7 worst wedding planning mistakes you can make

Engaged couples need to take care of many wedding planning things and make an endless number of decisions: venue, décor, dinner menu, drinks, guest list and accommodation, wedding dress and costume… There’s just too much to think about at the same time. Even if they hire a professional wedding planner, they sometimes make mistakes that lead to major (or minor) regrets and organizational complications.

If you’re planning a wedding for the first (and hopefully the last) time, pay attention to these details and avoid these most common wedding planning mistakes to experience the wedding of your dreams without stressing out too much.

Worst wedding mistakes to avoid

1. Not having a set budget. Going above the budget when planning a wedding is Ok, especially if you stay within the reasonable limits. However, diving into the process without even determining your budget is the worst mistake you can make (at least your bank account thinks so). Set a realistic budget not to go broke after the wedding and don’t get disappointed if you can’t afford something. The modern market offers such a variety of options within different price ranges that you’ll be able to organize a wonderful wedding even on a tight budget.
2. Trying on wedding dresses that cost more than you may afford. Wedding dress shopping is one of the most complicated, yet exciting and enjoyable parts of wedding preparation. However, it often happens that the bride goes through a lot of salons, appointments and gowns before finding the dress they fall in love with. But when that finally happens, a lot of brides get shocked when looking at the tag and realizing, that the dress is too expensive for them. And how are they supposed to continue shopping when they’ve already found THE DRESS? Nothing will look equally as great as that super expensive, but such an extraordinary gown. Well, that’s why you don’t even look at the dresses you can’t afford, let alone trying them on. Ask a wedding dress salon consultant not to bring you dresses above a certain pricing point to avoid such a disappointment, but still end up with a perfect gown.

3. Hoping a few guests will not shop up. Have you included someone into your guest lists just because you have to be polite and respectful, but secretly hoped that the person will drop out and your venue that has only 100 people will be fine for you 110-120 guest list? Well, you need to be financially and organizationally responsible and prepare for all the guests you invite to show up. Otherwise, you’ll have to squeeze more people on a table than it may seat, ask the caterers to somehow serve more portions than ordered and explain the inconvenience to "we-did-not-expect-you-to-come" guests. If you need to cut the costs or make sure that your wedding fits into the dream venue, just don’t invite someone and don’t feel guilty about it. It’s your day, but not theirs.

1. Not having a backup plan for a rainy day. Don’t let the Nature ruin your outdoor wedding and put the deposit down for tents and umbrellas. Most venues return 50% of that deposit back if it doesn’t rain and you don’t use that equipment. Yes, you’ll end up losing some money, but you’ll feel confident that no raindrops will wash your wedding away. If your venue doesn’t provide tents, contact party equipment rentals and book them in advance, especially if your wedding day amidst the peak season.
2. Buying a dress long before the wedding day. Not being able to zip up the dress that looked completely perfect during the last fitting is every bride’s nightmare. Woman’s weight fluctuated so often, that the best thing you can do as a bride is to schedule the last dress fitting as close to the actual wedding day as possible to be able to tailor the gown to your measurements if they suddenly change too close to the ceremony.

6. Not scheduling makeup and updo trials. You may absolutely love the way an updo and a makeup look you choose for your wedding looks on the picture. But will your makeup artist and hairdresser be able to recreate it exactly the same? And, will you look as great as you think with that hair and makeup? Don’t take any chances and pay a bit more for a beauty trial instead of crying over your wedding day appearance. Moreover, make sure that you don’t dye your hair or go for a facial right before your wedding day, as you skin may react to it in an unexpected way and look like a total disaster during the most important moments of your life. Then, only a ton of concealer will save you from a failure.

7. Trying to please everyone. Taking your parents or best friends to every wedding-related appointment/meeting and trying to make sure that everyone is satisfied with the choices you make is something every bride should avoid doing. Your mom doesn’t like the venue? Grandma doesn’t approve your "too revealing" dress? Your friend thinks that your wedding updo doesn’t look dressy enough? Oh well, guess that they’ll have to deal with it. Make your wedding about you and your significant other, but not your guests and even closest family members. Enjoy it, get pampered and get spoiled instead of being yelled on.

Helen Sheplyakova, a passionate blogger writing about social issues, home improvement, lifestyle and sharing her inspirations with people.