What Are You Pushing Off in Your Wedding Planning? (And How I Can Help You Actually Enjoy This Process)

You’re Not Behind—You’re Just Human

There’s this quiet pressure when you get engaged that suddenly you need to become a professional event planner. Pinterest boards, vendor calls, budget spreadsheets, family opinions, timelines… it’s a lot. Especially if you’re working full-time, balancing real life, or just trying to enjoy being engaged.

If you’ve been putting off parts of your planning process (or maybe even most of it), take a deep breath. You are not behind. You are not doing it wrong. You’re just like 99% of couples I talk to.

Let’s normalize the fact that wedding planning isn’t always magical—it’s often overwhelming. And you’re allowed to get help with it.

Here are some of the most common things couples push off—and how I can help you take care of them, so you can stop stressing and start celebrating.

  1. The Wedding Day Timeline

“We still have time… right?”

This is by far the number one task couples delay—because creating a timeline isn’t just about plugging in ceremony and dinner. It involves:

  • Vendor arrival and setup

  • Hair and makeup schedules

  • Buffer time (yes, it matters!)

  • Family photo slots

  • First looks (or not)

  • Reception transitions

  • Golden hour photos

  • Toasts, dances, and send-off details

It’s more than a schedule—it’s the backbone of your entire day. And it’s totally normal if you feel unsure where to start.

How I Help:

As your wedding coordinator, I build a detailed timeline for you. I consider the real time things take (spoiler alert: it’s more than you think), factor in logistics, and keep the flow calm and joyful—not rushed.

Plus, I coordinate directly with your vendors so everyone is on the same page. No chaos. No “Where’s the DJ?” moments.

Want a sneak peek at what really goes into your timeline? Don’t miss The Timeline Myth: Why Everything Takes Longer on Your Wedding Day

2. Vendor Communication (and Gaps You Haven’t Filled Yet)

“They still haven’t emailed back... should I follow up again?”

Maybe you’ve emailed your florist and are still waiting for a response. Or you’re dreading the price shopping and phone calls needed to book rentals. Or you got quotes, but haven’t pulled the trigger because… decision fatigue is real.

How I Help:

I take vendor communication off your plate. Whether you need recommendations for reliable professionals or help getting answers from the team you’ve already booked, I step in and streamline it all.

If you’re just getting started, I can help you find the right matches based on your style, location, and budget. I’ve built trusted relationships with vendors across Wisconsin (and beyond), and I know who delivers.

Before your wedding, I’ll confirm all the details with each vendor, making sure everyone knows exactly what’s expected and when.

3. The Seating Chart Situation

“Can we just let people sit wherever they want?”

Seating charts feel simple until you sit down and realize:

  • You don’t know where to put that one couple you had to invite.

  • Some guests don’t get along.

  • You want to make it feel intentional without overthinking it.

It’s time-consuming, emotional, and way too easy to put off.

How I Help:

I help you think through the layout logistics and guest dynamics so you can seat people with confidence. Whether you need guidance on table shapes, assigning seats vs. tables, or how to fit 120 people into your venue — we’ll problem-solve it together.

Want to hand over that task completely? I offer an optional à la carte service where I’ll create your final seating chart for you — organized and easy to follow, so your planner, venue, and caterer know exactly where everyone’s going.

4. Family Dynamics & Unwanted Opinions

“I want this to be our day… but I don’t want to upset anyone.”

You’ve probably already encountered a little (or a lot) of this. Family expectations, opinions about your choices, or complicated relationships you’re not sure how to navigate.

It’s easy to put off the hard conversations, hoping things will just… work themselves out. (Spoiler: they rarely do.)

How I Help:

I’m your buffer and your safe space. I’ve helped many couples navigate awkward, emotional family situations with grace. Whether you need help managing divorced parents, setting boundaries about who’s giving speeches, or just scripting a polite way to say “We’re keeping it small,” I’ve got you.

This one’s so common I wrote an entire post about it: Your Wedding, Your Way: How to Politely Say No to Unwanted Opinions

5. Gathering “All the Little Things”

“Wait… who’s bringing the cake knife?”

There are so many tiny details no one tells you about until they’re suddenly urgent:

  • Marriage license

  • Signage and easels

  • Gift table supplies

  • Cake cutting set

  • Card box

  • Emergency kit

  • Vendor tips

  • A pen for the guest book!

These little things sneak up and add stress in the final weeks.

How I Help:

I provide checklists for exactly what you’ll need and bring many of the essentials myself. I also have a coordinator-approved emergency kit stocked with stain remover, safety pins, mints, scissors, lighters, snacks, and more.

6. Making a Rain Plan (or Backup Plan of Any Kind)

“Let’s just hope it doesn’t rain.”

Hope is a beautiful thing… but also not a plan. Whether it’s weather, guest cancellations, or last-minute vendor hiccups, it’s so important to have a backup.

How I Help:

I work through “what if” scenarios with you—from where guests will go if it rains, to what happens if your shuttle runs late. I believe in flexibility with structure, and my job is to make sure nothing surprises you on your day.

7. Just… Admitting It’s Too Much

Sometimes it’s not just one task. It’s all of it. You’re tired. You love your partner and you’re excited to be married—but the planning itself? You’re just not feeling it anymore.

Maybe you started with energy and intention, but now it’s a burden. And maybe you're wondering if it’s okay to just hand it off.

How I Help:

That’s literally what I’m here for. I’m not here to take over—I’m here to support you. I believe wedding planning should feel joyful, organized, and personal. If it’s not, that’s a sign you deserve support.

Whether you want to book full coordination or just chat through where you’re stuck in a one-time session, there’s no pressure. Just solutions.

Need a Quick Reset? Try “Rent My Brain”

Not sure if you need a full coordinator yet? Book a one-hour consultation for just $75. We’ll talk through whatever you’re stuck on:

  • Timeline help

  • Vendor referrals

  • Sticky family stuff

  • Creative ideas

  • Or just… what comes next

If we’re not a fit for full coordination, I’ll even reach out to other coordinators I trust to check availability for your date.

No gatekeeping here—just genuine help.

Let’s Make This Fun Again

I started this business because I love weddings—but more importantly, I love supporting people. I know what it’s like to want a calm, connected day but feel like the stress is slowly stealing that joy.

You don’t have to white-knuckle it to the finish line.

Let’s take those things you’ve been pushing off—and turn them into “already done” so you can breathe again.

Ready to take something off your plate?

Reach out here
Email me directly at erika@northwoodseventpro.com
Or follow along on Instagram for tips, pep talks, and behind-the-scenes moments.

You’ve got this—and I’ve got you. 💛

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The Timeline Myth: Why Everything Takes Longer Than You Think on a Wedding Day

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The Truth About “Day-of Coordination”: What It Really Means (and Why You Might Need More)