Our Top Wedding NOTs

There is nothing worse than a wedding that ends up as a total disaster. You've spent a lot of money, your family and friends have shared their time and experience. The perfect wedding isn't always easy to pull off. It takes a lot of work to make that special day a lot of fun.

Experts on weddings all give tips and information on how to have a perfect wedding. What they sometimes neglect are the things you should avoid completely. Here are a few tips about things not to do to make your wedding better.

Spending Way Too Much Money On Your Wedding

Many couples make this mistake, and it can ruin your entire wedding, and years into your marriage. A perfect wedding isn't about spending thousands of dollars. It isn't the price of the wedding that makes it a success. Your guests aren't going to ask you how much you spent on china and catering. (If they do, you have permission not to answer.)

Develop a budget and stick to it. If you plan far enough in advance, you can have the wedding you want without spending a lot of money. Don't spend money where you don't need it. Write down what's most important to you at the wedding, and research ways to save money on your wedding, so you can save or spend the money as you want later.

Forgetting What Will Make It Fun For You

You and your other half have worked hard to get to this moment. You've made a commitment to each other, and you know those little quirks and the individual personalities. Does this come through in your wedding? Is this wedding simply filled with things and objects?

Who says the bride has to wear white? Who says the cake has to be traditional? Who says you have to be inside a church? Weddings are not about tradition any more. It's about a wonderful day, shared with family and friends, as they join you in celebrating becoming husband and wife. Forget tradition if that's not what will make it a special day for you. Do what you want.

Using Just Anyone In Your Wedding

Too many people quickly pick a Master of Ceremonies, a DJ, caterers, without spending time with them. That's crazy! You never know what the person might say or do. He could be so boring. That caterer could be completely rude. You simply don't know if you don't talk to the people before hand.

Don't pick out a DJ, or a preacher or anyone else involved in your ceremony or involved in the reception based on rates alone. Get referrals from everyone, and talk to each of your options. Get to know them a little bit and you'll find a personality match.

Disorganization On All Sides

The reason why many couples spend much more than they really should have on a wedding is usually due to disorganization. Wedding souvenirs get bought early on, and then are misplaced and have to be repurchased. That location you wanted, you delayed on getting and now it is no longer available.

Rainy Day Wedding

Too many people neglect to check the weather and make separate preparations in case there is going to be rain. Check the weather in your area the week before. You could actually save yourself some trouble by picking beautiful indoor locations for the wedding ceremony and reception.

Celebrating The Night Before Or The Morning Of

A huge mistake made by a lot of bride and grooms or friends of the bride and groom is the huge celebration made the night before. It's common, especially for friends of the groom, to go out and drink and celebrate the night before. However, the disasters that have occurred because of this are plentiful in wedding history.

Think before going out the night before. If you're planning a celebration, consider having it two or more nights before the wedding. Let the few days and nights before the wedding be relaxing.

Not Doing The Wedding Planning As A Couple

All too often, the bride takes over most of the wedding planning, leaving the groom with nothing to do. This is a common mistake. The wedding is just as much for the groom as it is for the bride. Let him pick out a few things he'd like in the wedding as well.

Ask him what he'd like to help out with. Make sure he gets to choose elements that will make it a special day for him too. Working on this together can help strengthen the relationship as well.

Being The Star And Asking Too Much

Yes, the bride is usually the star of the wedding, but does that mean that it has to be all about you? Ask for too much from your wedding party, and you could be left disappointed and lose friendships. Take it easy, girl. Remember why you're inviting your closest family and friends to the wedding, or asking for their help. Be kind to them.

Too Many Cooks In The Kitchen Syndrome

Everyone wants to be involved in the wedding planning, both mother-in-laws to be, best friends, sisters, cousins, etc. Everyone wants to contribute because they want to feel they mean something to the bride and groom. In some cases, it can get too overwhelming. Remain organized and in charge of your wedding. Pass out assignments to those who want one, and keep it that way.

Is This A Wedding Or Just A Fancy Party?

Weddings don't have to be traditional, but some people forget the meaning behind the wedding. It's about the couple coming together as husband and wife, and sharing that moment with close friends and family. Make it special for everyone.

By Dave Davies

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