Your wedding will be one of the most important days of your life. And like all important events in your life, careful planning and preparation goes a long way. Unfortunately, many people make bad (and all too common) mistakes when it comes to their wedding. If you have a wedding approaching, you can avoid some of those mistakes by researching ahead of time. Here are seven mistakes you don’t want to make with your wedding:
Not Setting a Budget First
Your budget is the most important planning portion of your wedding. Many engaged couples mistakenly believe that, because they have so much time before the wedding date, there’s plenty of time to save. They also purchase items—however cheap—without considering it a part of a budget. These smaller purchases quickly add up. If you make every purchase independent of one another, you’ll end up in a deep hole. There are plenty of online wedding budget sheets to help you stay organized with your finances.
Assuming Certain People Will RSVP No
Assuming that a certain amount of people will RSVP “no” is a novice mistake. The logic behind this is sensible: statistics show that around 10% to 15% of people will RSVP no, and a higher number for destination weddings. However, this is not a number you should rely on. Some people consider this number while making the guest list, and over-invite to accommodate for the amount of people that won’t show up. After you’ve chosen the venue, keep your guest list safe by staying within the venue capacity.
Not Having a Hair & Makeup Trial
Just because you trust a makeup artist or hairdresser doesn’t mean they can deliver exactly what you’re looking for. Even when your potential company has great reviews, you should always have a hair and makeup trial first. This is especially true because you likely have a specific hair style and look in mind that not everyone—even the best—can execute the way you want it to be executed.
Trying to Do Everything Alone
There are so many factors that go into planning a wedding. If you try to take on every task alone, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed and wearing thin quickly. Delegate tasks to your partner, mom, and bridal party so that you feel better about the entire experience. Even simple things—like researching wedding invitations and prices—can go a long way.
Ignoring the Small Details
Sure, you’ve got your DJ, venue, and catering company booked. But in the midst of all the major items you have to check off your to-do list, it’s easy to forget the small details that matter, too. For example, you’ll want to purchase a nice guestbook for your guests to sign, which will serve as a great memento. You might even consider gifting your parents and new in-laws with special premium gifts, like the embroidered handkerchiefs found here: https://www.thehandkerchiefshop.com/for-the-wedding/. Other small items to consider include your bar decor, photo props, chair decor, and send-off preferences (like the traditional rice or sparklers).
Skipping a Videographer
Although there are many things that go into your budget, and several factors to consider, there are certain things that engaged couples choose to skip in their budget and wish that they hadn’t. According a survey conducted by Zola, the number one thing that couples regretted not spending money on was a videographer. This is a day you’ve been carefully planning for months, and possibly even years. All of your hard work and energy should be remembered, and the day goes by so fast that you barely notice or pay attention to the result of your work. A video captures all the beautiful moments of this amazing day, and allows you to relive it years down the line.
Sending Save the Dates Too Early
In the heat of the moment, and bustle of all the excitement in the air, you might feel tempted to send out those pretty save the date cards just a tad too early. As you continue your wedding planning, however, you might find yourself in a position where you need to eliminate some of your guests. This might be because you discover you’re tight on space while arranging the tables, or because you simply don’t have the budget for all those extra plates. Always have a thorough understanding of what you can afford before you do anything final.
