10 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Wedding – Advice from a Wedding Planner

Planning your wedding in Quebec is a magical adventure… but also a real headache when you want to manage everything yourself. Between the service providers to contact, the deadlines to meet, the budgets to

balancing and logistics to think about down to the smallest details, we can quickly feel overwhelmed.

As a wedding planner in Montreal, I've helped many couples plan their perfect day—and through experience, I've seen some common mistakes come up again and again. Today, I want to share them with you to help you navigate this time with peace of mind and fulfillment.

So here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when planning your wedding… and my advice for avoiding them.

1. Wanting to do everything yourself

I see it often: couples think they can manage everything on their own to save money... but the stress quickly mounts, especially as the big day approaches.

My advice: surround yourself with people you trust, whether it's a planner, a day-of coordinator, or simply well-organized friends and family.

2. Underestimating the actual budget

Certain expenses are often forgotten (transportation, tips, plan B in case of rain, etc.).

My advice: Allow 10 to 15% for contingencies, and don't hesitate to prioritize what really matters to you.

3. Book the venue before you have the guest list

You might end up with a place that's too small...or too big.

My advice: First estimate the number of guests, even if it's only a rough estimate, before booking anything.

4. Not having a plan B

The weather in Quebec is unpredictable, even in the middle of summer.

My advice: Make sure your venue has a backup solution and think about the associated logistics (tents, furniture, heating if necessary).

5. Neglecting D-Day coordination

On the wedding day, there are a thousand little things to manage. If no one is there to coordinate, you (or your loved ones) will be the ones running around.

My advice: Get help from a coordinator to make the most of your day.

6. Postpone important decisions

The longer you wait, the more likely you are to lose your favorite providers.

My advice: Start early, especially for the venue, the caterer, the photographer and the DJ.

7. Get inspired without getting lost

Pinterest and Instagram are great sources of inspiration… but be careful not to try to do everything.

My advice: Always come back to your story, your desires, your relationship. Your wedding should reflect your own personality, not someone else's.

8. Thinking only about aesthetics

Beautiful decor is important, but it's not everything.

My advice: Think about your guests' experience, the pace of the day, and the atmosphere you want to create.

9. Bowing to other people's expectations

It's normal to want to please... but not to the point of forgetting yourself.

My advice: Remember it's your day. Make choices that reflect you and make you happy.

10. Forgetting to enjoy

This is the mistake I dread the most: those who spend their day managing, checking, stressing.

My advice: Prepare everything in advance, delegate, and then on the big day... let go. This is your moment.

In conclusion…

Planning a wedding is a real project in its own right. It requires time, energy, and planning... but above all, it deserves to be experienced with joy, not stress.

If you are looking for someone to support you with kindness, professionalism and passion, I would be delighted to discuss it with you.

Contact me via the contact form or directly on Instagram @cherryme_weddingplanner