different ideas: 

• Create a mood board or spend time researching social media to help you begin envisioning your event.

• Create a list of your non-negotiables and wants that would be nice, but aren’t totally necessary. This will help you narrow down what’s most important to you and where you can start eliminating, if your budget requires it.

• Discuss a timeline with your planner, so you can keep in mind when the final decisions need to be made.

The decisions you make on day 1 might not be the decisions you’d make after you get comfortable in the planning process. As long as you’re within the bounds of deadlines, give yourself the freedom to explore your options – you just might surprise yourself in the end.

#5: I CAN DO IT ALL MYSELF

Wedding planning is special, intimate and can be as hands-on as you’d like it to be, but that doesn’t mean you have to (or should) do it on your own. Entrusting the right expert to stand by your side and guide you through the process will not only make your experience more enjoyable, but it’ll help you avoid mistakes and confusion. 

Here are a few ways that a professional wedding planner can help guide you:

• We work with you to identify your needs and construct a customized plan to achieve them.

• We match you with vendors and venues that are compatible with you and your vision, so you don’t have to go searching yourself.

• We help create a budget so that you can have a memorable experience, without putting yourself in an uncomfortable position, financially. 
• We organize, coordinate, and manage all of your event logistics from the first day we meet until your last dance. 

The only way to challenge the common misconceptions of planning an event is to know about them. Luckily, experienced wedding planners do. Learn more about our services and get started planning your day today!