First, a lack of personality. One of the biggest mistakes brides make is a wedding devoid
of the couple's own personalities. Now not everyone has to have a theme
wedding, but how generic is the "Love is patient" reading, or where
it doesn't seem as if the couple had a hand in the décor, menu, or music. This
is the most important day of you and your soon to be husbands life - it should
be a reflection of you as a couple.
Second, wasting money. Weddings are an industry. So while there is a lot of good advice out
there, there is also advice from people who'll profit from it. Careful that
you're not spending money where you don't need to. Do not try on a dress out of
your price range! Because luck will have it you will fall in love with it, and
then there goes money you could use on something more important. Or having a
limousine when you’re wedding and reception are at the same location. Make sure
you know your budget. What's important
to you - and what isn't.
Third, forgetting what the wedding is really about. The wedding ceremony is supposed to be the main event - the
reception is just a celebration of it. Don’t make the party more important than
the wedding. Make sure you've put enough thought into the music, readings, and vows
that will make your wedding ceremony memorable.
Fourth, not knowing the master of ceremonies. There are two people apart of weddings that are almost as
important as the bride and groom themselves.
They are the MC of the ceremony (often the officiate) and the MC of the
reception (often the DJ or band leader.) We all know the officiate will be dry
and boring but you will need them. And if your DJ is super cheesy, you're going
to be doing the chicken dance. Be sure that your personality’s mach with these
two people, and that you feel listened to and respected.
Fifth, thinking "It won't rain on my wedding day. It seems that couples don’t plan for when things go wrong. Those having an outdoor wedding, make sure
that you have an emergency location in case of rain. Give a trusted person (maid
of honor or family member) a list of vendors, phone numbers, and expected time
of arrival so that you won't be caught 10 minutes before the wedding without
the bouquets. Bring a bridal emergency kit for last minute snafus.
Sixth, couples forget the meaning of the word "budget". You started off good, saving as much as you could and
sticking to it, how much parents would give, and what you already had in your
bank account. A lot of couples would
just throw costs out the window, and wind up starting a new life together
thousands of dollars in debt. Instead, use the budget as a tool to figure out
what you can cut out and what you can save and where other income might come
from. Budgeting will help you afford your wedding, but it's an important skill
for your married life.
Seventh, partying to much the night before. Let this be the golden rule of your wedding; do not get
drunk the night before the wedding! Whether your friends have mistakenly
planned the bachelor/bachelorette parties for the night before the wedding, or
you plan to drink through the rehearsal dinner, the last thing you need is to
wake up with a headache, puffy skin, fuzzy head, or worse, an upset stomach.
Eighth, being rude and inconsiderate. Yes, it is your special day, but you need to take other
people into consideration as well. After all, a good host puts others needs front
and center. Is what you are asking the wedding party to do fair? Have you been
clear about your expectations about level of commitment? Will you make your
guests stand around for over an hour while you take pictures? Will they be
comfortable in the weather or have you thought to provide bottles of water,
fans, and/or wraps and heaters? Do guests know what to expect?
Ninth, not involving your better half. It is 2012 people; wedding planning can and should be the
domain of both people. Rather than just de facto delegated to the bride. I
suggest setting aside a regular weekly meeting time to talk about new ideas,
research that you've done, and set wedding-related goals for the next week. You
are getting married to be together, plan your wedding together.
Tenth, last but not least "losing your perspective". Above all, keep your sense of humor! Don't
forget to keep your eye on what's really important to you. Don't get stressed
out with the small details so that you don't spend enough time on what's
important. If something goes wrong, try your best to take deep breaths and think
about the big picture.
