Image by Studio3 Photography via Weddings By MaxiMy

Planning a wedding can be a challenging task. It’s a major undertaking indeed. It can be so overwhelming that it is quite easy to make mistakes which can cause you big headaches later. Let’s have a look at some common wedding planning mistakes to avoid them while planning your own special day.

Mistake # 1: Not setting a realistic budget

Money can be a cause of distress at the best of times!  It can turn into a major problem in a wedding situation where emotions are running high. It’s a very special event for the bride and the groom to share with their loved ones. Of course there is a tendency to go overboard with the spending to make that special day spectacular. It is common for a lot of couples to just throw costs out the window, and wind up starting a new life together thousands of dollars in debt. It is important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Use the budget as a tool to figure out what you can cut, what you can save and where other income might come from. Many brides and parents get so stressed out over the cost of the wedding that they completely lose sight of the joy and excitement of the time. Not only will budgeting help you afford your wedding, but it’s an important skill for your married life.

Mistake # 2: Getting overwhelmed by your wedding planning

Planning a wedding can be quite overwhelming. Until you’ve planned a wedding, you have no idea of the number of choices and decisions you will need to make, and the great emotional turmoil that can be attached to many of them. You can easily get lost in the amount of work that is involved that you lose sight of the most important goal. It’s a celebration! It’s supposed to be fun. Make sure your take time out in your busy schedule to enjoy your fiancé’s company. Plan your task effectively. Have a realistic check list and you’ll be on top of things. If it all gets too much wedding planners are just a phone call away. You will be amazed at the range of service they offer. They are the experts and they will be more than happy to give you some advise and steer you back on track in no time. Save your sanity by designating one night a week as wedding-free. Your fiancé will be psyched to see that the girl he fell in love with still lives there, and you’ll appreciate the breather yourself.

Mistake # 3: Not knowing how to get your groom involved

We know it’s not the Stone Age, and there are plenty of guys out there who want to see their wedding as an event that reflects their style too. Have a serious talk to your groom and get a concrete idea of his interest in the various details. You need to come to an agreement on what tasks he wants to be involved in or responsible for. You definitely don’t want to drag him into decisions he has no interest about. Left to his own devices; your fiancé might just surprise you with some great and innovative ideas.

Mistake # 4: Having an unrealistic wedding day timeline or not having a timeline at all

Having a timeline is of paramount importance to get your wedding day flowing effortlessly. Get a realistic time estimate for each segment and add some extra time just in case. The most common mistakes are not allowing enough time to get ready and totally forgetting to allow for travel time. It takes longer than 5 min for the girls to get into the limo. Remember spare some time to rearrange dresses, flowers, and also toilet breaks. If you fall behind schedule there is no catching up. Your party ends at a contracted time so make the most of it. Get your MC to keep an eye on the smooth running of the event. Most importantly take time to relax and enjoy your party.

Mistake # 5: A Lack of Personality

The number one biggest mistake I see is a wedding devoid of the couple’s own personalities. There are two people whose personalities are almost as important as the couple getting married – they are the ceremony officiate and the MC of the reception. Finding the right person to marry you is an important decision.They will indeed have a huge influence on the tone of the ceremony. You’ll want to make sure that you find someone who is willing to perform the kind of ceremony you are envisioning. By the same token;  if your DJ is super cheesy, you’re going to be doing the chicken dance all night long. Make sure that your personalities mesh well with these two people, and that you feel listened to and respected. This is the most important day of your life – it should reflect your uniqueness.

Mistake # 6: Not having a clear understanding of your own expectations regarding your wedding

Many problems are caused by conflicting expectations. Clear communication is important throughout the entire wedding planning process. Whether you are speaking with family, friends, or wedding professionals, express your desires and expectations clearly. Remember, it is not what is said and done, as much as it is how it is said and done. Feelings can be hurt and there can be lifelong ramifications depending on how things are handled. Attempting to separate fantasy from reality will help minimize the source of many problems and is the key to defining your own expectations.  Do not assume that your wedding party knows what is expected of them. Some of your friends may have been in numerous weddings and think they know the “routine”. However, never assume anyone in your wedding party knows what is expected of them. A list of wedding responsibilities is a good starting place in determining your own expectations of your wedding party.

Mistake # 7: Being Inconsiderate

Yes, it’s your wedding, and your special day. But you need to take other people into consideration as well. After all, a good host puts other’s needs front and center. Think about what you are asking. Is what you need the wedding party to do fair? Have you been clear about your expectations of their level of commitment? Regarding your guests; will they be forced to 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 or heaters? Do guests know what to expect? So many couples forget to plan for things going wrong. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, make sure that you have an alternate location in case of rain.


Ms Gingham says: We’re so lucky to have vendors generously sharing their knowledge with us! Great tips by Melina here!

About Weddings By MaxiMy: Weddings by MaxiMy is your wedding planner specializing in On-the-Day Coordination to ensure you are relaxed and enjoying every special moment.