Planning a wedding comes with a lot of, well, planning! From choosing our venue, finalising your guestlist, finding the right dress and deciding on food, there are a lot of choices to be made. It’s an exciting time, but in the midst of it all, some details can be easily missed.

At The Walled Garden, we’ve been hosting weddings for over a decade. Over the years, we’ve seen what couples often forget or overlook in the run-up to their day. So we’ve pulled together some of the most common planning mistakes, and how to avoid them, to help your celebration run as smoothly as possible!

Skipping Wedding Insurance

We know wedding insurance isn’t the most romantic thing to think about when you’ve just got engaged and you’re caught up in the excitement of planning your big day. But trust us, this small upfront cost can be one of the most important investments you make when it comes to your wedding. From last-minute supplier cancellations to venue issues or accidents on the day, wedding insurance provides a safety net that can save you a huge amount of stress (and money).

We recommend checking out our trusted affiliate partner, Wedinsure who offer a range of policies to suit all kinds of weddings.

Real situations where wedding insurance can help:

Your photographer cancels last minute and you need to book a replacement
Your venue closes unexpectedly or experiences damage
A supplier doesn’t show up or goes out of business before the big day
A key member of your wedding party falls ill and you need to postpone

You can read our full blog on the importance of wedding insurance for further information!

2. Missing documentation

When it comes to wedding planning, the legal side of things can easily slip under the radar. Whether it's providing valid ID for your marriage license or submitting the final paperwork to your registrar, it's important not to leave these tasks until the last minute!

One of the best ways to stay on top of it all is by creating a checklist well in advance and keeping your documents in one safe, easily accessible place.

There are plenty of UK-based websites designed to help couples stay organised throughout the wedding planning journey. Platforms like Hitched and Bridebook offer free tools such as timelines, checklists, budget trackers, and even digital document storage, making it easier than ever to keep everything in one place and avoid any last-minute stress.

3. Forgetting to pay the registrar

It might seem obvious, but you’d be amazed how often this is missed in the chaos of wedding planning! Among the dress fittings, venue visits, and cake tastings, the legal side of things can sometimes get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. But just remember, if you haven’t paid your registrar and officially booked your ceremony slot, your wedding can’t legally take place…no one wants that plot twist at the altar.

Registrars are typically booked through your local council, and payment is usually required to secure your chosen date and time. Without that confirmation, you're essentially holding a beautiful party… without the legally binding bit!

To avoid any last-minute panic, add this to your early planning checklist:

Contact your local registry office as soon as you’ve confirmed your date and venue
Complete all required paperwork
Pay the fee and get written confirmation
Set a reminder to double-check everything a few weeks before the big day

4. Worrying too much about other peoples opinions

When it comes to weddings, everyone has an opinion, whether that’s on your dress, your guest list, or old traditions. And while some of that advice might come from a good place, it can quickly become overwhelming. So don’t forget it’s about you and your partner, and the celebration that feels right for you!

Plan a day that reflects your personalities, values, and love story. Your guests are there to support and celebrate you, not to sign off on every decision. So take their thoughts with a pinch of salt, and focus on what makes you happy. At the end of the day, it’s your experience that matter most and if you’ve decided to ditch the top table or skip the speeches entirely, that’s totally okay.

Create the wedding that feels like you, not a checklist of what other people expect.

5. Trying to do everything yourself

Even if you’re a planning pro, a spreadsheet wizard, and your secret wedding Pinterest board has been thriving for years, it’s still difficult to juggle every single detail. But you don’t have to do it all alone!

It’s more than ok to lean on others when planning your special day. Whether that means delegating tasks to your bridal party, asking family members for support, or hiring trusted suppliers who just get it, the more help you have, the more you’ll be able to enjoy.

Your only job on the day should be to soak it all in, every laugh, every happy tear, every magical moment. So give yourself permission to let go a little. You deserve to be present, not stressed.

Here at The Walled Garden, once your day is in motion, our team will be working quietly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. We’re pros, and we’ll make sure you feel like a guest, not a host, on your wedding day.

6. Ignoring your budget

It’s all too easy to fall down the Pinterest rabbit hole and suddenly feel like your wedding needs those trendy signs or snacks. But overspending can quickly turn post-wedding bliss into financial stress.

Start with a realistic budget, decide on your non-negotiables as a couple, and track every single expense, yes, even the little ones (they add up quicker than you'd think!). Having a clear budget not only helps you prioritise what truly matters, but also keeps those “just one more thing” extras in check.

One of the best ways to keep your budget on track? Consider choosing a package option. They’re a great way to keep costs contained while still getting everything you need. We’ve just launched our 2026 packages which offer you a range of beautiful ceremony choices while keeping your budget in check so you know exactly what you’re spending!

Find out more about our 2026 packages

7. Not scheduling breaks in your day (& forgetting to eat!)

Your wedding day will fly by, trust us. Between getting ready, the ceremony, speeches, photos, and catching up with guests, it can feel like you’re on a rollercoaster with no pause button.

Plan intentional moments of calm into your timeline. Whether it’s five quiet minutes with your partner after the ceremony or a proper sit-down meal where you’re not interrupted, these small breaks help you stay grounded and soak it all in.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and adrenaline of the day, but skipping meals is a rookie mistake. You are going to need energy to make it through all the smiles, dancing, and conversations. Start with a hearty breakfast, keep sipping water throughout the day, and make sure you actually sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve carefully chosen. A little fuel goes a long way, and you’ll be so glad you didn’t miss it!

8. Not getting final numbers over to suppliers

It’s tempting to wait until the last minute to confirm the guest list, but that can create unnecessary stress for your suppliers.

Whether it’s your caterer, florist, or photographer, everyone needs accurate numbers, and meal choices in advance. Providing these details with plenty of time to spare ensures your venue and suppliers can execute your vision perfectly without scrambling at the last minute.

9. Overcomplicating the timeline

Weddings are a blur of love, joy, and nonstop action, but sometimes, the best moments are the quiet ones. While it’s tempting to pack your schedule with every idea you’ve dreamed of, remember that less is often more.

A simple, well-paced timeline allows room for those unplanned, magical moments. Consider carving out a few intentional pauses - maybe a quiet second alone with your partner after the ceremony, or a few minutes to catch your breath before the evening festivities begin. These small breaks help you savour the day rather than rush through it.

The planners and operations team here at our Nottingham wedding venue, The Walled Garden, will work with you to create a flow that feels just right - streamlined, personal, and stress-free. We’ll be there to gently keep things on track, so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your day.