9 Mistakes I’ve Made as a Wedding Planner (And What They Taught Me)

I’ll be honest, being a wedding planner isn’t glamorous 100% of the time. Behind the beautiful photos, the laughter, and the perfect details, there are mistakes, hard lessons, and moments where I questioned if I was doing things “right.” Over the years, I’ve made plenty of mistakes as a wedding planner but looking back, each one taught me something valuable. Here are some of the lessons that have shaped who I am as a planner today.

1. Trying to Fit In

Early in my career, I spent too much time worrying about what other planners were doing—what trends they were following, how they styled their events, how they marketed themselves. I thought if I copied them, I’d be successful too. But the truth is, trying to fit in only made me feel small and unsure of myself. It took time to embrace my own voice, my style, and my way of doing things. Now, authenticity is my North Star, and it’s what sets Next Chapter Weddings apart.

2. Not Charging My Worth

I wanted to make wedding planning accessible, so I undercharged for years. I told myself it was about affordability but deep down, I was afraid to ask for what I was really worth. There came a breaking point when I realized that undercharging wasn’t sustainable—it was holding my business back and adding stress to my life. Raising my prices wasn’t easy, but it allowed me to continue doing what I love while providing top-level service for my couples. I’ve learned that valuing yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary.

3. Hesitating to Embrace Community

For a long time, I tried to do everything alone. I didn’t lean on other planners, I didn’t join professional organizations, and I didn’t fully tap into the wisdom and support of my peers. Joining the Association of Wedding Planners and truly embracing my wedding planner community was a game-changer. I learned that community over competition isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential. Other planners understand your challenges, they understand your struggles, in ways no one else can, and surrounding yourself with that support makes all the difference.

4. Overworking Without Balance

I love what I do so much that it’s hard to step away. Early on, I worked myself to exhaustion—late nights, long weekends, and barely any breaks. I thought it was proof of my dedication. But I realized that when I don’t take time for myself and my family, I can’t show up fully for my clients either. Now, I schedule off-time, and when I return to work, I feel refreshed, creative, and energized. Taking care of yourself isn’t optional, it’s part of being a great wedding planner.

5. Waiting Too Long to Build a Team

I wanted to do everything myself. I thought if I could handle all the details, my business would grow faster. In reality, trying to do it all alone held me back. Learning to delegate and invest in building a strong, trustworthy team has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and having the right people around you allows you to focus on what matters most.

6. Not Creating a Vendor Blacklist Sooner

I used to work with vendors who made me uncomfortable or didn’t meet my standards because I wanted everyone to like me, or I was worried about burning bridges. Looking back, that was exhausting and unnecessary. Creating a vendor “blacklist” was a turning point. It gave me permission to work only with people I trust and respect, which protects my clients, my team, and my sanity.

7. Saying Yes Too Often

Early in my career, I said yes to everything. Every client, every collaboration, every opportunity, even when I knew it would stretch me too thin. I’ve learned that saying no is not rejection, it’s protection. Saying no to the wrong opportunities gives you space to say yes to the right ones.

8. Underestimating the Power of Systems

I ran my business on sticky notes, scattered documents, and mental checklists for too long. It was chaotic, stressful, and easily overwhelming. Investing in structured systems—contracts, workflows, timelines—has made a huge difference. Systems don’t take away creativity; they give you the freedom to focus on the parts of the job that truly matter.

9. Forgetting to Celebrate Wins

Some of my biggest mistakes were actually forgetting to pause and appreciate the progress I’d made. It’s so easy to focus on what’s next, what’s broken, or what’s imperfect. Now, I take time to celebrate wins, both big and small. Recognizing progress keeps me motivated, grateful, and inspired to keep moving forward.

Final Thoughts: What I Learned From My Mistakes as a Wedding Planner

I’ve learned that mistakes aren’t failures, they’re teachers. Each misstep has made me a better planner, a better business owner, and a better person. If you’re a wedding professional or someone navigating life’s unpredictable moments—embrace your mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Your journey is shaping you into exactly who you’re meant to be.

At Next Chapter Weddings in Houston, TX, we help couples celebrate their love with intentional, joyful weddings. We also travel beyond Houston to San Antonio, Austin, and destination weddings. Every step we take is shaped by lessons learned, and we’d love to help you create a wedding day that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Follow us on Instagram @next_chapter_weddings for more behind-the-scenes insights and inspiration.