Wedding Planning - What Not To Do

As a Wedding Planner, with a ton of events under my belt, I have come across some “sticky” situations over the last few years. Here is my short list of “what not to do” when planning a wedding and some helpful suggestions of “what to do – instead”:

     1.  Don’t...hire cheap vendors or vendors who don’t provide a proper contract – there is a reason the    product/services are discounted and that old saying holds true...you get what you pay for! And sometimes you get more of a headache then you “bargained” for, literally. Discount often equals poor quality and/or inexperience and without a proper contract you don’t have any legal documentation of the product or services promised to you.

Instead, hire proven professionals that come recommended from others. A Wedding Planner/Consultant is the most reliable source for referring proven vendors that fit within your budget. Check with friends and family or do some online research. There are countless online sites where vendors are rated and reviewed.

      2.  Don’t...have a member of the bridal party do double-duty as a decorator/florist/make-up artist/hairdresser/etc. for your wedding. She will need to get her own hair and makeup done in time for photos, etc. and will not have time to focus exclusively on everyone else in the bridal party, or the set-up (even with an assistant helping out).

Instead, hire a professional who comes equipped with the man power and experience to flawlessly execute your vision to its fullest potential. Or, if decor is DIY, hire a Wedding Coordinator who is willing and experienced with decor set up. If you are worried about offending a friend who has offered their services, just assure him/her that you want them to be relaxed and enjoy their very important role in your wedding. Then ensure that you assign a couple of tasks to keep him/her busy and focused on supporting you.

3.  Don’t...give up on the organizational details at the end. You have worked so hard on your wedding for so long and it would be a shame to have it all fall apart because of time restraints or setbacks.

Instead, prepare DIY items before hand - take items out of their packaging, examine them thoroughly to ensure that price tags or other unwanted labels are removed, put place cards/escort cards in alphabetical order so that they can be set up quickly, then separate items for the ceremony and reception and pack into two different labelled boxes/bins. Even if you have extra help on your wedding day, the faster these things can be set up, the more time there is to relax and enjoy and, from a Wedding Coordinators perspective, the more time there will be to focus attention on the finer details and challenges that will come up.

      4.  Don’t... forget to inspect wedding items after they are dropped off to the venue, especially if someone other than you is dropping them off.

Instead, ensure all DIY decorations/stationary/etc. are packaged properly when being transported to the venue and check that nothing was damaged upon arrival. Have a replacement, repair kit or backup plan ready in case they were.

      5.  Don’t...have an unrealistic photo list. You can’t expect your photographer to get a shot of every guest with the bride and groom. You pay generously for a professional photographer, your time together is limited, therefore, should be focused.

Instead, consider doing a group shot at some point (immediately following the ceremony is an opportune time for this). Also, stick to capturing the most important moments - shots of the bride and groom together, with the wedding party and most immediate family. This way you will have time to mingle with your guests and enjoy your party. Your photographer will capture artistic and candid moments as the day unfolds. Also keep in mind that everyone is a self-proclaimed photographer these days. There will be no shortage of “selfies” and candid shots from mobile phones throughout the day and they will all be available (instantly) on social media.

      6.  Don’t...assume that you don’t need a Wedding Coordinator because you already have a Wedding Coordinator that comes with the venue. The Venue staff work exclusively for the venue including their Wedding Coordinator. With all due respect, this individual has his/her plate full with coordinating everything related to the venue (furniture set-up, vendor load-in, cleaning, wait staff, bar, catering, etc.) He/she cannot be in two places at once and though they may have time to set up simple items such as menu cards, place cards, etc., they are not going to be around to assist you during photos, or when you need your eyelash glued back on, or a stray hair put back in place, or a stain removed from your dress, or a boutonniere/corsage mended, or to remind you to breathe deeply and smile just before you walk down the aisle.

Instead, hire a professional Wedding Coordinator who will work exclusively for you and be by your side the entire day to provide the emotional and physical support you need!


Deanna Ouzounis, WPICC
ClassicNorth Events