Wedding planning: The 7 most common mistakes - and how to avoid them

Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also be quite overwhelming. As experienced event planners, we have worked on countless weddings and have learnt about the typical stumbling blocks. To make sure your big day is truly perfect, we have compiled the seven most common wedding planning mistakes for you - and, of course, how you can cleverly avoid them.

The Problem: Many couples underestimate how much time thoughtful wedding planning actually takes. Highly sought-after venues and popular vendors are often booked 12–18 months in advance. If you start planning too late, you may have to settle for second choices or pay extra for last-minute bookings.

The Solution: Ideally, start planning at least a year before your desired wedding date. Create a realistic timeline with all the key milestones:

• 12+ months before: Book your venue, photographer, and wedding planner
• 9–12 months before: Arrange catering, DJ or band, and videographer
• 6–9 months before: Choose the wedding dress and suit, send save-the-date cards
• 3–6 months before: Send invitations, order the wedding cake
• 1–3 months before: Finalize details, create seating chart, attend trial appointments

A great tip is to use a digital wedding planner or create a physical wedding binder to keep track of all your tasks.

The Problem: Wedding costs can add up quickly. Without a clear budget and careful cost control, you might be surprised by unexpected bills—leaving you short on funds for important elements or even starting your marriage with financial stress.

The Solution: Set a realistic budget right from the beginning and include a buffer of around 10–15% for unforeseen expenses. Use a detailed budget spreadsheet and track ALL expenses. Divide the total budget across the key areas:

• 40–50% for venue and catering
• 10–15% for photography and videography
• 8–10% for decorations and flowers
• 8–10% for attire and styling
• 5–8% for music and entertainment
• 3–5% for invitations and stationery
• 5–10% for rings, gifts, and miscellaneous items

Important: Discuss in advance who will cover which costs and what your priorities are. It’s better to save on less important items and invest in the areas that truly matter to you.

The Problem: In Switzerland especially, the weather can be unpredictable—even in the height of summer. Without a backup plan for your outdoor wedding, you risk a soaked celebration or guests suffering in the heat.

The Solution: Always have an alternative plan—even if the forecast looks perfect. This means:

• Choose a venue with both indoor and outdoor options
• Arrange for tents or canopies that can be set up on short notice
• Provide stylish umbrellas or hand fans as guest favors
• Make sure all vendors are informed about both plan variations
• Set a weather threshold for when to switch to Plan B (don’t wait for the first raindrops)

And don’t forget: heat can also be an issue! Make sure there’s plenty of shade, drink stations, and maybe even sunscreen available for your guests.

The Problem: Pinterest and Instagram are full of beautiful DIY ideas that seem budget-friendly at first glance. But reality often tells a different story: homemade decorations and wedding favors can eat up a lot of time and energy—and become a major source of stress right before the big day.

The Solution: Be selective with your DIY projects. Ask yourself honestly with each idea:

• Do I truly have the skills needed for this?
• Is the time investment really worth the result?
• Am I actually saving money after buying all the materials?

Limit yourself to a maximum of 2–3 personal DIY elements that truly matter to you. For everything else: delegate to professionals or talented friends willing to offer their help as a wedding gift. Or opt for ready-made solutions—often, the time and energy saved are worth more than the money saved.

The Problem: An overly ambitious schedule without any buffer time is a guaranteed recipe for stress. If the ceremony runs late, the photographer needs more time, or travel between venues takes longer than expected, the entire day can fall out of sync.

The Solution: Build in generous buffer times and remember that everything usually takes longer than planned:

• Allow an extra 15–30 minutes for every activity
• Plan ample time for photos (especially group shots!)
• Estimate travel times between venues realistically
• Give guests enough breaks between program points
• Allocate at least 1.5–2 hours for dinner

Pro tip: Don’t list the exact timeline in your invitations—just indicate general times (e.g., “Apéro from 6 p.m.”). That way, small delays go unnoticed and you can stay relaxed.

The Problem: Vendors are often booked in the excitement of an initial meeting without comparing offers or checking references. This can lead to unpleasant surprises—whether in terms of price or quality.

The Solution: Take time to carefully select your key service providers:

• Request at least three quotes for each category
• Schedule personal meetings to get to know them
• Read reviews and ask for references (full wedding galleries, not just highlights)
• Pay attention to chemistry—you’ll be spending your most important day with these people!
• Review contracts carefully and watch out for hidden costs

Most importantly: trust your gut. If a vendor is very cheap but you don’t feel comfortable, that’s a red flag. When it comes to your wedding, quality and reliability should come before the lowest price.

The Problem: In an effort to please everyone—parents, in-laws, bridal party, and guests—couples often lose sight of their own wishes for the wedding. Suddenly, you're celebrating a day that reflects others’ expectations more than your own vision.

The Solution: Take intentional time as a couple at the start of your planning to define your vision:

• What truly matters to both of you?
• Which three aspects of the wedding are your top priorities?
• How do you want your day to feel?

Write down these core points and revisit them with every major decision to ensure they align with your vision. Be polite but firm if well-meaning suggestions don’t resonate with you. Always remember: it’s YOUR day, and it should reflect who you are as a couple.

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but with these tips, you’re well equipped to avoid the most common mistakes. And if you find yourself getting stressed or stretched too thin, it might be the right time to seek professional help. An experienced wedding planner can not only take a lot of pressure off your shoulders but also knows the best venues and vendors—and can often even help you save money.

Always remember: Even if everything doesn’t go exactly according to plan—the most beautiful moments often happen spontaneously. Enjoy the planning process and, most importantly, your special day!

You’ll find everything to make planning easier on EventButler. From the perfect venue and reliable photographers to trusted caterers and creative decorators—our platform brings together the top wedding professionals across Switzerland.

Easily compare offers, read authentic reviews, and book directly online.