Wedding Mistakes - Part 4

In Wedding Mistakes to Avoid blogs One, Two & Three, we've covered a lot of territory: everything from whether to diet, to how you arrange your reception tables to how to treat your guests to when to announce your engagement, we've tracked the best ways to handle what may come up. In Part 4, we cover even more. Get your pens and wedding planning journal out and let's go!

Mistake 15: You Overdecorate

I'm not suggesting that the above is too much. It's lovely. But know your theme, your crowd, your budget and decorate accordingly. Coco Chanel was fond of saying, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off." She was right. Same with your decorations. Sometimes more isn't better. It's just more.

Mistake 16: You Get Ring Envy

The person you are going to spend the rest of your life with has bought something just for you. It was picked out with YOU in mind or is an heirloom befitting your hand. It was given in the hope that every time you looked at it, it would remind you how loved you are and how sacred your vows are. Don't go "shopping" in your imagination after you have your engagement ring. It smacks of ingratitude. You are better than that and your engagement ring belongs to no one else. THAT is special. 

Mistake 17: You Don't Think Beyond "per head"

If you feed them, they will come. So you make your list and you find a catering package that you can afford. Done, right? Nope. Some couples forget that they still have to hire a florist, a photographer, book the venue and band and that can often double or triple the wedding budget. Set a budget and then divide the costs by priority. Your "per head" price will be more accurate that way. 

Mistake 18: You think you're a baker

If you are a professional baker, skip to Mistake 19. If you are not, listen up. Now is not the time to take on a project so time-consuming and so personal. Unless you plan to serve simple cookies - and we wouldn't suggest even taking that on - hire a baker to handle your cake, cupcake tower, or whatever for your wedding sweets. If you need more encouragement about walking away from baking, check out Nailed It.

Mistake 19: You don't make enough time for hair, make-up and photography

Every member of your bridal party needs time for hair, make-up, nails and with a pro. Don't rush yourself or anyone else in your party. You'll want the photographer to capture your time together as a group, as well as get images of your group in your gowns, then images of you with your mom. If there is a "First Look. that will also take time." Plan accordingly. Make it fun and schedule plenty of hours. Add champagne, but not too much. Hydration is key too!

Mistake 20: Your Photographer is Over Scheduled

Pros will bring an assistant and usually a second shooter. That said, they cannot be everywhere at once. In the same way you have a game plan for your time, your photographer will have a timeline and a shot list. Make sure that everyone is clear on how the day is going to unfold and which shots are the most important. 

We've gotten requests for more help, so we'll have at least one, probably two more "Wedding Mistakes" blog. Stay tuned!