After putting SO much time, effort and money into your wedding, you don't want to do anything that could jeopardize it. Over the years we have seen bride's make a few common mistakes that end of ruining their big day! (Or at least make it less than ideal!) Take a look at our list and be sure to not make the same mistakes.
1. Not Hiring Professionals - As tempting as it can be to have your aunt do your floral, your cousin shoot your wedding, and your best friend coordinate your big day, I strongly advice against it. First of all, these people generally are not professionals and you therefore aren't going to get the same quality or level of service as you would if you hired a pro. Not to say they wouldn't do a good job, they just lack the experience of a trained professional. Secondly, you may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation if you don't love their work. It's easy to tell someone you don't know (and whom you are paying) "I don't like that" or "I want to go in a different direction." That becomes much more difficult with family and friends as you don't want to hurt their feelings. Finally, it will be difficult to relax on your big day. As much as you love your family and friends, I guarantee that you won't have as much confidence in them as you would a trained professional, and will stress over the final outcome. My question to you is, is that extra stress worth it?
2. Not Eating Enough & Not Drinking Enough Water - I know eating on your wedding day can be a challenge, but believe it or not, eating a protein filled breakfast is going to help you power through the day. I can't tell you how often brides loose steam part way through the day, and are exhausted by the reception. I encourage you to not only eat breakfast, but carry small snacks and bottles of water with you throughout the day to help you stay hydrated and energized. The last you want it to not enjoy your big day simply because you didn't eat or drink enough water.
3. Over Scheduling - My biggest piece of advice is to not over schedule your day!! As a bride you need to be able to get up, relax and enjoy the day. You should never have such a full schedule that you don't have a moment to breathe. Also, be sure to account for lots of extra time in your day. If hair and make up claims to only need 2 hours, set aside 2.5 hour. If your photographer thinks you will only need 15 minutes for a first look, set aside 30 minutes. I promise, adding extra down time in your day and not 'overscheduling' your day will allow you to relax and not be running around, stressed, like a crazy person.
4. Too Many DIY Projects - I cannot stress this one enough! Too often we see brides wanting to DIY many aspects of their wedding. If you are deciding to go this route, all of your projects need to be done 1 month prior to the wedding, and they need to be easy to set-up. You are going to stress yourself out if you try and finish 10 projects the week of your wedding, and if they are complicated to set up, you are going to stress over whether they are going to be set correctly. In order to enjoy your day, don't put yourself in this situation.
5. Too Large or a Bridal Party (or not thinking it through enough) - A large bridal party can equal drama. Too often brides ask everyone they know to be in their bridal party simply because they don't want to hurt anyones feelings. With that being said, I can't tell you how many times I have had bride's tell me that they wished they had a smaller bridal party. It ends up being more stressful on the day of the wedding, it can create drama, and isn't always the most relaxing atmosphere. With that being said, it isn't always a bad thing, just be sure to really think it through and know your bridal party well.
6. Not doing what YOU want - With so many people helping you plan your big day, it can be difficult to stay true to what YOU want. After all, this is YOUR big day; not your mom's or your sister's or your maid of honor's. It is YOUR day. Be upfront with them, and don't allow them to run the show simple because they think they know what is best. I promise, if you allow this, you will regret it.
We hope that helped guide you! Are there any recommendations here that you hadn't thought about? Or any other things you think could ruin a wedding? Let us know in the comments below!
Cheers!
Ashley
