Common Habits That Make Wedding Planning More Stressful (and What to Do Instead)
Photography by Megan Moura
Let’s be honest: wedding planning can feel like a full-time job. Especially if you're planning a destination wedding in Hawaii while managing a packed schedule and trying to make decisions that feel both meaningful and practical.
The good news? It doesn’t have to feel that way. Our goal is to make the planning process feel calm, collaborative, and (dare we say it) enjoyable. When we're brought in as true planning partners, we’re able to walk alongside you through each decision, offering guidance, clarity, and support that actually lightens your load.
Over the years, we’ve noticed a few common habits that quietly increase stress for couples, often without them even realizing it. So in the spirit of helping you feel more supported and confident, here are four wedding planning missteps to avoid and what to do instead.
Photography by Emily Turner
1. Not Leaning Into Our Advice on Vendors, Budget, and Logistics
We totally understand the instinct to research everything yourself. You care deeply about how your wedding feels, and you want to get it right. But when couples second-guess our recommendations or go down research rabbit holes that delay decisions, it often leads to frustration, added expenses, or mismatched expectations.
One of the biggest perks of hiring a planner is not having to reinvent the wheel. We’ve spent years curating a trusted network of vendors who are not only talented and reliable, but also aligned with a wide range of budgets, styles, and personalities. We take time to really understand your vision and match you with people we trust to take great care of you.
If none of those options feel like the right fit, we’re still here to help. We’ll gladly share our vetting process so you can search with clarity and confidence, without getting lost in the noise.
What helps: Let us be your shortcut to clarity. Ask questions. Share your preferences. When we make a recommendation, it comes from experience, thoughtful curation, and genuine care for your vision. Trust is where the best results happen.
2. Inconsistent Communication Makes It Harder to Support You Fully
We get it. You’re balancing a lot. But when we hear from you consistently, we can anticipate challenges before they come up and adjust our guidance to fit your life. When communication becomes sporadic or delayed, it limits our ability to give you the level of support you deserve.
This isn’t about replying to every email right away or having everything figured out. It’s about helping us understand how you’re feeling, what your schedule looks like, and what might be slowing things down. That’s when we can step in with clarity, strategy, and solutions that work for you.
Regular communication also helps us respond to new ideas as they pop up. Whether it’s a design shift, a fun surprise you want to add, or a tricky family dynamic that needs a thoughtful approach, staying in touch allows us to adapt and support you in real time.
What helps: We recommend setting up recurring check-in calls, even just once a month. These touchpoints give us space to talk through priorities, clarify questions, and make sure you’re feeling confident about next steps. You don’t have to do it all perfectly. Keeping the lines of communication open allows us to guide you with care and intention.
Photography by Megan Moura
3. Waiting Until the Final Month to Finalize Details
In the beginning, it’s easy to think, “We’ve got time.” And technically, yes, your wedding might still be six or eight months away. But if early decisions get delayed, things start to pile up fast. Suddenly it's the month of your wedding, and instead of soaking up the excitement, you’re drowning in a sea of to-dos like seating charts, signage approvals, playlist submissions, and vendor logistics.
We see this happen a lot. And it breaks our hearts a little, because the final weeks should be about joy, not stress.
What helps: Think of planning as a thoughtful rhythm rather than a rush at the end. We guide our clients through a step-by-step process that breaks down decisions into manageable phases, so everything gets the attention it deserves and nothing gets crammed into the final stretch.
4. Delaying Key Tasks That Let Us Do Our Best Work
There’s a reason our weddings run smoothly and feel so personal. It’s because we spend weeks preparing behind the scenes. From building timelines and coordinating vendors to customizing logistics and finalizing design details, our work is layered, thoughtful, and precise.
The final month is when we pour hours into making sure every detail is aligned, every transition is seamless, and every piece of the puzzle fits beautifully together. That prep work is where the magic happens. But when we don’t receive things like seating assignments, song choices, or graphic design approvals until the last minute, it limits how well we can prepare. And when that happens, you don’t get to fully experience the value of our attention to detail, which is one of the biggest reasons our clients love working with us.
What helps: The earlier we receive key decisions and files, the more we can refine and elevate every element of your wedding. Think of us as your team. We are in this with you, and we want the time and space to do our best work on your behalf.
Planning with Intention Makes All the Difference
When you bring us in as planning partners, you’re not just hiring someone to manage logistics. You’re inviting us into your story. And that’s a responsibility we take seriously.
The reason our weddings feel seamless, thoughtful, and personal isn’t just luck. It’s the result of hundreds of small, intentional decisions made over time. When we have the space to guide you well, when communication flows, and when tasks are completed with care and clarity, we’re able to create something that feels like you in every way.
Our hope is that by recognizing these common stress points, you’ll feel more empowered and less overwhelmed. You don’t have to carry all of this on your own. We’re here to walk beside you, advocate for your vision, and make the entire experience feel more joyful and grounded.
Curious what this kind of support could look like for your Hawaii destination wedding?
Let’s chat about your dream wedding.
