Top 10 Wedding Day Mistakes Couples Make

I've coordinated a lot of weddings. And while every couple is different, the mistakes? Those tend to repeat. Here are the top ten I see — with my honest advice on how to dodge them.

1. Not building enough buffer time

If hair and makeup is supposed to end at 2:00, it's going to end at 2:30. Build in 30-45 minute buffers around every transition. You will use every one of them.

2. Skipping the first look decision until too late

Whether or not to do a first look affects your entire timeline — from getting-ready times to ceremony placement to cocktail hour. Decide early so your photographer can build everything around it.

3. Underestimating travel time

Google Maps lies on Saturdays. If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, add 50% to the estimate. Always.

4. Forgetting to eat

I'm not kidding. Couples skip breakfast, skip lunch, skip the actual dinner because they're greeting guests. Have someone pack you a snack box. Eat. A coordinator will literally bring you food.

5. Putting the wrong person in charge of vendors

Your mom is amazing. She is not your point of contact for the caterer. When vendors call, they need to reach a professional, not a family member trying to enjoy the day.

6. Not assigning someone to handle gifts and cards

Gift table sits unattended. Envelopes vanish. Designate one trusted person (or a coordinator) to secure them and walk them to a locked car or hotel room.

7. Saving every speech for the reception

Five toasts in a row at dinner is too much for anyone. Spread them out: rehearsal, welcome dinner, brunch the next day. Save your reception for two or three at most.

8. DIY-ing the day-of setup

You can DIY your centerpieces. Bringing them to the venue and arranging them at 7am on your wedding day, however, is a recipe for crying in a parking lot. Hand them off.

9. Not having a getting-ready playlist

Small thing, huge mood. Silence in the bridal suite is awkward. Build a 4-hour getting-ready playlist and someone will thank you for it (probably you).

10. Forgetting to plan the end of the night

Sparkler send-off doesn't happen by itself. Who gathers guests? Who lights them? Who has the lighter? Who's putting your gifts in the car? Plan the goodbye like you planned the hello.

The day flies. Plan for it like it's going to fly, and you'll get to enjoy every minute.

Want to sidestep all ten? A day-of coordinator's whole job is making sure none of these happen on your watch. Let's chat about your day.