The best way to avoid making bad decisions, is to learn from other people's mistakes. Believe it or not, there are numerous wedding choices out there that couples have made and regretted time and time again. To avoid you making the same mistakes, I'm going to highlight the most common errors made by couples and why, so that you can think again before making the same decisions.
1. Not Having a Videographer
This is one I hear all too often, as it's still a very common mistake. Videographers generally aren't 'cheap.' They do require an extra chunk to your budget, but almost every couple that chooses to skip having a videographer wishes they hadn't. Photos capture still moments throughout the day and while photographers are a must, they don't capture the sound of laughter or your father's speech. Your wedding video will be one of, if not THE most treasured thing you'll keep from your day.
2. Not Having a Wet Weather Contingency Plan
As a wedding planner, I am incredibly used to the British weather trying to ruin wedding days. Most couples will plan their weddings in summer, hopeful that it will surely be a glorious, sunny, dry day, but it's important you manage your expentations and remember what the British weather is truly like. I have dealt with many brides who are adament it's not going to rain and it's my job to ensure there is a Plan B in place, whether they want to hear it or not. If you don't have a wedding planner, please don't live in denial, and accept there is always a possibility of rain. Make sure you are prepared with a second option that you're happy with, so you don't have a last minute panic or a wash out and avoid dissapointment.
3. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes
This is a very practicle one. Of course we all want to look our best on the day, but if it's at the expense of our comfort and longevity, then is it really worth the pain? When choosing your footwear, make sure you've walked around in them for at least an hour around the house. If in that time you get so much as a twinge of pain, then imagine what you'll be feeling after 12 hours? If you're wearing a floor length dress, your guests likely won't see them anyway, so for the sake of a few pre-wedding footwear photos, it's really not a smart idea.
4. Not Having Live Entertainment
Coming from an entertainment background myself and having sung at many weddings, I can first hand vouch for the impact it can have on a wedding day. You really can't beat a bit of live entertainment. Plugging a playlist into a speaker will do the job, but if you really want to wow guests and give them something to talk about, then live performance is the way forward. Many couples regret not prioritising this aspect of the day.
5. Not Hiring a Suitable Photographer
Photography is subjective. Not everyone likes the same style of photography and you shouldn't choose any photographer just because they have 10k followers on Instagram. Take time researching the different styles and work out what really resonates with you both. Before signing on the dotted line, you need to have a proper look into a photographer's work. Look at their images on social media and on their website. Also have a chat with them over the phone or video call to make sure you click! Your photographer will be with you for most of the day. You really want to ensure you get on and will enjoy working with them.
6. Not Eating Enough
This mistake is a really easy one to make. You will have adrenaline rushing through you all day. You will also be pulled from pillar to post with a tight schedule to adhere to. Not only will you likely forget you haven't eaten, but you might not even feel hungry. There will be so much going on, but it is crucial that you make time for eating. As a coordinator, I will always ensure the caterers save a plate of canapes aside for the couple and personally deliver them to ensure they don't miss out on these (very easily done.) When it comes to the wedding breakfast, this is your time to sit down and relax. Don't float from table to table until you've eaten. Get that food down you, or you'll run out of energy sooner than you'd like and possibly even get a little squiffier than planned!
7. Not Spending Enough Time With Eachother
All of your loved ones are going to be there from far and wide. You want to speak with each and every one of them and spend as much time catching up as possible. It's understandable, but don't forget the main reason you're there! To celebrate your marriage as a couple. Newlyweds will often find they hardly saw their new husbands and wives on the day at all. Aside from having photos taken and eating together, it's easy to fall into the trap of lacking quality time to debrief and take in the day together. Make sure you find one another at intervals throughout the day, even if it's just for a little cuddle of comfort or a smooch.
8. Skipping Canapes
Some couples will decide to skip providing canapes in order to save money. This is a big mistake. Guests will often fail to eat right before the wedding as they expect to be fed at the drinks reception. You will find yourself with a bunch of very hangry guests if you do this. One of the three main things remembered by guests at weddings is the food, so you can be sure to hear of some complaints if you deprive them of this. Not only that, but if there is no food to soak up the alcohol, you'll find people will hit the booze harder and the booze will hit them harder, leaving you with not only hangry but tiddly guests as well. Bear in mind there are alternatives to canapes, such as grazing tables, bar snacks or ice cream.
9. Inviting People You Don't Want There
This is a really tricky one and understandably not always one you can avoid, but many couples will invite people to their wedding because they feel they HAVE to. You should never feel pressured to invite anyone who isn't someone you'd love to have there on the day. When you walk down the aisle, you want to see nothing but a sea of faces who all make you feel good. Anyone who makes you feel any kind of anxiety or negative vibes, don't deserve a place at your wedding. Or even if you're simply not that close, do you really want to pay for an extra head unneccessarily? I don't think so.
10. Drinking Too Much
Now, there's nothing wrong with letting your hair down towards the end of the night, but you don't want to be too loosy goosy too early! You want to remember every detail of your day and you certainly don't want to embarass yourself in front of all your friends and family. My advice would be to go very easy on the drink during the day. Perhaps one glass of bubbles at the drinks reception and a glass of wine at dinner. Save your alter ego for the party! Once the first dance is over, you can have as much fun as you want, but even then you might not want to do too many shots, as the evening reception could be your favourite memories of the day... memories you'll want to keep!
For more tips and advice on all things weddings, check out the other blogs on my website, or if you need help planning your wedding, don't hesitate to get in touch via the contact form.
XxxFJ.
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