It seems that no matter how many weddings I attend or how many post-wedding conversations I have with the bride, the same mistakes keep popping up over and over and over again. And it’s not necessarily their fault; after all, we all like to think we’re going to do whatever it takes to make our wedding the best wedding of all time. But just in case you’re the reasonable type that wants to learn from others’ mistakes, here’s a list of the most common:
1.) Going over budget. Honestly, it’s a slippery slope. If your wedding ends up costing $10,132 and your budget was $10,000, you’ve done a damn good job as far as I’m concerned. But things tend to add up pretty quick, and before you know it your big day could be passing the $15,000 price mark. Unless you always want your wedding to be a sore subject, stay within your means.
2.) Being predictable. This is your day to do whatever you want! You don’t have to play “Here Comes the Bride” when walking down the aisle, you don’t have to get married in a church, and you don’t even have to wear a white dress! So many brides and grooms complain later about not making their wedding day more personalized.
3.) Taking over everything. Fun fact: your groom is a part of this wedding, meaning his opinions need to be valued as well. Even if he’s completely not involved in the planning, there are going to be one or two things he’s passionate about, like the band or the food. And if he doesn’t want to make a decision, he’s sure to at least tell you what he doesn’t want. He might not be able to decide between buttercream and cream cheese frosting, but he knows he definitely doesn’t want lemon.
4.) Not hiring professionals. Let me be perfectly clear here: you need to hire professionals for certain aspects of your wedding, period. All those gorgeous wedding photos you see on Facebook from your friends’ weddings? A professional did that. Hire your little sister and your photographs will look exactly like what they are; photographs that were taken by your little sister.
5.) Undervaluing comfort. Those four inch heels you bought for your wedding dress? They’re going to hurt later. That gown that weighs 22 pounds? It’s going to wear you out. In either situation, you are going to be spending some time on the sidelines taking a breather. Many brides regret not bringing an extra pair of flats or a lighter, more danceable (yes, it’s a word) dress for their reception. This is your wedding, so trust me when I say you’re going to want to be participating in it as much as possible.
Lily’s Bridal – Maryland’s Premier Bridal Boutique – Wedding Dresses up to size 30, Lily’s Bridal offers bridesmaids dresses, mothers dresses, and tuxedo rentals. Call to book your appointment today or online.