Avoid These Wedding Day Mistakes with a Pro by Your Side

Common Wedding Day Mistakes and How a Coordinator Will Save You From Them

If you’re knee-deep in wedding planning right now, you’ve probably already realized that it’s not all champagne toasts and Pinterest boards. It’s a lot. I know because I’ve been there. When I planned my own wedding in just four months, I was so excited that I completely changed my vibe three different times. It cost me extra time and money, and honestly, if I’d hired a planner or even booked add-on sessions with a coordinator to refine my vision early on, I would have saved myself so much stress. This is exactly why I offer power planning sessions to my couples—so we can set a clear vision and avoid that “OMG I just wasted $800 on décor I don’t even like anymore” moment.

The truth is, wedding days can spiral into chaos if no one’s there to keep things on track. Here are the most common mistakes I see couples make—and how a coordinator steps in to save the day.

1. Forgetting to Build a Realistic Timeline

You’d be surprised how many weddings run late simply because no one created a timeline that accounts for real life. Hair and makeup always take longer than you think. Your photographer needs extra time for detail shots. And don’t even get me started on trying to wrangle the bridal party for photos when everyone’s in party mode. A good coordinator doesn’t just create a timeline—they build in buffers for those inevitable slowdowns. So instead of panicking because dinner is delayed, you’ll be sipping champagne while everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes.

2. Not Assigning Someone to Handle Last-Minute Fires

What happens if your florist gets stuck in traffic or the DJ is missing an extension cord? If you don’t have a coordinator, those problems land directly on you or your mom (who should be enjoying the moment, not calling Home Depot at 11 a.m.). I’ve seen coordinators save the day in ways that guests never even notice—like pinning together a broken bustle minutes before a first dance or moving an entire ceremony setup indoors when a storm rolled in out of nowhere.

3. Forgetting to Eat (Yes, It Happens)

You’d think with all that food around, eating would be the easiest part of the day, but couples constantly forget to grab a bite. Between photos, mingling, and getting pulled into a dozen “quick” conversations, your blood sugar plummets before you even cut the cake. A coordinator makes sure there’s food (or at least a snack) ready for you so you don’t faint halfway through your vows.

4. Getting Lost in the Pinterest Rabbit Hole

This was me. I spent weeks bouncing between wildflower garden vibes, disco glam, and dinner party styles. Pinterest can be amazing for inspiration, but without someone to help filter your ideas, you can waste time and money chasing every single trend. That’s where a coordinator (or even just a single power planning session) comes in. We’ll hone in on what you truly want, create a mood board, and stick to it—saving you from buying 30 mismatched candle holders that you’ll regret later.

5. Underestimating How Fast the Day Flies By

Ask any bride, and she’ll tell you: the wedding day goes by in a blur. It’s not the time to be triple-checking table numbers or confirming the cake delivery. With a coordinator, you get to actually live in the moment because someone else is obsessing over the details.

Quick Tips to Save Your Sanity

1. Write your timeline early and triple-check it. Add at least 15-minute buffers between major moments. If this feels overwhelming, this is exactly what I perfect for you during day-of coordination or a power planning session.

   
   

2. Pick one person who isn’t in the wedding party to be your “point of contact.” That way, when vendors have questions or a last-minute hiccup pops up, it’s not on you. (Or better yet, let me handle it all so you don’t need to delegate anything.)

   
   

3. Create a clear design vision and stop scrolling Pinterest once it’s finalized. This saves time, money, and your sanity. I can help you nail this down in a single session so you can stop second-guessing your choices.

   
   

Why I Care So Much About ThisI’m in the process of becoming a certified wedding planner because I’ve seen first-hand how much smoother, more joyful, and stress-free weddings are when someone is there to protect your vision and handle the unexpected. I’m passionate about creating a space where you can focus on your “just married” glow, not on timelines, vendors, or the 17 tiny things that could go wrong.

Ready to Plan Like a Pro?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wow, I could use a Jess in my life,” let’s chat. My power planning sessions are the perfect way to set your vision, timeline, and priorities in place before the stress even starts. Or, if you just want someone to run the show on your wedding day while you sip mimosas, I’ve got you. Send me a message, and let’s make sure your day feels exactly like you imagined.