Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Wedding
We’ve planned a wedding a time or two, and we’ve compiled a list of mistakes we hear couples regret, or wish they would have considered. While it’s important not to dwell on “if only's”, we want to help future brides and grooms have the most seamless wedding experience possible.
And just in case nobody has told you, it is OKAY if the wedding journey isn’t sunshine and daisies 100% of the time. Humans are messy, and weddings bring a string of emotions. Follow your gut, bless and release when necessary, and enjoy the overflow of love that is bound to come of it all.
Here are some mistakes we hope you can avoid:
💰 Not outlining your budget FIRST. Don’t rush into hiring a photographer and venue without first doing your research on what wedding cost. Outlining your guest list and budget is the first step, or you could end up in a world of hurt once you realize how much things add up.
📝 Inviting too many people - if you wouldn’t invite them to a dinner party, why are they invited to such an intimate celebration of your love? The guest list is the easiest way to decrease budget, so it’s okay to remember this isn’t a family reunion.
📢 Not communicating to important family members, especially moms and bridal party members. While this is indeed YOUR wedding, this is a big and exciting moment for others as well. Try to keep loved ones in the loop with little details so they feel involved. Or maybe hand over little tasks you don’t feel you have to do, such as welcome baskets or favors.
👰🏼Inviting too many people to your dress shopping appointments - don’t let there be too many cooks in the kitchen! You know yourself best, but often too many opinions can lead to more stress and decision fatigue.
💲Spending money on items that make no impact. We suggest to prioritize spending on items that elevate guests experience. Ie: paying for a shuttle as to avoid guests drinking and driving - that makes a difference! Paying for a sign that says “bar” when the bar is clearly there - that doesn’t make a difference. Don’t waste your resources.
📄Signing a contract without reading or understanding it. Read the fine print, and get any additional requests in writing.
💍Not spending enough time on your wedding ceremony - this is the heart of your wedding, my friends! Don’t just rush off to the next thing; it’s the reason you’re bringing all these humans together.
🥂Not hiring an independent wedding coordinator - having a venue coordinator is great, yes! It’s so wise to invest in having a human advocate solely for YOU, not just your venue. You and your loved ones deserve to be guests, and not just hosts on your wedding day. Read more information here.
Are you looking for a community to ask wedding planning questions, or feel heard? We suggest the Big Wedding Planning Podcast - there are planning happy hours, masterclasses, and a Facebook Group.
