Top things to avoid when planning your wedding.

FORGETTING TO SET A BUDGET

Before you do anything, one of the most important things is to place all the cards on the table, decide how much money you’re willing spend to make your dreams become reality.

It’s not the most exciting part of planning a wedding, but it’s the most important. A budget gives you clear expectations for what you can afford. Creating a budget thoroughly can alleviate so much stress by allowing you to prioritize what matters most. The temptation to over spend is constantly lurking on the horizon. Things add up very quickly and the last thing you guys want to do is to go into credit card debt to start your marriage. If anyone is assisting with the funding of the wedding its also a good idea to get their input on the budget as well.

TRIPPING OVER THE SMALL STUFF

Listen, you could have an amazing planner and you could be one of the most organized people in the world but something will go wrong! It could be something as simple as the flower girl getting sick and unable to perform, your veil is irritating you and you’re unable to wear it or the groomsmen forgot their boutonnieres at the gas station. Whatever the situation may be the most important thing for you guys is to enjoy your day. Catherine and I place a big emphasis on this because they definitely affect your images. The little things are just that.. little. Issues are bound to happen but if you remember that this is the most important day of your life and to focus on all the amazing things that are happening right you’ll be able to see through all of the little tiny things that over shadow an incredible day.

1 MAN/ 1 WOMAN SHOW

From all the time Catherine and I have shot weddings we’ve seen a few things that really disrupt the beauty of a special day like this.. this one has to be up there with the highest impacts on your psychology for the day.

Delegate, delegate, delegate, there’s no award for being able to do the most task by yourself stressed. If you’re anything like me you don’t like to bother people, but that mentality for something as big as a wedding, no matter what the scale will leave you stressed out, flustered and trying to control everything on your day!

When you don’t delegate, you become the sole anchor for all things. You should be the one enjoying all things. So when problems arise, guess who everyone’s turning to? Conversely, we’ve seen that brides who delegate are more at peace and enjoy more of their day. The truth is that the right people actually love to help. Just make sure you give them a big shout out during reception. Teamwork makes the dream work 🙌🏽

FORGETTING TO DISCONNECT

This should be common courtesy, but you definitely should tell guests to turn off/silence devices! Catherine and I actually give discounts to couples who choose to go unplugged.

A wedding is an intimate and sacred moment, you guys have spent a lot of time and money investing into every guest who attends. Everyone was hand selected for the opportunity to celebrate with you too. You have a beautiful dress on, your husband is looking handsome in his suit, your flowers are beautiful, your venue is gorgeous. The last thing you want is for your uncle to stick an iPad in the air and cover your face during your incredible walk down the aisle (Yes, this has happened to me!)

Everyone in attendance should be ever present, always in the moment ,celebrating your love.

NOT SETTING FAMILY BOUNDARIES

Don’t get me wrong family ideas and inputs along with traditions can be absolutely beautiful! It’s only when those ideas and thoughts become expectations for you and your spouse that things get a little awkward. When you and your families visions don’t aline this is where tension sneaks in. Remember, this day should be about you two. Give them a listen first and then state what you two desire. If you get push back just ignore it, it’s your party do it how you want to. 😎

GIVING AWAY ALL THE JUICY DETAILS

Planning a wedding is super exciting right but be sure to save some surprises for your guests! Late night delivery of Chick-fil-A mini’s? Awesome soft serve ice cream truck coming around later in the evening? Keep that to yourself. That way you’re sure to have a big impact on even the people who were a part of your planning!

SETTING A DATE BEFORE YOU PICK YOUR VENUE

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is sitting out invitations or save the dates when you haven’t booked your venue. This is problematic because the most popular wedding venues are booked a year out. I would suggest venue shopping with at least three dates in mind, your ideal date and two other alternatives just in case the place that you really really love is booked on your preferred date. This way you don’t have to send out 7 different save the dates.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These are just a few No No’s that Catherine and I have seen over the years. This is a short list of things that we noticed that has really taken our couples out of their day and that’s the last thing that you want to have had happened. Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime event and you want to feel your best mentally and physically.