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You’ve spent months planning this special day and you want everything to go off perfectly. While there are some things you simply can’t control (hello, Mother Nature), there are quite a few you can easily avoid on your big day. Here are eight common missteps brides and grooms make on their wedding day so you can be sure to avoid them.
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1. Not Having A Plan B For Outdoor Events
This is especially important for couples having an outdoor wedding, says Maya Devassy Tarach of Preoccupied Bride. "One of the biggest mistakes that will affect your guests is not having a plan B in case it rains or is cold. Along those same lines, a couple insisting to do their wedding outside even in inclement weather because that's what they always wanted will create a negative experience for guests. No one likes sitting in the rain or cold, and some guests may end up not attending. It’s important for couples to have a plan B in place and actually use it if the weather isn’t cooperating.
2. Not Listening To Vendors
"You chose that florist for a reason. You chose that photographer for a reason. If you entrust in those you've hired to run your big day then trust the advice and guidance they provide," says Michelle E. Fernie-Oley of Michelle Elaine Weddings. "This isn't their first wedding and you need to let go at times and allow the professionals to do their jobs.
3. Forgetting To Eat
Couples spent all that time planning the menu and yet forget to eat at the reception. "Make sure you tell the venue to make you sit down and eat, and save you a plate for later too," says Bobby Becker of dBb Group. "And eat before while getting ready!
4. Choosing Tall Centerpieces
Make sure you don't put centerpieces and decorations too large that guests can’t see each other or camouflage the bride and groom, says Becker.
5. Serving Too Many Pre-Wedding Cocktails
You don't want to serve too much alcohol before the ceremony and risk having guests drunk before you even say I do, says Becker.
6. Choosing The Wrong Music
Remember, you are not at the club, says Tommy Waters of The Renaissance. "I can't stress howimportant choosing the right music for your group can be. Dropping a fewline dances at the beginning of your reception when the dancing starts may be asmart thing since it's a great way to break that invisible barrier between yourguests and the dance floor. But following it up with your favorite song,without checking the version or lyrics may ruin the atmosphere. I canguarantee you that not all of your guests will like all the songs. Everyone has different tastes. With that being said, your reception isnot the place for four-letter words regardless of how much you love thesong. All guests will have a memory that they reflect on after your bigday. You do not want that to be something like, "What a lovely eventit was, but why did she have to play that song?"
7. Putting Older Guests Near The Music
Speaking of music, Becker suggests not seating your older guests near the dance floor. They typically don't like the loud noise and don't spend as much time on the dance floor as younger guests.
8. Failing To Entertain Guests
Destination weddings, in particular, should be a one-of-a-kind experience the guests should never forget, says Megan Velez of Destination Weddings Travel Group. "Many couples achieve this by booking special entertainment local to their destination. Think mariachi bands in Mexico or luau dancers in Hawaii."
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