Here are some of the mistakes, that have become all-too-common in wedding planning.  For most couples, planning their wedding is a first time venture.  While mistakes may occur, our hope is to help you avoid some of the common mistakes.  Avoiding them, will make your wedding plans a bit more smooth, your wedding day a lot more fun and ultimately… a lot closer to stress-free!

 

So what are we waiting for?  You’ve got a wedding to plan and mistakes to avoid!

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1.  Listening To Everyone – It’s your wedding and you should plan it with your vision & ideas in mind.  It is completely impossible to follow everyone’s advice, so don’t seek it!  Yes, you will want to consult & likely utilize the advice of professionals you hire.  Yes, you’ll want the advice a close friend or two… perhaps even mom or dad.  But you shouldn’t grant access to too many voices.  With many opinions comes many differing opinions.  You’ll run the risk of someone feeling “left out” if you do not implement their opinion.

 

2.  Stressing The Seating Chart – When I got married in 2007, my wife and I (from start to finish) completed our seating chart, while enjoying a spring day on our deck.  It took about 30 minutes.  Sure you’ll want to pair certain guests/groups together.  But there are only a few rules…

 

​A)  Keep immediate family near the sweetheart/head table 

B)  Do not seat your older guests near the DJ and/or band

C)  Make sure not to seat children near the cake or bar 

 

Other than those few rules, mix tables, make it social and allow guests to get to know each other at their tables.

 

3.  When Not To Shop – Avoid wedding shopping on a Saturday.  Your shopping experience may be a bit more rushed and unfortunately, the customer service experience may not be the best.  You should also stay away from shopping with children or too close to the shop’s closing time.  Do as much as you can online, in advance, so that you have a plan (or at least the framework of a plan) in mind. IMPORTANT:  Scroll up to number 1... do not consult too many opinions when shopping!

 

4.  Interviewing Vendors – When interviewing or meeting with vendors, don't be so quick to break out the credit card.  No professional vendor should pressure you into “booking now.”  At least sleep on it, prior to making a decision.  Next, if this vendor was referred to you by a friend, leave that friend at home.  You won’t want another “salesperson” in on the interview.  You already know your friend loves them… the referred you!

 

5.  Booking Vendors – While you want to be thorough in your research, it is important to secure your preferred vendors right away, once you’ve chosen them.  Professional & reputable vendors get booked early.  You do not want to lose out on a vendor for failing to declare your intent to book with them.  If you find a great vendor, book them!  How soon in advance should you book?  It truly depends on the vendor.  The most popular months for wedding celebrations are April, May, June, September & October.  During these months, booking a vendor one year or more in advance is common.

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6.  Price Shopping – You should never choose your vendors on price alone.  Sure, it is tempting to hire the cheapest florist, DJ or Limo.  But, you do get what you pay for.  Factors to consider, which are more important than price alone:  Industry reputation, professionalism, responsiveness, reviews and value.  No vendor is worth the cost or discount, if your wedding day is ruined.  A vendor for less, is probably less of a vendor.

 

7.  Getting Wrapped Up In Social Media – We all know the rabbit hole that social media can be.  While Pinterest, IG & Facebook are excellent resources, it is also super easy to focus too much on what's "trending" instead of what YOUR actual wedding vision is.  The most popular reels will make it seem as though DIY centerpieces are the "thing."  In actuality, it likely took weeks to track down the correct pieces/parts and then hours to create.  Sure, it looks great but most DIY projects take time & expense.  Gauge what your time & frustration is worth, when locking in on that board you found on Pinterest.

 

Planning for the “big day” should be stress-free.  We hope these tips guide you into a FUN planning experience so that you can celebrate the best day of your life.

 

For tips, real wedding inspiration & more, follow us on social @djkurtiscross.