Planning a wedding is an exciting and joyous time for couples. However, it can also be overwhelming, stressful, and time-consuming. With so many details to consider and decisions to make, it’s easy to fall into some common pitfalls. Phone calls forget to be made, unexpected costs can arise, family drama may rear its ugly head – it can make you want to pull your hair out!
Don’t fret – in this article, we’ll explore the seven most common mistakes couples make when planning their weddings. Keep these tips in mind, and you can avoid them like a pro and put together the wedding you’ve always dreamed of!
1. Breaking Your Budget (Or Not Budgeting At All)
Setting your budget and sticking to it should be the first step for planning a wedding, after deciding exactly who it is that you’re going to marry. However, a shocking amount of couples don’t take this step seriously, and can end up in very hot water as a result.
It’s easy to get carried away with Pinterest-worthy ideas and extravagant dreams, but it’s important to remember that weddings can be expensive. Before you start any planning, sit down together and discuss your financial situation. Determine a budget that you’re comfortable with and then stick to it!
2. Not Prioritizing Decisions
There are hundreds of decisions that you may need to make when planning your wedding. That’s why it’s important to recognize that yes – some decisions are more important than others.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and lose sight of what truly matters to you as a couple. Failing to prioritize can lead to unnecessary stress and indecisiveness. Take the time to sit down together and identify the elements that are most important to both of you.
If you spend hours deliberating over which napkins you want to use, are you going to have much mental energy left to do anything else? Exactly. Small details can add to the charm and unique feeling of your wedding, but without making large decisions first, your wedding may not happen at all.
3. Not Delegating (The “I Have to Do It Myself” Club)
Brides-to-be? Repeat after me: “I do not have to do everything myself.”
Planning a wedding can be a massive undertaking, and trying to handle everything on your own can (and will) lead to burnout. Many couples make the mistake of neglecting to delegate tasks and end up feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help! Enlist the support of your friends, family, or even hire a wedding planner to assist with the details. By sharing the load, you’ll be able to enjoy the process and avoid unnecessary stress.
Your bridesmaids, for example, aren’t just there to look pretty in your wedding photos. They’re here to help! Delegate smaller, easier tasks to them if they can spare the time, that way you can focus on more important things.
(Speaking of bridesmaids, have you thought about dresses yet? Head on over to Bella Bridesmaids for hands-down the best selection of bridesmaids dress colors, styles, and sizes. They even do alterations, so you won’t have to worry about whether or not the dresses will fit.)
4. Not Planning for the Weather
While this one is more specific to outdoor weddings, these kinds of celebrations have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. Outdoor weddings can be absolutely stunning, but failing to consider the weather can lead to disaster. Many couples make the mistake of ignoring the potential for rain, wind, or extreme heat, leaving their guests uncomfortable and unprepared.
Always have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Whether it’s renting a tent or securing an indoor venue as a backup, being prepared will ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly, rain or shine.
5. Forgetting to Communicate
Wedding planning involves coordinating with a variety of vendors, friends, and family members. Many couples make the mistake of neglecting to communicate effectively, leaving room for misunderstandings and last-minute surprises.
Make sure to keep everyone involved in the loop by sharing important details, timelines, and expectations. Regularly touch base with your vendors and create a system for open and clear communication with your loved ones. By keeping everyone informed, you’ll reduce stress and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Failing to communicate can also lead to big troubles with your vendors. You may end up over-booking or overlapping the time that they need to get ready – and that’s not fair to them! Keeping everyone in the know during the planning process will help avoid becoming the “difficult” customer, and will help your wedding go as smoothly as possible.
Conclusion
In the end, remember that with a little careful planning and some proactive decision-making, your wedding planning journey can be a smooth and joyful experience. By avoiding the common mistakes mentioned in this article, you can navigate the path to your special day with confidence and ease.
Embrace the excitement, lean on your loved ones, and don’t forget to savor every precious moment along the way. Your dream wedding is within reach, and with your love as the guiding light, it will undoubtedly be a day filled with beauty, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Cheers to a happily ever after and a wedding planning adventure that will bring you closer together than ever before!
