Your wedding day is a beautiful celebration of your love, and it should be as unique as your journey together. There are some prevalent myths about wedding planning that I would like to address, so you can make informed decisions and create a memorable day without any regrets. Without further ado, here are 5 Wedding Planning Myths.
Wedding Planning Myth #1: A talented friend is exactly the same as a professional.
It's wonderful to have talented friends willing to contribute to your big day, but it's essential to recognize their limitations. While a friend may be a fantastic photographer, baker, or DJ, they lack the experience and expertise of a seasoned professional in the wedding industry.
A professional has handled numerous weddings and knows how to navigate unexpected challenges. They understand the flow of events, are prepared for various scenarios, and have backup plans in place. Relying solely on a friend might lead to unexpected stress and disappointment if they encounter difficulties they're not accustomed to handling.
Remember, there's a way to include your talented friends in your wedding while also hiring professionals to ensure the day runs smoothly and captures all the magical moments you'll cherish forever.
Wedding Planning Myth #2: I have a ton of family and friends that will help set up; I don't need to hire a wedding coordinator.
Having a supportive network of family and friends is fantastic, and their willingness to help is genuinely heartwarming. However, relying solely on them to handle the setup and coordination on the day of your wedding can be overwhelming for everyone involved.
Your loved ones should be able to enjoy the celebration with you, not feel burdened with responsibilities during such a special occasion. A professional day of wedding coordinator or wedding planner is experienced in managing every aspect of the day, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and relieving your loved ones from the stress of logistics and coordination.
In my experience, as a day of wedding coordinator, I have had several couples tell me that I will have plenty of help the day of to assist in moving things, set up or any other general task that usually takes multiple people. However, come the morning of, there is usually no one in sight! This is why I meticulously plan out every minute of your day and determine ahead of time if your setup requires more than just me and I plan for that!
While friends and family can be valuable additions to your wedding team, a professional day of coordinator or wedding planner ensures a seamless and stress-free experience for everyone involved.
Wedding Planning Myth #3: DIY is the only way and will save more money.
This one kills me everytime I hear it! Although embracing DIY projects for your wedding can be a wonderful way to add personal touches and showcase your creativity, assuming that doing everything yourself will save you more money is a common misconception. Let me tell you why!
Planning DIY projects for your wedding can be exciting, but it's essential to be prepared for the commitment involved. DIY projects often demand more time, effort, and resources than initially expected. For instance, crafting your own centerpieces might require sourcing materials, testing different designs, and assembling each piece, all of which can be time-consuming. Similarly, bringing in your own food and bar you will have to factor in the costs of the plates, napkins, silverware, glasses, etc. You start to see how letting a professional cater take care if it will ease a lot of stress.
Additionally, mistakes or last-minute changes can lead to unexpected costs. Certain elements of a wedding are best left to professionals who have the expertise and access to the right resources. I'm not saying don't DIY, I'm just letting you know it's not always the "cheapest route."
A balanced approach is ideal. Incorporate some DIY elements that are meaningful to you, but also consider entrusting key aspects like photography, catering, and floral arrangements to professionals who will ensure top-notch results and allow you to enjoy your wedding day without added stress. If you do decide to stick with the full DIY, do yourself a favor and hire a day of coordinator.
Wedding Planning Myth #4: Wedding planners and day of wedding coordinators are the exact same thing.
While the terms "wedding planner" and "wedding coordinator" are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct roles in the wedding planning process.
A wedding planner is involved from the beginning and guides you through the entire planning journey. They help with budgeting, selecting vendors, design concepts, and overall logistics.
On the other hand, a wedding coordinator (also known as a "day-of wedding coordinator") focuses on executing your meticulously planned wedding on the actual day. They ensure everything runs smoothly, handle any issues that arise, and act as the point of contact for vendors and guests.
Both roles are crucial, but understanding the difference can help you decide which level of assistance you need to create the wedding of your dreams.
If you want to read more about the difference between wedding planners and day of wedding coordinators, check out this blog post. I talk all about day of wedding coordinators, their role and how they differ from wedding planners.
Myth #5: Day-of Wedding Coordinators and Venue Coordinators are the exact same thing.
While some venues offer on-site coordinators, they primarily focus on the venue-specific aspects of your wedding. Their responsibilities revolve around the venue's logistics and ensuring everything related to the location runs smoothly.
On the other hand, a day-of wedding coordinator is an independent professional you hire to oversee the entirety of your wedding day. They manage the entire event, including all vendors and logistics, ensuring that every element of your wedding comes together seamlessly.
Even if your venue has a coordinator, having an independent day-of wedding coordinator is invaluable. They act as your advocate, ensuring that your vision is executed flawlessly throughout the entire event, not just within the confines of the venue.
Remember, this is your special day, and you have the power to shape it exactly as you envision. By combating these common wedding planning myths, we hope you feel empowered to make the best decisions for your wedding day, allowing you to savor every moment without any regrets.
Photos in this blog are from the Merchants Hall, Charleston, South Carolina Styled Shoot
Planning & Design - @penaandcompany
Photographer - @sarahelainephoto
Bridal Boutique - @themadelinebridalboutique
Cake - @thatsweetschick
Florist - @fireflywed_charleston
Hair & Makeup - @canvasonking
Linens - @oliviajadeeventlinens
Models - @emj_modeling @chrissycurls_ @allysa_kaye
Rentals - @snyderevents , @curatedeventscharleston
Stationery - @hsrgraphics
Signage - @havanoladesign
Venue - @merchantshallchs
