If you are starting out with planning your wedding, then this post lists 16 Wedding Planning Myths which you should take absolutely no notice of!

Are you about to start planning your big day? If so, then you are probably already discovering that there’s a lot of advice out there for new brides – so much so that it can be difficult to decide what advice to take and what to ignore. But, what are the bits of advice you should take absolutely no notice of?!

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of the information you’ve been reading and receiving, here are 16 wedding planning myths that you can definitely toss aside.

16 Wedding Planning Myths

1. A talented friend is exactly the same as a professional.

This particular wedding planning myth is especially relevant when it comes to choosing a photographer. Just because you have a friend who takes amazing holiday photos, doesn’t mean they’re prepared or skilled enough to capture your wedding day.

2. Every detail needs to be perfect.

If you would prefer to not drive yourself mad before your wedding day, leave perfection at the door. Your wedding doesn’t need to be Pinterest perfect in order for it to be special and memorable.

3. DIY is the only way.

While DIY is a great way to save money, it isn’t always the best route. Sometimes it’s better to pay a professional to assist you with aspects such as your cake, catering, and your décor.

4. You went to their wedding so they should be invited to yours.

There is absolutely no rule that says you have to invite every single person that invited you to their wedding. This is your day and your budget so choose your guests wisely.

5. You should be engaged for at least a year.

Who says you need to wait at least 365 days before you wed?! Your timing should be based on your personal preferences and , of course, your lives.

6. You should have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.

This is your wedding and if your future husband only wants his brother at his side on his wedding day while you want all 5 of your best friends, that’s totally ok. Adding people to your wedding party unnecessarily just racks up unnecessary costs.

7. It’s ok to go into debt in order to have the perfect wedding.

You do not want to start your married life with mountains of debt just so that you could have a magazine-worthy wedding. Decide what’s most important to you as a couple and allocate your budget accordingly.

8. A band will take too many breaks and bring down the mood of the reception

Many couples shy away from booking a band as they worry that the atmosphere of the reception will be broken whenever the band takes a break. Live music is a perfect way to get the party started and many bands come with a sound system. When the band does take a break, have a playlist at the ready that will keep the party going.

10. A sit-down meal is expensive.

You have decided on a sit-down meal but you are worried that it will be the most expensive outlay of your wedding. Not so! Make sure you discuss the options with your caterer. You might find that a sit-down meal is completely within your budget. Instead of having a full-on five course meal, why not choose an option which suits everyone. A barbecue offers a great variety of food as does a buffet. This means that you can still have a sit-down meal but allows the guests to pick and mix and choose what they would like to eat rather than have a set plate of food.

11. You shouldn’t pick the first venue/dress/supplier you find.

You have tried on the perfect dress, visited a wonderful location or taste-tested the best caterer but, there is a problem. It’s the first option you’ve found. What is there is something better? What if you are making a mistake and are going to regret it? By all means, shop around. But generally your gut feeling is telling you something! Chances are, if you do shop around, you will end up with the first option anyway!

12. You don’t need a wedding coordinator

I have found myself at weddings where there is no one calling the shots or ensuring that the timings on the day run (relatively) to plan and, as a result, it has fallen to me to ensure that a wedding runs along as it should. In that case, it means that I am trying to do two jobs instead of one! Please make sure that you have an on-the-day coordinator (even if it is a friend or member of your family) to ensure that things happen as they should. A toastmaster or on-the-day planner is perfect for this.

13. You need to include people’s children

This one can be a bone of contention and I come across regular debates about this one. I have been invited to a wedding where our daughter was allowed to come along (she was over 10 years) and our baby son was excluded. As a result, none of us went. We didn’t feel offended and I am sure it saved the couple money! We completely understood why the bride had made this decision. Kids can be an extra hassle, and can sometimes flip a whole ceremony on its head if they start screaming the place down! If there’s a no kids rule, say no kids and keep to it! Alternatively if you allow only the wedding party to have their kids along but no others, then that is your choice. If it upsets your family or friends then that is on them!

14. Your bridesmaids need to wear the same style dress

Thankfully, this is a myth that is definitely starting to become known as one. Years ago, there was a time where brides ensured that all their bridesmaids wore the same dress – no matter what shape or size they were. Now, everyone understands that there are different body types and having a range of styles of dresses which make them feel comfortable or that flatters their body will help them to enjoy the day. Generally a bride choose a colour and then (with their bridesmaids), choose different styles of the same colour of the dress.

15. You have to have a traditional wedding cake

Not true! I have seen this done many different ways now. This includes a doughnut wall, brownie stack, fudge logs and cupcake stands. Don’t fancy something sweet? Then how about a crisp wall or a cheese cake; a range of cheeses stacked like a wedding cake!

16. Wedding planning means everything will run to time

You can do all the planning in the world but, in my experience, there are certain elements of the wedding day which will run over – and that is fine! As a photographer, I allow an extra hour either way – just in case!

Remember that your wedding day should be unique to you and your partner so do what you feel is right when planning your special day.