5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Wedding
Wedding planning is enough to send even calmest couples into a frenzy.
You’ll be putting down deposits, shopping for a dress, deciding on the wedding party, and taking care of thousands of other little details. Along the way, you might face some difficulties which can turn into mistakes that cost time, money, and peace of mind. Here’s a look at some of these common mistakes and how to avoid them when you’re planning your wedding:
1. You Don’t Have to Invite Everyone
Oh, the guest list. Nothing forces you to separate friends from acquaintances quite like a guest list. When you let your family in on the decision making process, things can get contentious fast. Why don’t you want to invite your great aunt’s cousin’s nephew who sent you a birthday card when you were two? Just remember, you’re under no obligation to invite anyone. This is your wedding, your celebration, and you’re allowed to share the experience with as many or as few people as you want.
2. Don’t Stress About the Rings
Rings: The One and Only, The Titan
You already have an engagement ring, so do you really need wedding rings too? Traditionally, the engagement ring signifies the engagement, while the wedding rings cement your commitment during the reception and ring exchange ceremony. Rather than the symbolism, what many couples see is dollar signs. But there’s no reason the engagement or wedding rings need to be sources of stress! Affordable rings can be found for less than you’ll pay for caterers or decorations!
3. Keep Your Budget Firm
Some people use their budget as more of a guideline, but when you’re planning a wedding you really need to set some boundaries. It’s incredibly easy to get the slightly more expensive flowers, or invite a few more guests, or choose a more extravagant catering menu. Everything adds up, and if you’re not careful you’ll be way over budget before you know it. Decide on the upper limit you absolutely will not exceed, and stick to it.
4. Plan for Rain
There’s always a chance of rain, no matter how much you wish it weren’t so. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, even if it’s not during the “rainy season,” have a backup plan. Know exactly where you’ll go, how your guests will get there, and what you’ll do with the outdoor decorations in case of rain. You don’t have any control over the weather, so don’t worry about it! Just be prepared for it.
5. Send Out Save the Dates at the Right Time
You should send out save the dates as early as possible, right? The more notice, the better! Not so fast. Too early, and your guests might forget, they might not be ready to make solid plans, or you might have to change around some of your wedding details. On the opposite side, if you send them out too late, your guests won’t have time to make plans or could already have commitments. The generally accepted timeline for sending save the dates is 6 months before a local wedding, and between 8 and 12 months before a destination wedding.
Wedding planning might not be easy, but it can certainly be fun. If you’re able to avoid these five mistakes, the process will be even better!