Planning a wedding? Here's what NOT to do!

Congratulations on your engagement! But now what? Where do you start? Are you concerned about making the right decision regarding a vendor or a project? Are you concerned about stress? This article is for you! With my experience of working—on average—three events a weekend, I have seen the best and the worst of the industry. I recommend that before you make any big decisions, read these top 5 mistakes I've seen so that you know what to avoid while planning your special day!

Mistake One > Not Hiring a Planner Before Booking Your Venue

One of the biggest advantages to hiring an experienced planner is just that: their experience. Planners will help you understand which venues will work best for your vision, guest count, budget, and guests' satisfaction. They know how to analyze a venue and they can offer suggestions on seating and setup that you may not have considered. They also know how to ask the right questions about restrictions that each venue may have or challenges with each location. Especially when planning from out of town, it is imperative to be as efficient as possible when you are in town for site tours. Planners have perfected their technique, so why not take advantage of that on your day? You have never done this before and they have!

Mistake Two > Not Accounting for Rain

Logistics are very important when it comes to organizing so many vendors in a 5-hour timeframe. One change the week of the event can change the plan for ALL your vendors; but with a planner, they will take care of notifying all your vendors for you! When wedding planners tour venues, they review what the rain plan will be so that the week of the wedding, your emotional stress does not overflow. You do not want to have to re-plan the entire event in one week. Also, most planners can also estimate what the rain plan will cost, how the florals will change, etc.

Mistake Three > Not Checking a Calendar

Make sure you check the city calendar before securing your wedding date to see if there will be a drag race, football game, film festival, fair or any other big event occurring at the same time. All those events will greatly affect hotel guest room availability, traffic, parking, and the overall vibe in the city that weekend.

Mistake Four > Not Utilizing a Preferred Vendor List

I cannot tell you how many couples and their parents have regretted saving money on a “bargain” or “friend” photographer, DJ, photo booth, limousine company, musicians group, or countless other vendors. Often, they either do not show up, arrive very unprofessionally dressed, late, inebriated, or with inadequate equipment. Your guests will not forget the photographer that drinks throughout the reception, the pop-up photo booth that keeps falling over, the no-show limo, or the DJ who does not stay at his table or plays the same song twice. Saving a little money does not give you the quality of service that a preferred vendor delivers time after time. Use vendors that are recommended by professionals because your event will run smoother and you will rest easy knowing that they will be on time, professional, and will keep your best interests in mind.

Mistake Five > Doing It All Yourself

I love nothing better than seeing the clever projects that couples come up with to make their weddings unique. However, even I have to draw the line somewhere. There is doing it yourself and then there is overdoing it yourself. There are plenty of benefits to DIY: You can be sure no one else has the exact same thing, you might keep your budget in check, and (before you actually sit down to hand-tie 200 tiny ribbons) you probably think it will make a fun story. Rather than taking on too many projects, pick the one (or two) that you are really in love with and put your resources (both mental and monetary) into working on those. For the others, do a little research and try to find a ready-made version that makes you happy. With so many great prefab goodies out there (Etsy, anyone?), chances are you’ll find one that fits your style — and saves you a whole lot of time!