Wedding planning is one of the most exciting experiences in life, but let’s be honest—it can also be a rollercoaster of emotions. Between family dynamics, endless decisions, and the ever-present budget concerns, the process can feel overwhelming.
Expert wedding planner Amy Abbott and her team have seen it all. Our wedding planning team put their heads together to create a list, especially for all new brides-to-be. Here’s our guide to the top things that tend to drive brides nuts—along with smart solutions to make the wedding planning process smoother.
#1 Guests Don’t Read
You can send beautifully worded invitations, create a wedding website packed with details, and follow up with reminders, but guests will still ask, “When is it again?” or “Can I bring my kids?” or “What’s the dress code?” It’s frustrating, but it’s reality.
Solution:
Delegate! Direct guests to your wedding planner’s contact info and let them handle the questions. Also, remember that no good deed goes unpunished—the more you do for guests, the more they might expect. Your loved ones are likely travel-savvy and will (eventually!) figure things out, so don’t let their lack of attention stress you out.
#2 Don’t Send Invitations Too Early
It’s tempting to send out invites as soon as the date is set, but too much advance notice can actually backfire. Guests may RSVP too soon and later back out, throwing off your headcount and budget.
Solution:
- Save-The-Dates: Send 10 months in advance for destination weddings only to your A-list guests.
- Invitations: Send 2-3 months before the big day.
- Avoid mailing invites around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas when they can get lost in the shuffle.
- Give guests a firm RSVP deadline; expect to chase a few down!
#3 Wedding Dress Shopping is Easier Than You Think
Shows like Say Yes to the Dress make it seem like finding the perfect gown is the most stressful part of planning, but it’s often one of the easiest and most fun experiences.
Solution:
Keep it simple. Limit your shopping group to one or two trusted people, stick to your vision, and check budget ranges before booking appointments. And most importantly—enjoy the process! This is your princess moment; be surrounded by your select few whose opinions you implicitly trust.
#4 Plan For The Final Payment Cash Flow Early
Vendor payments tend to be due all at once in the final stretch of planning, which can be a significant financial hit.
Solution:
Work with your wedding planner to track deposits and due dates. All payments should ideally be made 30 days before the wedding. Enlist this financial strategy, you can spend those last few weeks focusing on your vows, packing, and enjoying pre-wedding bliss.
#5 Room Blocks Can Be a Hassle—But They’re SO Worth It.
Room blocks help secure better rates and perks for guests; some venues even require them. However, dealing with hotels can be slow and frustrating. Additionally, you may lose out on your dream wedding venue if you delay the room block process longer than necessary.
Solution:
Let your wedding planner handle negotiations and communication. Hotels move at their own pace, but the VIP treatment is worth the effort once you’re there.
#6 Some Wedding Drama is Inevitable
Even in the most low-drama families, tensions can arise. Weddings bring out emotions, and unexpected issues may surface.
Solution:
Expect a few hiccups, but don’t let them overshadow the excitement. Lean on your planner to help mediate family dynamics within the wedding planning journey. Focus on what really matters—marrying the love of your life.
#7 You Don’t Need to Stress Over Every Little Detail
Brides often spend months agonizing over every tiny decision of the wedding planning process. They only realize that, in the end, the details they stressed weren’t as important as they thought.
Solution:
Trust the process. Your planner will ensure the details come together beautifully. While personalized touches are lovely, guests will remember the love, the atmosphere, and the fun—not whether the napkins matched the bridesmaids’ dresses.
#8 Be Realistic About Your Budget
Wedding budgets get stretched fast, and sometimes unexpected costs pop up. Your wedding guest list size, wedding venue or even floral choices are just a few ways that your budget can rapidly change.
Solution:
Have an honest conversation with your planner about priorities. We can help you allocate funds wisely, ensuring you make the most impact on your budget. We are experts at budget creativity; we know exactly how to nip and tuck your budget.
#9 Your Bridal Party May Just Drive You Crazy
Your bridal party is supposed to be your ride-or-die squad. But let’s face it—sometimes they bring more chaos than calm. Between conflicting schedules, unsolicited opinions, and last-minute changes, even the best-intentioned bridesmaids can test your patience.
Solution:
Keep it streamlined. Only include bridesmaids who are truly your inner circle—people you trust to be supportive and drama-free. Assign a point person (maid of honor, sibling, or planner) to handle questions, scheduling, and last-minute logistics. Create a detailed itinerary so everyone knows what’s expected and set clear expectations from the start. The goal? Less stress, more fun!
#10 Trust Your Wedding Planner
It’s natural to want control over every decision throughout the wedding planning phase, but a great planner is there to advocate for you, save you time, and ensure the best possible outcome.
Solution:
Do your research, find a planner you trust, and then let them do their job. Avoid contacting vendors separately, as planners have established relationships and know the best way to negotiate on your behalf. When brides bypass their planner to get quotes, they often miss crucial details that affect pricing—leading to unexpected costs or confusion later.
Final Thoughts: Let Go and Enjoy
At the end of the day, wedding planning doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right support system—especially a knowledgeable planner like Amy Abbott—you can navigate the process smoothly and actually enjoy it.
So take a deep breath, trust the pros, and remember: the most important thing is that you’re marrying the love of your life. Everything else? We’ve got it covered.
Happy Planning!
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