There are a multitude of tasks and details to coordinate to ensure that your big day is everything you've imagined.  Below you will find some common mistakes to avoid along with helpful hints to keep you on track as your wedding day approaches!

1)    Forgetting that it's all about you (and your fiance) 

It's YOUR day!  The one you have probably been dreaming about for years so remember that it really is all about the two of you!  Adding personal touches to your wedding day will give guests an insight into the love you have found and the path you have taken so far. 

Helpful hint: From centerpieces to favors it is easy to incorporate personal touches.  Think about what you both love and want to share with your friends and family.  This can be as simple as incorporating places you have visited together or favors filled with your favorite lollies.  

2)    Unrealistic Budgeting

Weddings cost money and while you can have a beautiful wedding on a budget, it is going to take some planning, research and potentially sacrifice.  Whether or not it is cutting down the guest list or compromising on the extravagant dessert; there will be tough decisions to make to keep your budget in check.  

Helpful hint: Use a budget planner and layout all the costs associated up front so that you know in advance where you are headed financially. 

3)    Timing

You know what they say timing is everything!  If you want the best venue, the best caterer, the best band and the best planner you will want to start as soon as possible!  

Helpful hint: Using a Wedding Checklist that is laid out by months/weeks will help you stay on track and ensure that you don't leave any of the essential steps until it's too late!

4)    Picking a wrong vendor

There may be twenty or so caterers or photographers to pick from, so how are you to know which one will make your wedding day magical?  It is best to do your research when selecting vendors.  Talk to past clients and sample their products if possible.  

Helpful hint: Many venues and/or wedding planners have referral lists with top vendors in the area that have been tried and tested.  Picking from a list like this is often the safest bet, but remember to keep in mind your personal preferences and ask for samples or tastings of their work. 

5)    Not planning a Plan B 

Come rain, wind, snow or hail, your day must go on!  And while all fingers will be crossed that you will not have to deal with any of the above.  It will certainly make it A LOT less stressful if you have planned in advance for the possibility that mother nature doesn't cooperate!  

Helpful hint - Many venues have alternative options available in the case of inclement weather so double check that you will be covered in case mother nature doesn't cooperate!  

6)    Remember the ceremony 

While many look at a wedding as a great reason to celebrate, bringing friends and family together for a big party - keep in mind that it is also the beginning of your marriage.  You will want your ceremony to be special and reflect the love and commitment you both have for each other, this magical moment will be the foundation for many happy years of marriage to come!  

Helpful hint: There is no rule saying that ceremonies have to be traditional or religious, if you are more comfortable with a casual ceremony and want to incorporate literary or modern readings or songs, then go for it!

7)    Day of Delegation

Don't make the mistake of forgetting to ENJOY your wedding!  So much planning and effort has gone into making this day the day of your dreams - so make sure you have a plan to keep it low-stress and hassle-free for you!  

Helpful hint: Hiring a 'day of' coordinator for your wedding day can keep your mind at ease and your family and friends by your side.  With the help of a professional to take care of all the details and decorations you can relax and feel like a guest at your own wedding!

8)    Not enjoying the journey 

Planning a wedding is no easy feat - there are months of preparation, hundreds of decisions and weeks of planning.  But this process can be fun and exciting if you prepare properly and have the right help to keep you on track.  Think of it as planning the best party of your life and enjoy the ride, it will be over all too soon and you will be looking back on these memories before you know it!  

Helpful hint: Find some great resources such as checklists, budget planners and expert trend reports to keep you on track and in the know as you go through your planning process.  If you don't feel like you have the time or energy to plan all the details think about hiring a wedding planner or consultant to help you along the way.

9)    Forgetting about Flexibility

No matter what happens along the way, your wedding day will be amazing!  Don't get caught up in minor details or decisions that you cannot control, no matter what happens, in the end it will all come together perfectly to create a special day. 

Helpful hint:  Most professional vendors are flexible and can help create the look and feel that you want on your wedding day, if you do not see the exact product or idea that you are looking for straight away just ask!  They can often tailor their services to your desires or can point you in the right direction to find what you are looking for!

10)    Details, details, details - DELEGATE! DELEGATE! DELEGATE!

Rome wasn't built in a day and it definitely wasn't built by one person so enlist some help when you start your planning!  The bridal party is often the easiest to solicit advice and help from but remember there are probably many eager family members (mothers of bride and groom!) happy to help with any small or large task you send their way!  

Helpful hint: When delegating planning or day of wedding tasks be specific and clear!  Keep it as simple as possible and spell out exactly what you are looking for if you want them to be successful (example: set up one example centerpiece or table setting to show them what you are envisioning).  Again, hiring a wedding professional, even if only on your special day, can ease the burden on yourself and your family and friends and help ensure that your day is exactly what you imagined!



Author :  Sarah Arkin is director of Simply Perfect Events & Experiences and has professionally coordinated close to 100 weddings in her career.  Simply Perfect provides wedding planning services to meet every style and every budget from 'Day Of' coordination through to full planning services throughout New Zealand. www.simplyperfect.co.nz