6 Common Mistakes Couples Make

Congrats! You’re engaged. I’m so excited for you!

Now I know there are so many things on your to-do list and you’re so excited to tackle them all. But before you start I want to talk about 6 common mistakes couples make when planning their wedding. In the hopes that you can have a stress-free wedding planning season, I’m going to guide you through the 6 Common Mistakes Couples Make When Planning a Wedding.

Number One

Making plans before setting a budget. Finding that dream vera weighing down is all fine and dandy until you realize that that dress cost more than your entire budget. You’re heartbroken and now all the fun has been sucked out of planning your big day. Don’t make that same mistake. Sit down and talk about money first so there are no surprises when you start to plan your big day.

Number Two

Not having a rain plan. If you are having a spring, summer, or fall wedding and you are so excited to get married outside in the beautiful outdoors – I feel you. I know I definitely want to get married outside. However, mother nature does not always go with what we planned. Set yourself up for success and have a Plan B in case it’s pouring on your wedding day. Know where the reception and ceremony will be held and how you can help your guests stay dry i.e. fun umbrellas with your wedding colors can also double as wedding favors. If it does rain try not to be too stressed. Rain on your wedding day is good luck.

Number Three

Underestimating the cost of outdoor weddings. Just because weddings are outdoors does not necessarily mean they’re more cost-effective. Although you may not have to pay the same rate for an indoor venue as you would for an outdoor venue, you have to think about all the other things that go along with it. Tents, restrooms, kitchen, facilities, lighting, fans, heaters – the whole 9 yards. Make sure you’re aware of these costs before planning an outdoor soirée.

Number Four

Not supplying enough information. Building a guest list is much like building an email list. You have to give them a lot of information, and serve them well. The best way to do this, in my opinion, is a wedding website. You can keep all of your wedding day and other events up to date and as accurate as possible with addresses, dress code, and how you will be receiving gifts. Make sure the guests have more than enough information and an emergency contact number so they are not calling you on your wedding day.

Number Five

Micromanaging. I know that this day is so important to you and you want everything to go off without a hitch. Having a final call with your planner a couple of days before show time is a good idea.  Scheduling out bathroom breaks and food breaks for staff, planners, and photographers is a recipe for disaster. Don’t underestimate the fact that you have hired seasoned professionals to do the job. They have been on countless weddings and can time everything out perfectly. If you give them the space to do their job I promise they will do it well with a better end result, and a less stressful day for you.

Number Six

Being blinded by tradition. Going into your wedding day with the notion that you can’t see the groom before the ceremony and all that superstitious nonsense. As a photographer, the most intimate moments are captured in a first look – more on that here. You’re going to miss out on an hour of portraits of you and your forever if you’re stuck to that age-old tradition.  Let loose, have some fun, and do what YOU want to do.

I hope this helps you avoid some of the most common mistakes couples make when planning their wedding. As always I’m here to answer any questions and if you need somewhere to put all of your wedding planning information, grab my free wedding planner below. Cheers!