10 Things a Wedding Party Can Do to Stress Out the Couple at a Luxurious West Virginia Wedding Venue (And How to Avoid Them)
- evermoreridgewv
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons in life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Between timelines, budgets, guest lists, and emotions, couples rely heavily on their wedding party for support, encouragement, and reliability. When planning a wedding at one of the many luxurious West Virginia wedding venues, the role of the wedding party can make or break the wedding planning and day of experience. If you are standing beside a bride or groom on their big day, your job is to help reduce stress, not add to it.
Here are 10 common ways wedding parties unintentionally stress out the couple, along with helpful reminders on how to avoid these situations to make wedding planning and their big day enjoyable for everyone.
1. Being Late or Unprepared
One of the fastest ways to raise stress levels is showing up late or without what you need to any of the events leading up to the wedding day, but especially the wedding day itself. When a wedding party member is running behind, the entire timeline can quickly unravel. Hair and makeup schedules shift, photos get rushed, and anxiety skyrockets.
Avoid this by arriving on time, having your attire steamed and ready, and packing all essentials the night before. Being punctual shows respect for the couple and allows the day to unfold smoothly for everyone.
Key take away: arrive on time and have your attire steamed prior to arriving.
2. Not Setting Clear Expectations Early On
One of the biggest sources of tension during wedding planning comes from unclear expectations. From attire and travel to bachelor or bachelorette trips, bridal showers, and time commitments, being part of a wedding party often involves both financial and scheduling responsibilities.
If you know certain expectations may be difficult for you, it is far better to communicate that early rather than waiting until the last minute. Whether it is budget limitations, work schedules, childcare responsibilities, or travel concerns, having open and honest conversations prevents misunderstandings and hurt feelings later.
Setting clear boundaries from the beginning allows couples to plan accordingly and avoids unnecessary pressure on everyone involved. Most couples appreciate transparency and would much rather adjust plans early than deal with stress, disappointment, or tension closer to the wedding day.
Key take away: Boundaries don't cause stress, miscommunication does.
3. Disrespecting the Venue Rules
Every venue has policies designed to protect the space, ensure safety, and maintain the experience for all guests. This is especially true at luxurious West Virginia wedding venues.
Ignoring guidelines, moving décor, or disregarding staff instructions can lead to complications and frustration. At Evermore Ridge venue, we have the rules posted in our bridal suite and grooms lounge so wedding parties can easily have access to them.
Key take away: Respecting the venue’s rules helps protect the couple’s investment and keeps the event running smoothly.
4. Ignoring the Timeline at a Wedding Venue in Charleston, WV and Beyond
Wedding timelines exist for a reason. From ceremony start times to first looks and grand entrances, each moment is carefully scheduled. When wedding party members wander off, take extended breaks, or fail to follow directions, everything can get delayed and become immediately more stressful for everyone.
Staying attentive and present ensures that the day flows smoothly and keeps the couple (and you) relaxed.
Key take away: Timelines are designed to keep the day running smoothly, don't be the reason for delays.
5. Overindulging Before Key Events
Celebrations often start early, especially for the wedding part, but drinking too much before the ceremony or formal photos can quickly become a problem. Slurred speech, messy appearances, and lack of awareness can cause embarrassment and stress for the couple, their guests and the vendors involved.
Key take away: If you plan on drinking on the wedding day, moderation is key.
6. Making the Day About Yourself
This is one of the most common stressors couples face. Whether it is complaining about personal issues, seeking attention, or creating drama, shifting focus away from the couple disrupts the emotional tone of the day. Keep conversations uplifting, supportive, and centered on celebrating the marriage.
Key take away: Your role is to be a calming presence, not a distraction.
7. Creating Family Tension
Family dynamics can be tricky, especially during emotionally charged moments like weddings. Bringing up sensitive topics, reigniting old conflicts, or taking sides in family disagreements can create unnecessary tension.
If you sense emotional strain, your role is to offer calm support and encouragement. Redirect the stress if needed and help maintain a peaceful atmosphere to help everyone stay focused on the joy of the day.
Key take away: Choose peace over being "right."
8. Constantly Asking the Couple Questions
On the wedding day, couples are already juggling dozens of decisions and emotions. Being bombarded with questions about minor details adds to the mental overload.
When possible, direct questions to the planner or coordinator. Giving the couple space to stay present and enjoy the day is one of the greatest gifts you can offer.
Key take away: If literally anyone else might know the answer, ask them first.
9. Failing to Help When Needed
Sometimes wedding parties underestimate how much help is needed behind the scenes. From bustling dresses to gathering family members for photos, small acts of service make a big difference and will be so appreciated by the couple.
Being proactive, observant, and willing to step in wherever needed can significantly reduce stress for the couple and allow them to focus on enjoying the celebration of their love.
Key take away: Opt to be proactive and offer assistance; you don't need to ask if they need help. Trust me, they do!
10. Overdrinking and Mentally Checking Out
While celebrating is part of the fun, overdrinking (even after the ceremony) can quickly create stress for the couple. Excessive alcohol can lead to inappropriate behavior, emotional outbursts, missed responsibilities, or embarrassing moments that take attention away from the celebration. It can also cause delays in scheduled events like entrances, speeches, dances, and send-offs.
Beyond alcohol, mentally checking out too early can also leave the couple without needed support. Once the ceremony is complete, some wedding party members assume their role is finished, but the reception is often when couples need help the most. From keeping energy high to helping the bride use the restroom and helping clean up at the end of the celebration, staying present and engaged makes a meaningful difference.
Pacing yourself, staying aware, and remaining supportive through the final moments of the night ensures the celebration ends on a joyful and positive note for everyone.
Key take away: Needing help doesn't stop after the ceremony, be their rock until the sendoff.
Final Thoughts
Serving as part of a wedding party is an honor and a responsibility. Your presence, attitude, and actions shape the couple’s experience in ways that last far beyond the wedding day. Your role remains the same no matter which luxurious West Virginia wedding venue the couple chooses to celebrate at: support, encourage, and uplift.
When wedding party members approach the day with intention and care, they create an environment filled with joy, peace, and celebration. That is the greatest gift you can give to a couple on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.
Weekly Shoutout from Our Luxurious West Virginia Wedding Venue
You can contact us for more information about our locally owned West Virginia wedding venue by email (EvermoreRidgeWV@gmail.com), text/call (304-663-7388) or by clicking the link to our contact us page!
Did you know when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local West Virginia economy? It’s true! Your locally owned wedding venues and vendors are small business owners help create jobs for the local wedding industry and actively support our local West Virginia economy. Please consider a locally owned venue when finding your dream West Virginia wedding venue!
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