Last week we dived into the 5 most common mistakes couples make when planning a wedding. We’re not fans of generic advice so you know we had to take a deep dive at some point. Here is a four part series on how location plays a Planning a wedding in New England or New York is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime adventure—but let’s be honest: it can also be overwhelming. You’re trying to juggle budgets, logistics, vendors, Pinterest boards, and opinions from every direction. And while you’re doing your absolute best, it’s totally normal to feel like you’re missing something. The truth? Most couples are—but only because they don’t know what they don’t know.

Here are five common mistakes couples make when planning their weddings (and how to avoid them with a little expert help).

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1. Not Reading the Fine Print Before Signing Vendor Contracts

We get it—when you find a vendor you love, you want to lock them in ASAP. But before you sign anything, it’s crucial to read every word of the contract. Some vendors have non-refundable deposits, additional travel fees, or sneaky rescheduling policies. Others might promise one thing verbally, but the contract tells a different story.

Why it happens: You’re busy, excited, and possibly overwhelmed. Most couples aren’t trained in reading legal documents—and that’s okay!

How to fix it: Before signing, ask questions. And if you’re working with a planner (like Assorted Artistries), we’ll review every contract line by line and make sure you’re fully informed before putting pen to paper.

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2. Taking On Too Many DIY Projects

DIY details can be meaningful and cost-effective—but they can also become a massive time suck. It’s easy to underestimate how long it takes to assemble 120 favor bags or build a custom seating chart from scratch. That’s time you could be spending soaking in your engagement instead of stress-crafting at midnight.

Why it happens: Pinterest makes it look so easy. Plus, you want your wedding to feel personal—and DIY seems like the best way to do that.

How to fix it: Pick 1–2 DIY projects you genuinely enjoy, and outsource the rest. Or better yet, let your planner suggest creative ways to add personality without adding projects to your plate.

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3. Skimping on Services That Actually Save You Money

It’s tempting to cut corners when you’re watching your budget—but skipping essential services (like a wedding planner, professional coordinator, or setup crew) often leads to bigger, more expensive problems down the road. A wedding planner doesn’t just design pretty tablescapes—we save you time, money, and mistakes.

Why it happens: It seems like hiring a planner is a “luxury,” not a necessity. Or you’re trying to DIY the timeline, floor plan, and logistics to stretch your dollars.

How to fix it: Start with a Power Planning Session. It’s a focused, one-on-one meeting where we help you get organized, make smart decisions, and set your priorities straight. You’ll leave with a clear plan—and a lot less stress.

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4. Not Writing All the Details Down

Your head is filled with ideas, dates, and to-do lists. But when everything lives in your brain (or in 12 different notebooks and text threads), things fall through the cracks. Wedding planning is a million tiny decisions—and each one affects something else.

Why it happens: You’re in the middle of life, work, and planning the biggest event you’ve ever hosted. Of course it’s hard to keep track of everything!

How to fix it: Use a centralized planning tool (we’ve got one we swear by). Or even better, let us manage the details for you so you can just show up and enjoy the process.

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5. Not Consulting a Planner at the Beginning of the Process

Many couples wait to bring in a wedding planner until they’re overwhelmed—but the best time to hire a planner is before you make your first big decisions. From budget allocation to venue selection, a professional can help you make smarter choices from day one.

Why it happens: You think, “I don’t even know what I need help with yet,” or “It’s too early to bring someone in.”

How to fix it: Book a Power Planning Session early in your engagement. You’ll get clarity, personalized guidance, and a strong foundation that makes the rest of your planning smoother and more fun.

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Ready to Avoid These Mistakes? Book a Power Planning Session with Assorted Artistries

You don’t need to know everything—you just need someone who does. A Power Planning Session is the perfect way to kick off your wedding journey. In just one meeting, we’ll review your vision, help you dodge common pitfalls, and map out a plan that’s tailored to your goals, timeline, and budget.

One session. Major clarity. Beautiful results.

Click here to book your Power Planning Session today.

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