1. Booking your venue before you know your budget
I get it, popular venues book fast. You have your dream date, dream venue, so you are trying to get ahead on the planning and lock in your venue. But did you take the time to sit down and figure out your budget? If you spend all of your wedding dollars on your venue you might become venue-poor and not have a lot left over to spend on other things that might be important to you like floral, a top notch photographer and videographer, rentals, invites, etc. Figure out what is most important to you and your budget breakdown and then book your venue. This will make you much happier and less stressed!
2. Waiting too long to book your key vendors
On that same note, the sooner you figure out that budget and your plan, the sooner you CAN lock in those top vendors. Popular venues, caterers, photographers, wedding planners, and more book out 1-2 years in advance! If you have your heart set on specific rentals or a certain hair & makeup team those are also items you want to book right away.
3. Not including rentals & décor in your budget
Are you sensing a theme here? Budget is very important in the wedding planning process! This was a mistake I made when planning my own wedding nearly 4 years ago. I had accounted for all of the big stuff, but didn't really consider adding linens, pipe & drape, chandeliers, and some of those "pretty" items. Really take a look at your venue and what you might need to jazz it up when you are touring venues. Hiring a wedding planner to help you design your space is really helpful to think of things you might not, and also how much things might cost. For example - if you hate your venue chairs you can absolutely rent beautiful chairs, but that is pretty hefty cost you need to make sure is figured into your budget.
4. Buying your dress before you book your venue
Your venue sets the tone for the style of your wedding. I recommend booking your venue first and then making sure your dress, bridesmaids dresses and wedding design fit the venue.
5. Not hiring a wedding planner or at the very least a day-of coordinator
Of course I feel that this is one of the most important aspects in having a perfect, seamless wedding. Wedding Planners come with a wealth of knowledge and years of experience. We can help you with that budget I've been talking about, guide you to the best vendors, design your day for you, take care of all of the logistics so you don't have to worry about a thing on the day of your wedding. We are your cheerleader and friend along the way to make sure everything is stress-free and relaxing.