The 5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid on your Wedding Day

Over the course of my 11 years as a wedding planner and wedding florist, I have seen some of the biggest mistakes that couples have made on their wedding day. I want to share with you some of those insights so you don't make the same mistakes and some additional wedding planning tips!

BIGGEST MISTAKE #1: Not Hiring a Day Of Wedding Coordinator

This is probably THE biggest mistake couples make on their wedding day. I totally understand trying to save money. However, when you don't have a Day Of Coordinator, your wedding unravels into a disaster. How are vendors supposed to know where to set up? It's not realistic to have a member of the bridal party to be the coordinator. It's not realistic to have a family member like your mother to be the coordinator. Vendors can become frustrated or confused by the lack of organization. That isn't something you want vendors to remember your day as.

Trust me, your lovely mother doesn't want to be the day of coordinator. If she does, the real truth is that she is going to miss KEY moments of your special day. She will be way too focused on making sure that your plates are in the right place. Rather than soaking in that her daughter is getting married today, her priority will be the seating chart. Wouldn't you rather have her watch as you get your hair and make up done in those beautiful waves you've seen in the magazines? So when getting your budget together, DO NOT skip out on budgeting for a Day Of Coordinator.

Hiring a wedding planner should be on the top of your wedding planning list!

BIGGEST MISTAKE #2: Trying to DIY your Flowers on your Wedding Day

There are SO many pieces that are in play on the morning of your wedding day. The absolute last thing you should be doing is cutting stems for the centerpieces when you just got your hair done. You know that you spent good money on your stylist. Every single time you bend over to pick something up, your beautiful hair is moving all over the place. And you may rebuttal and say, "Well there's a reason they invented freeze it hairspray."

*Insert biggest sigh...*

Trust me, it's better to hire a florist to handle all of the lifting, designing and cutting so you don't mess up your beautiful hair or flawless make up. The last thing you want is to get your BRIDE pj's for your getting ready photos dirty. A big green smudge on your leg that your photographer will have to photoshop will be such a pain for them, trust me. (You're welcome photographers out there!)

So my advice? Add "Hire a Wedding Florist" on your wedding planning list!

BIGGEST MISTAKE #3: Not Delegating Responsibilities at the End of the Night

Typically after the wedding exit at the end of the night, your guests will immediately leave the venue. Family tends to leave around this time as well. Majority of venues designate a time that you can rent the space till -- I have seen till 12am or even 1am!

You definitely need to check the contract! Some venues will also specify that you have to be out with ALL your stuff by that specific time. (At this time, you've already left with your honey.) But it can be super chaotic and borderline messy if you don't have a plan in place.

This is where having a Wedding Planner or Day Of Coordinator is super beneficial. They can help you create a plan! They can distribute it to your family, bridal party or friends who stick around to help with clean up. (If those friends stay to help -- girl, that's how you KNOW they are true friends!!!) Having a designated list of who is getting what after the wedding is crucial to your wedding! It will help create a much smoother transition at the end of the night. Keep in mind of the items that you rented as well. A document will all your rentals to be returned should be part of your wedding planning checklist!

Side note: the last thing you want to hear when you get back from your honeymoon is the drama of clean up on the night of your wedding...

BIGGEST MISTAKE #4: Not Having Assigned or Reserved Tables for your parents and grandparents

After the wedding ceremony, your parents stay back and thank guests for coming. Your grandparents could be a little slower getting through the venue, especially if there are steps. It could be some time for them to get through cocktail hour and head to the reception. If those front tables are not assigned or reserved, your co-worker (that you last minute invited and is so happy for you) may end up sitting at that table. Those prime view seats for your parents or grandparents who literally watched you grow up, will be gone. And don't forget how about much money they most likely contributed to your wedding day!

The least you can do is purchase some beautiful signage for your wedding day. Here are some you could choose from that we recommend:

Minimalist Welcome Sign

Buy Now

Sparkler Send Off Sign

Buy Now

BIGGEST MISTAKE #5: Not Having a Back Up Plan for an Outdoor Wedding

My goodness, this really should be my #2 biggest mistake couples make! PLEASE have a back up plan for wedding if it is outdoor. You may have a tent and I must add -- that's definitely a great idea! I've been to several weddings as a guest where no umbrella's were given to us. Rain drops were literally falling down our faces during the vows. Yes, I could've grabbed my own umbrella. But goodness, imagine if mom and pops had a giant golf umbrella on the front row at the ceremony...yikes...

The back up for the ceremony could be in a barn, a tent or some kind of covering. It would be so wise to have that for not only your guests but you + your honey. Just imagine, you're saying your vows as mascara or lipstick is smearing on your face... nightmare.

BONUS TIP: Be sure you have waterproof mascara. You may think you won't cry.. but walking down the aisle and seeing your dream man at the end it trying to hold it in -- que the water works.

Needless to say, your wedding is a magical day that you've probably dreamed about since you were a little girl. You've most likely spent endless hours looking at Pinterest pinning your wedding inspiration ideas. You've researched endless amounts of photos that align with what you envision your day to be!

So Enjoy it!!

These are the top 5 biggest mistakes I have seen over the past 11 years. I hope this encourages you and hopefully you won't make the same mistakes!

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