5 Wedding Myths Totally Busted — From a Wedding Planner’s Perspective
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons of your life — but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. As a wedding planner, we see couples weighed down by outdated advice, viral trends, and pressure from all directions. That’s why it’s so important to separate fact from fiction.
Photo: Kerry Jeanne Photography
Venue: Lairmont Manor
Here are five of the most common wedding myths we hear from couples — and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: “You don’t need a wedding planner.”
You’re right — you don’t need one. But having a wedding planner can completely transform your experience.
Many couples begin planning with the best intentions, only to realize how complex the process becomes: vendor research, contract negotiations, design decisions, logistics, timelines, communication, and the unexpected situations that always arise. A planner doesn’t just take tasks off your plate — they anticipate issues before they happen, advocate for your vision, and streamline every decision so you can actually enjoy your engagement.
On the wedding day, a planner manages everything behind the scenes: vendor arrivals, setup, cues, transitions, the timeline, and troubleshooting. Instead of answering questions and fixing problems, you get to be fully present. While it’s true you can plan without a professional, having one means you get a calmer planning journey and a more seamless, joyful celebration. And sure, while your aunt could do it, that means she doesn’t get to be fully present either. Also, she likely doesn’t have the experience working at your venue or with the group of vendors or have the years of experience knowing every little thing to anticipate that may come up.
Myth 2: “You have to follow current wedding trends.”
As a planner, we love watching couples explore inspiration — but we also see how trends can pressure people into choices that don’t feel authentic. The truth is this: trends are tools, not rules.
Your wedding shouldn’t feel like a TikTok reel or Pinterest board that doesn’t reflect your personality. Whether you’re drawn to timeless elegance, vibrant maximalism, unconventional elements, or something in between, a wedding planner helps you create a design that feels uniquely you. When your décor, color palette, and style align with your relationship, your wedding will feel memorable long after the trends fade.
Case in point, there are a handful of wedding days we look back at from the early days of our career, we see the burlap and lace and cringe a little. Trends can inspire you — but they should never dictate your day.
Myth 3: “You need to get married when the weather is good.”
AKA in the summer time in the PNW. Weather is one of the biggest stressors for couples, but it doesn’t have to limit you. Every season has its own charm — and with thoughtful planning, any season can create an unforgettable wedding experience.
Spring is beautiful, but unpredictable. Summer offers long days, but can be hot. Fall brings stunning color and cozy warmth. Winter weddings? They’re incredibly atmospheric, elegant, and often more budget-friendly. A planner helps you navigate backup plans, indoor/outdoor options, lighting, temperature control, and seasonal logistics so your celebration feels flawless no matter what the sky is doing.
You don’t need “perfect weather” — you just need a well-prepared plan.
Myth 4: “If your parents are paying, you have to invite whoever they want.”
This is one of the most sensitive myths couples face. Financial help from family is generous and often deeply appreciated — but it doesn’t mean your guest list should spiral into a distant-relative free-for-all.
As a planner, part of our role is to support you in having comfortable, respectful conversations about expectations and boundaries. We work together to identify your priorities, structure a fair guest list, and communicate decisions in a way that honors everyone involved.
Your wedding should feel like a gathering of the people who matter most — not an obligation list.
Myth 5: “DIY automatically saves money.”
DIY has a wonderful appeal — it’s personal, hands-on, and sometimes cost-effective. But the idea that DIY always saves money is one of the biggest misconceptions in wedding planning.
Once couples factor in supplies, specialty tools, trial-and-error, the cost of materials, transportation, and the time investment, DIY often becomes more expensive than hiring a professional. Not to mention the stress of assembling, delivering, setting up, and sometimes repairing DIY items on the wedding day.
As a planner, we consult couples on DIY projects that truly make sense — ones that add meaningful personal touches without overwhelming your budget, timeline, or sanity. Some elements are wonderfully DIY-friendly; others are best left to experts. The key is strategy, not assumption. One example would be having a bride think “I’ll just do the flowers myself!” We have seen this pitfall a handful of times. You might have a certain color scheme or flower ideas on your mood board, but that is likely not going to match what might be available at Pike Place the day before your wedding. Not to mention the numerous hours you and your crew might put in the night before the wedding trying to arrange, when you should be focused on this special time and getting a good night sleep the night before.
Final Thoughts
Weddings are full of advice — some helpful, some outdated, and some that can unintentionally derail your vision. As a planner, our goal is to guide you through the noise, provide clarity, protect your priorities, and bring your dream celebration to life with confidence and ease.
Cheers,
Ashley
Principal Wedding Planner and Co-Owner of It’s Your Day Events
Who is It’s Your Day Events?
We are a Seattle & Bellingham, WA based wedding planning, wedding coordination and design agency. What we do is at times difficult to picture because the services we offer are intangible. When you are scrolling through beautiful photos, with stunning flowers, and amazing cohesive design; the magic behind that is the planning, design, and coordination. This is what we do.
We professionally organize, plan, and coordinate the details.
We dot the i's and cross the t's.
We triple check it all once more.
Then, when the day comes, we watch the wonderment and happiness on your face as your wedding day unfolds, just as you dreamed it would.
Contact us for any wedding planning, wedding coordination or design needs!
