10 Do's and Don'ts When Planning Your Wedding

Your wedding should be the perfect day to celebrate your new marriage, surrounded by the people you love most. But without careful planning, reality can fall short of expectations. Today, we’re sharing 10 Do’s and Don’ts that can help you avoid some of the most common wedding pitfalls that fill newly married couples with regret. 

1. DO: Create a wedding budget

Having a budget is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your wedding is everything you desire. It will help you know what kind of things to include and exclude. Make a list of your top priorities so you can be sure to budget for what’s most important. To start, consider whether it makes sense for you to source your own vendors or if choosing an all-inclusive wedding and reception package at a venue you love might work best. Many times, an all-inclusive wedding package can save money, time, and stress. 

If you decide to forgo an all-inclusive wedding package, be sure that you factor in all costs for both the ceremony and reception, including guest list, flowers, entertainment, invitations, transportation between locations, tables and chairs, linens, catering, photography, and videography, etc. Don't forget those items unrelated to the wedding itself, such as hotel accommodations for you to get ready in, favors, and table decorations. 

2. DON'T: Try to keep up with anyone else

You want a wedding that reflects you and your spouse-to-be, not anyone else. There's no need to feel pressure from friends or family members to spend additional money or change some aspect of your wedding to please someone else. With every event, there's most likely some level of compromise, especially when others are helping financially. But at the end of the day, what's most important is that you and your spouse-to-be are happy and excited about your big day.

3. DO: Consider hiring a professional wedding coordinator

While you shouldn't try to keep up with anyone else, that doesn't mean you should have to go it alone or reinvent the wheel. Wedding coordinators are highly-trained specialists that can help you plan your big day while managing every detail. Take advantage of their expertise so that you can have the dream wedding you've always wanted. Many venues offer wedding coordinating services included in some or all packages, or you can ask friends or family for independent wedding coordinators that can help make pulling together multiple locations and vendors easier. 

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4. DON'T: Fall for the DIY trap

Pinterest is a glorious place to find beautiful projects of every kind, many of which you can DIY. But just because you CAN DIY doesn't mean you have to or should. Don't stress yourself out making every decoration or favor unless you're passionate about creating or crafting. Consider how much time you reasonably have to work on projects between now and the wedding, and then decide from there how many to take on. As you complete projects, jot them down on a list, put them aside, and assign the task of getting them to and from your venue. You'll feel much better if you're not rushing at the last minute or scrambling trying to remember what you're supposed to be taking to the venue. 

Also, plan to ask a bridal party member for help with any decorations you're setting up or taking down. You don't want to be running around trying to get everything put away instead of enjoying your reception or getaway.  

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5. DO: Consider having engagement photos taken

Getting bridal magazine-worthy photos isn't as easy as posing for a photo. If you have time and budget, consider having a professional engagement shoot. This can help you and your fiance feel more comfortable in front of the camera on the big day, making your wedding day photos even better.  

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6. DO: Think about where you will get ready before your wedding

Check with your venue to see if they provide accommodations or a getting-ready space for the bridal party and groomsmen. Remember that photographers will most likely be documenting
your day before, during, and after your wedding, so make sure you factor in any necessary travel times if you're not staying or getting ready near your venue.  

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7. DO: Choose wedding attire that makes you feel amazing

Don't cave into tradition or peer pressure by choosing a dress or suit that you won't feel comfortable spending a lot of time in. Consider how you'll walk and sit in your clothes. Getting opinions and advice from others can be wonderful, but what's most important is that you love what you're wearing and will feel your absolute best. 

8. DON'T: Forget to eat!

You're going to be nervous and excited on your wedding day, but it’s critical to make sure that you carve out time to eat. Champagne toasts in the bridal suite with your bridesmaids can be beautiful moments, but without food, you're setting yourself up for not feeling well as the day wears on. 

Also, many couples find themselves to be too busy to eat during their wedding reception, so discuss with your wedding coordinator how you'd like dining to happen. Some couples prefer to have a few private moments where they share a bite to eat before arriving at the reception; others prefer to enjoy a plated meal enjoyed along with their guests, while others still opt to lead the way to the buffet line. Whatever you do, don't leave your wedding hungry!

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9. DO: Discuss your expectations of your spouse-to-be

Remember that it's your day, so be sure that you and your fiance discuss what wedding and reception elements you want to keep - and those you don't. First-look photos, cake smashes, bouquet and garter tosses - feel free to love them or leave them. Just make sure you're on the same page with your fiance and that you communicate with your coordinator, band, or DJ. 

It's probably also worth mentioning that if you have any concerns about a friend or family member's behavior at your wedding or reception, you might want to have a heart-to-heart in advance. 

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10. DO: Give yourself time to enjoy your moment

Your wedding day will undoubtedly be one of the best days of your life. It's essential to take it slow and soak in all of the moments in the days, weeks, and months leading up to your wedding. Give yourself enough time on your wedding day so that you're not rushing from one event to the next. 

Also, plan for things like when you'll want to leave the reception and how soon you want to start your honeymoon. Some couples have found that they left for their honeymoon so early the day after their wedding that they didn't have enough time to talk with or celebrate with their loved ones. If you want to be sure you have enough time to spend celebrating your new union with the people you love, consider a wedding weekend with post-wedding brunches, planned activities, sunset lake cruises, or picnics. 

Taking in just a few of these do's and don'ts will ensure that you're well on your way to a dream wedding day. And if gorgeous, stress-free, lakefront weddings sound good to you, let us show you how magical a Twin Creeks wedding can be. Contact our team today for a personalized tour and free wedding consultation with our experienced team. Happy planning!