Experts Warn Against Making These Major Wedding Planning Mistakes

A recent study found that 53% of married people experienced regrets about their wedding day. In fact, one in three couples (34%) in the UK admit that their wedding day didn’t live up to being the best day of their lives.

To steer clear of feeling the regret that haunts over half of couples, Aura Print have got you covered with insight on how to avoid five of the most common wedding mistakes.

1. Making plans before setting a budget

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of planning before taking a step back and reviewing your budget - but before you tie the knot with your expenses, it's crucial to plan out what you can afford. Without a well-planned budget, it's harder to know what you have to spend on essentials like the venue or photographer, and what extras you want to include.

Don’t cut corners too early, though - as 54% of couples have been found to increase their budget during planning, with 45% allocating additional funds to wedding items they fell in love with along the way. 42% of those admitted their initial budget was set lower than reality, so make sure to set a budget you’ll be happy with.

2. Skipping insurance

Skipping wedding insurance can lead to some financial woes if unforeseen events occur. Whether it’s a vendor flaking out, extreme weather storming in, or venue damage that crashes your plans, the risks are real. So don’t let unforeseen mishaps rain on your parade and make sure you’re covered and keep your big day tied up with protection.

The average UK wedding costs £20,700, so you’ll want to check out the best wedding insurance to protect yourselves from losing money in the event of circumstances arising that are beyond your control. Wedding insurance provides coverage for everything from lost deposits to liability, offering peace of mind and protecting couples from potentially thousands in unexpected expenses.

3. Not putting enough thought into the invites

Recent studies have found that well-designed, personalised wedding invitations can increase guest attendance, with up to 30% of recipients more likely to RSVP “yes” to the big day, so it’s wise to have your theme, colours and personal touches in mind from the get go.

When it comes to wedding stationery, don’t seal the deal without getting a sneak peek! Whether you’re ordering invites, RSVP cards, save-the-dates, or even cheeky hen/stag party invites, many suppliers offer samples—often for free or at a small cost. It's a perfect chance to envelope yourself in the quality, design, and feel of your invitations. Plus, you can spot any little design details you'd like to address before sending them out to your guests.

4. Not adding enough personal touches

A fresh study has unveiled that 82% of spouses wish their wedding ceremony had been a bit more personal. The research found that a whopping 70% of women and 30% of men surveyed wished their big day had been "more them" and featured more about their relationship.

Personalised decor, DIY touches, special songs, special traditions and more guest involvement can go a long way in making your celebrations uniquely your own.

5. Not prioritising your mental health during planning

Studies have found that 70% of engaged couples or newlyweds described the process of planning a wedding as “extremely stressful”, so make sure to carve out non-wedding time with your partner. Reconnect and remind yourselves why you’re getting married in the first place.

Don’t overdo it when scrolling Pinterest or Instagram for inspo, as whilst it’s full of stunning wedding imagery, it can leave you comparing your plans to over-the-top, unrealistic visions.

If things start feeling too much, talk to someone who isn't invested in your wedding, or even a therapist. As experts say, if it's bothering you, it's worth addressing—no stress is "too small" when it comes to your big day.

Information supplied by AuraPrint