9 common mistakes couples make when planning an intimate wedding
Just because you’re throwing a small wedding doesn’t mean the planning process will be any easier. In fact, some might say that throwing an intimate micro wedding comes with even more to-do’s than planning a larger bash, simply because more of the details and decisions are on your shoulders. So when you’re juggling planning your own wedding, fending off decor ideas from your mother, and paying your bills, things are bound to fall through the cracks—either intentionally or unintentionally.
Worse, many couples treat planning their intimate wedding a bit too casually and discover all too late how a lack of planning can end up costing them their dream wedding day. Many of these mistakes are totally preventable, yet newly-engaged lovebirds can fall prey to entering their micro wedding planning season thinking that love is all they need.
In this follow-up blog post to our previous one, 9 regrettable mistakes couples make with their wedding photography, we’re covering common mistakes couples make when planning a small, intimate wedding or micro wedding. Keep reading for an intimate wedding day that’s stress-free, smooth, and everything you’ve dreamed it will be!
9 COMMON MISTAKES COUPLES MAKE WHEN PLANNING AN INTIMATE WEDDING
1. “Winging it”
This is hands-down the biggest mistake we see newly-engaged couples make when planning their micro wedding. We’ve heard all too often during potential client consultations some version of the phrase, “We’re just going to ‘wing it.’” I get it: not everyone is a planner, and some couples really do want their wedding day to be relaxed and carefree. However, I can promise you from firsthand experience that there is nothing carefree about a wedding without a plan.
A clear schedule or timeline for your wedding day is often seen as “a guideline, not a rule” for micro weddings, yet it’s inarguably the most important step to wedding day success (if you need some help, check out our perfect 4-hour wedding day timeline here!). A little planning goes a long way in ensuring your wedding day goes smoothly and stress-free.
2. Not double-checking the details
“The devil’s in the details,” they say. We’d argue that when it comes to micro wedding planning, the devil’s in the lack of details. Especially if you’re planning your own wedding without a wedding planner, it’s easy to overlook the crucial details of your special day when you’re juggling everything all at once. From contracts to vendor agreements to your timeline to RSVP’s, make sure you’re reading everything carefully and keeping all records in one place. Unfortunately, we’ve seen far too many wedding-day mishaps (such as a client of ours finding out the day before her wedding that she hadn’t actually booked her wedding venue…) where a crucial detail just slipped through the cracks unnoticed. Consider relegating all wedding planning communication and documents to a dedicated email address, and follow up with all vendors a few weeks in advance to confirm your plans if you haven’t heard from them first.
3. Neglecting communication
Good communication is critical to a successful wedding, no matter the size. Thinking that their wedding is “pretty casual”, couples can easily fall into the trap of neglecting to communicate well with their wedding vendors or guests. Whether leaving important decisions to the last minute or not sharing your day-of schedule with key players early, it’s easy to overlook the importance of having a clear plan and making sure everyone involved is aware of it. Communicate with your wedding vendors early and often, and make sure your guests are aware of all relevant details to make sure their experience is stress-free, too.
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4. Waiting until the last minute
Another mistake couples make when planning their intimate wedding is waiting until the last minute to book wedding vendors, such as catering, florists, or even their wedding photographer (we’re always the last to get booked…it’s okay, we won’t take it personally). Most wedding vendors book events several months in advance, often with multiple weddings each weekend. Forgetting to schedule or sign early with your wedding vendors could lead to you scrambling to find someone at the last minute and/or possibly paying upcharges for the late notice. If your wedding truly is happening very quickly, consider a smaller-scaled affair such as a courthouse wedding or elopement with a wedding reception at a local restaurant or café (get inspo from recent clients Lucy + Alex’s trendy urban café wedding reception).
5. Not having a weather backup plan
This mistake is less common, though it has happened to several of our wedding photography couples. Especially in the unpredictable climate of Orlando, Florida, it’s essential to think through your options should the rain, rain (not) go away on your wedding day. Consider a wedding venue with a contingency plan for poor conditions, such as an indoor space that accommodates your guest count, and ask the venue staff how they handle such incidents. Rain or shine, with an alternative plan already in place, you can rest assured that your wedding day will be smooth sailing no matter the weather.
6. Not allowing enough time for bridal portraits
Honest moment here: we made this mistake when planning our own small wedding. When you’re planning an intimate micro wedding, it’s easy to underestimate just how much time you really need in your day-of schedule for each part of your wedding. No, 15 minutes between your post-ceremony family photos and your wedding reception won’t be enough time to take bridal portraits with just the two of you. The events of your wedding day will go longer than expected, and the moments that you’ll later treasure the most are the first ones to get cut from the schedule when this happens. Your bridal portraits are the photos you’ll regret not having after your wedding, so make sure your wedding day timeline allows for ample time to get those dreamy, romantic moments that you’ll cherish forever.
7. Letting others have too much say in their day
It’s easy for the little things to pile up during the process of planning your intimate wedding. A suggestion from your mom turns into a daily barrage of texts, messages from your sister, and unsolicited advice from your cousin. Soon, everyone is having a say in what happens on your special day, and your original vision for your wedding is a mere memory. While it’s important to consider the needs and wishes of loved ones (we made some accommodations at our wedding as well), too much input can quickly derail your dreams—and your wedding budget. Remember, it’s your day, and sharing your uniquely personal love story is what matters the most.
8. Underestimating costs
Honestly, I think every couple who plans a wedding, big or small, makes this mistake. Wedding expenses sure have a way of adding up: a few dollars here and an unexpected need over there. It’s likely going to happen to everyone, no matter how hard you try to keep costs down, so go in with a clear budget and knowing where your priorities lay so you can make important decisions when things do go over budget. Even small weddings can add up, so do your research ahead of time and base your wedding budget on real-world numbers to make sure you have a realistic idea of what your special day may cost.
9. Undervaluing wedding photography & videography
I know, I know: you saw this one coming from a mile away, didn’t you. While it may sound obvious coming from a wedding photographer and videographer, I truly do believe that this mistake is all too common—and all too regrettable. Your wedding photos and videos are more than just images: they’re the only way your wedding day is kept alive for a lifetime. Your flowers will wilt, your guests won’t remember your appetizers, and your wedding dress will sit unused in your closet: but the visual memories of the most special day of your life will keep these priceless moments alive and fresh forever.
Investing in quality matters here: the way your wedding is documented will impact how you remember your day. A quality wedding photographer and videographer captures not just an event but the intimate moments and feeling of magic. Choosing a visual storyteller with less experience or lower quality just to save a bit of money may prove disastrous in the form of poorly-lit photos, unflattering angles, or blurry images. If budget truly is a concern, consider hiring a wedding photographer with flexible coverage packages (and read these 7 savvy tips for saving money on your wedding photography).
If you’re planning a small, intimate or micro wedding, you don’t have to live with wedding-day regrets. Many of these wedding planning mistakes are easily preventable, and if any of them still happen to you, don’t sweat it. There’s a reason these mistakes are common: they happen to everyone.
Ready to make your wedding dreams a reality? Let’s chat about how we can capture every moment of your special day. Click below to view our wedding photography & videography pricing, or book a free consultation call. We can’t wait to hear from you!
