The cost of a wedding is definitely not the most fun topic to discuss in light of your engagement, but it’s extremely important. Many times, excited engaged couples start booking vendors and making purchases without creating a total wedding budget breakdown. Couples are then shocked to discover they’ve spent most of their money and don’t have all of the things or services they need.
Planning a wedding is serious business, so it’s important to make and set a budget and keep track of your expenditures and can actually relax on your wedding day.
Don’t Make These Wedding Planning Mistakes in Austin
Getting Attached to a Specific Flower Type
When booking your florist, a year before your wedding day, they estimate which blooms will be in your price range and available on your wedding day. So, if your heart is set on orchids, you could be disappointed the day of. To avoid this, choose backups and add them to your contract. Think in terms of colors and shapes instead of specific flowers. Finding the perfect florist for your big day can be a challenge. The right florist will be able to guide you to the wedding flowers, bridal bouquets, and bridesmaids bouquets you have always dreamed of.
Letting Other People Pick Your Wedding Party Invite List
Remember … your wedding party is yours. Therefore, you’re in charge of narrowing the wedding guest list down to your closest friends and family members. Picking people to please family members can also result in tension. When it comes to wedding planning, it’s best to choose what feels right for you. After all, it’s your wedding day!
Sending Out Save-the-Dates Too Early
Yes … it’s tempting to tell everyone about your wedding date as soon as possible. However, don’t send those save-the-date cards until you’ve finalized the guest list. Save-the-date magnets and cards are typically sent out eight to ten months before your wedding date, and only to guests you’re absolutely positive will be invited. Plan on sending save-the-date cards for destination weddings a minimum of six months in advance, and up to eight months before the big day. This will give your guests plenty of time to compare flight options, make arrangements at work, and plan an extended trip before or after your wedding if they so desire.
Ordering Your Wedding Dress Too Late
If you’re purchasing a wedding dress that will require customization or needs to be ordered, do so by the six-month mark at the very latest. Since your bridal gown will be custom made (and potentially shipped from overseas), buffer in enough time to receive the piece and complete fittings. Most off-the-rack wedding dresses will require alterations, so allow enough time for that entire process. The same goes for the bridal party and bridesmaid dresses.
Skipping the Videographer
Wedding photos are a must for most couples, but they will only take you so far. Cinematic videos let you hear your and your partner’s voice as you say your vows and watch your friends tear up the dance floor. When hiring a professional videographer in Austin to document your wedding, you’ll relive those special moments you may have missed on the day, like interactions with grandparents, that you’ll definitely want to treasure for a lifetime. My family and I watch our daughter and son-in-law’s wedding video each year on their anniversary as a way to celebrate their marriage! Although Austin wedding photographers and wedding videographers can be expensive, you won’t regret having the story of your wedding captured on film.
Inviting Too Many Guests
While most couples are aware of guest list limits, it’s important that your wedding guest list matches up with the maximum capacity of people at the reception site. As much as venues would like to accommodate you, most are prohibited from adding 10 more tables, especially since fire laws limit the maximum number of people allowed in any room at one time. Analyze your guest list from the beginning, assume 80 percent will respond “yes” and limit that amount accordingly.
Micromanaging Your Vendors
You’re booking talented wedding vendors and professionals who understand your vision. It’s important to let them do their jobs. We know it’s tempting to control every detail, but after your initial meetings, it’s best to step back and trust the wedding planners to get it right.
Not Asking Enough Questions
While it’s important to be respectful and polite to your wedding vendors, it’s also important to make sure you get all the information you need. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions so that you understand exactly what you’re signing up for.
Hiring a Friend Instead of a Professional
Your best friend from college may make amazing playlists, but that doesn’t mean he’ll make a great wedding DJ. The same goes for your friend who’s a social media expert, this doesn’t make her a photographer. Even on a tight budget, we recommend hiring professional wedding vendors with experience. Creating a list of wedding vendors and comparing them can help you find the best vendors for you based on budget, wants, and needs. It’s more fun for your friends when they can fully enjoy your wedding day with you.
Forgetting to Focus on What’s Important
Always keep in mind you’re getting married and starting a life together. Be good to each other (and those helping you plan the celebration). Some tension, whether it’s between you as a couple or with loved ones, is inevitable due to the heavy decisions that accompany weddings. Remember why you decided to take this leap in the first place. While your wedding day is a huge milestone in your lives … it’s the very first day of your marriage.
Complete Weddings + Events in Austin, TX
If you’re planning a wedding in Austin, then you’ve landed at the right place! Now that you’ve said YES! to spending your life together, you have some exciting decisions ahead. At Complete Weddings + Events planning in Austin, wedding events are what we do best. Complete Weddings + Events, Austin’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, coordination, DJ services & photo booth rental.