Planning a wedding often feels like navigating a maze — a tangle of color swatches, sticky notes, and seating charts, all carefully picked to please a dozen different opinions. At the end of the day, the process brings unexpected challenges and lots of decision-making. It’s completely normal to second-guess your choices, weigh what’s necessary versus what’s affordable, and feel overwhelmed by everything you need to figure out. That’s where we [Lulu Events] come in to simplify the process and give clear answers to the questions that can feel way more complicated than they actually are.

In a conversation between wedding planner Vicki Blood, her sister-in-law Jaime and fiancé Levi, they talked through some of the most common (and most misunderstood) parts of planning a wedding. From budget realities to choosing the right vendors, they tackled the planning pressure couples face and shed light on the so called “wedding blindness,” when the Pinterest-perfect vision starts to take over, and you lose sight of what really matters. So, here’s a much-needed reality check for anyone getting swept up in what a wedding “should” look like.

One of the biggest eye-openers for Jaime and Levi was budget. Vicki shared, “A $20,000 initial thought can quickly become $50,000 or $60,000, especially for large weddings or multi-day events.” When you first get engaged, it’s normal not to have a clear idea of what a wedding truly costs. And while the numbers can feel overwhelming, Vicki makes the case that there’s value behind every dollar and that early budget conversations are essential. Her advice? Break things down with your partner and planner (yes, that should be one of your first steps). Jamie and Levi quickly realized that “you should be prepared to have budget conversations with family twice,” since initial assumptions usually shift after doing a little research. Bottom line: your guest list and first three vendors will shape the bulk of your spending — so make those count. “The first three vendors you book [venue, photography, and catering] will consume the largest portion of your budget.”

For couples holding off on hiring a planner because of budget concerns, we are here to debunk a common misconception. “Planners aren’t just for luxury weddings; they’re for everyone, regardless of budget,” Vicki shares. They act as “your primary resource” and handle all the details happening behind the scenes, allowing you to enjoy your day without feeling like you’re working it. Even if you’re late in the process, it’s not too late. Vicki has stepped in and planned full weddings in as little as six weeks— not ideal, but delivered, nonetheless. Hiring a planner isn’t just about organization, it’s about making sure you and your loved ones have the security of staying fully present.

Because planners know the industry so well, they can connect you with vendors that align with your style, needs, and priorities, not just vendors that look good on paper or fit someone else’s idea of what your wedding should be or look like. Whether you’re focused on budget, design, or both, we help you stay grounded in what actually works for you.

All things considered, amid decisions, questions, and expectations, don’t lose sight of the real reason you’re planning and reading all of this. Focus on what truly matters: you, your people, and making the day feel like your own. As Vicki put it, “Your wedding is one of the rare occasions when all your loved ones will be in the same room; be present and focus on them.” The to-do lists, timelines, and costs are just part of the process, what lasts are the moments. Know your priorities, plan with intention, and build from there.

If you’re in the thick of it, consider this your reset button. Weddings can be complex, but thoughtful planning and knowing what to focus on will make your day more meaningful and more memorable than ever. Plan with purpose, plan with joy, and don’t be afraid to pause when you need to. While we can’t answer every wedding planning question in one post, Jaime and Levi dive into the most common ones in our podcast episode (shameless plug) of Brides Informal on Spotify: “Wedding Planning 101: Top Wedding FAQs.” Happy planning — and we’ll see you there!