Wedding Blunders to Avoid

For every season, and every couple planning their wedding, there are going to be pitfalls. Most of them are avoidable. If you are beginning to plan your wedding or are in the midst of planning, here are some helpful tips. There are many others and we'll share those from our research and archives, but for now...
Consider these reminders of what NOT to do.

Lose Track of your Schedule

Once you have set a wedding date and begun creating a plan, set firm milestone dates for follow-up and completion.
- Don't send your Save the Date cards too early or people will forget to RSVP.
- Book your hotel block of rooms, or venue too late and you'll be scrambling.
Securing your vendors, getting the wedding party outfitted, having your own gown tailored, band or DJ booked ... all of this will need to be done if it is part of your wedding day plan. Prioritize and work your plan
Have a schedule and be a slave to it. You'll thank yourself later. 

Lose Track of your Budget

Not spending the right amount on postage may mean that your invitations are never delivered or have to be resent. Blowing your funds on one item, be it the gown, the flowers, the bar, can mean having to reset your finances and plan as the day approaches. Once you've set your budget, make thoughtful, measured decisions based on your priorities. Have the same respect for your budget that you do for your schedule and timeframe.

Hire a Friend instead of a Pro

We are all getting more and more talented with camera phones, calendar apps, and the like. There is a social media video or course to teach you how to do everything, and with mixed results. The fact remains: your friends need to stay your friends and be guests at your wedding. Unless you're hiring a bona fide pro, who is also a friend, stick with hiring people in the wedding industry.  

Micromanage Your Vendors

And now that you've hired pros over pals (see above), let the pros do their thing. These seasoned individuals spend day and night learning about, participating in, and growing their signature wedding expertise. Tell them your vision and let them work their magic. 

Invite Too Many Guests

Believe it or not, not everyone who knows or loves you (or knows and loves your parents) needs to come to watch you say "I Do." More bodies means a larger venue, more food and drink, parking considerations, etc. Remember that you may or may not be able to speak to everyone on the day, or afford to feed and host a cast of thousands. As you consider your budget and your vision, make it clear to everyone involved what you want. Don't do yourselves or your guests a disservice by packing the house. 

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Let Other People Choose Your Wedding Party

While we've moved beyond the days when your mother, aunt and mother-in-law to be helped make big decisions, there is still pressure to please those family members. Your wedding party though, is about you and who you love. Anyone in your life who truly matters, supports and loves you - regardless of gender - should be by your side on your wedding day if you want him or her there. It's a big day. Wrap yourselves in love!

Blow your Budget on the Dress

Bridal Traditions is a boutique with well-made and reasonably prices wedding gowns. We know that you do NOT have to spend $5000 to look gorgeous on your wedding day. Stop by and see us and we'll show you what we're talking about. In the meantime, you are the bride and should look amazing, but don't squander the bulk or your wedding dollars on just the gown and accessories. And do not assume that the gown is the only cost. You'll also need shoes, a veil and other accessories.

Forget the Spirit of the Day

Setting a budget and schedule, staying true to your vision, surrounding yourself with trusted friends in your wedding party and working with pros will make room for you to do what truly matters the most: enjoy the process of planning your wedding. This is a joyful time and even with some stressful moments, it should be fun and it should be remembered as such.