5 Common Mistakes International Couples Make When Planning a Wedding in Sweden

Dreaming of a wedding in Sweden? It’s magical , but planning from abroad can bring a few surprises. Here are 5 common mistakes international couples can make (and how to avoid them with ease, joy, and a little local know-how).

1. Leaving the legal stuff until the last minute

When it comes to legal details, it’s always best to plan ahead. We recommend having the legal marriage done in your home country and then coming to Sweden for your special celebration, this way, you can focus on the joy of the day without the stress of paperwork.

Also good to know: most wedding payments in Sweden are handled through invoices rather than credit cards. Since we often work with small, local businesses, invoicing is usually the smoothest option for everyone.

2. Expecting dinner to be a certain way

Dinner traditions in Sweden can be quite different from what you're used to, especially when it comes to weddings. For starters, guests typically don’t choose their meals in advance, and open bars are not the norm. While some venues may offer more flexibility, it can often lead to logistical hiccups. Also, Swedish wedding dinners tend to be long. Think 3 to 4 hours, sometimes even up to 5, complete with speeches, entertainment, and lots of laughter. So come prepared to settle in, enjoy the experience, and savor every moment.

3. Planning for Pinterest, not for Sweden

Sweden has four beautiful seasons, and a fifth one we like to call “surprise rain.” That dreamy lakeside ceremony in April? It might also come with a side of mud. While a little drizzle can be romantic (and yes, umbrellas do make for cute photos), it’s important to think about your guests' comfort too. Always have a cozy, dry backup plan in place, just in case the Swedish weather decides to keep things interesting.

4. Trying to DIY it all from abroad

We love a capable couple: spreadsheets, vision boards, the works. But unless you live here or speak fluent Swedish wedding-speak, some things are just easier with a local expert.

Instead: Let us be your feet on the ground, your inbox whisperer, your stress-reducer-in-chief. We’re here to turn “I don’t know how to book a band in Stockholm” into “Wow, this saxophonist is incredible.”

5. Trying to organize different hotel blocks

Coordinating hotel blocks for all your guests can quickly turn into a logistical headache, especially for a destination wedding in Sweden. While it may seem helpful, it often adds unnecessary stress to your planning process. Instead, we recommend giving your guests a few trusted accommodation options in different styles and price ranges, and letting them choose what suits them best. Most guests appreciate the flexibility to book according to their own preferences and travel plans. Less hassle for you, and everyone gets to stay where they feel most comfortable!

Planning a wedding in Sweden should feel joyful. Personal. A little bit magical.That’s what we’re here for. If you’re an international couple dreaming of a stylish, stress-free celebration in Sweden, let’s chat. We’d be so happy to help bring your vision to life.

With all my heart,

Louise