— 3 Rookie Mistakes Couples Make When Planning Their Wedding —

So, you’re engaged — congratulations!  You’ve got that just-engaged glow, a Pinterest board overflowing with ideas, and a head full of dreams about your big day. But before you dive too deep into colour palettes and cake tastings, let’s talk about a few rookie mistakes couples often make when planning their wedding.

These simple oversights can make the process a lot more stressful (and sometimes more expensive) than it needs to be. The good news? They’re easy to avoid once you know what to look out for.

Waiting Until After Christmas to Book Your Venue

This is the big mistake. Big. Huge. Every year, couples tell themselves they’ll start venue hunting in January — and every year, January is heaving with viewings. Once the festive season is over, engagement season kicks in, and the most popular venues get booked up fast.

If you want the best choice of dates and packages, the smartest move you can make is to get ahead of the rush and book your venue before Christmas. That way, you’ll have your dream location secured and can head into the holidays knowing one of the biggest decisions is ticked off your list.

Touring Venues Without Knowing Your Guest Numbers or Budget

When excitement takes over, it’s easy to book venue tours before you’ve pinned down the basics — but that can make the process trickier than it needs to be.

Before you start viewing, have a quick chat with your partner about two key details:

• How many guests you’d like to invite

• Your overall budget range

These don’t have to be exact figures, but having a rough idea makes all the difference. It helps you visualise your wedding more realistically, and ensures you’re spending time looking at venues that really suit your plans.

Thinking You’ve Got Plenty of Time to Decide

This is the one that catches so many couples out. You visit a venue, fall in love, go home to “sleep on it” — and by the time you decide, your dream date has gone.

The truth is, popular weekends and summer dates are often booked a year or two in advance. If you find a venue that feels right and ticks all your boxes, don’t hesitate too long. Once you’ve done your homework and you know it’s a good fit, secure your date. You’ll thank yourself later!

Wedding planning should be joyful, not stressful. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll stay one step ahead and make decisions with confidence.

Start early, get clear on your priorities, and trust your instincts when you find the place. The moment you walk into the right venue, you’ll know — and that’s when the real magic begins.