Avoid These 6 Wedding Planning Mistakes with Event Venues and Vendors in Oak Hill, WV
- evermoreridgewv
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Wedding planning: for most couples they are blindly trying to plan the largest and most extravagant party of their lives and unfortunately, have no idea when they are making a mistake. By knowing about these potential wedding planning mistakes ahead of time, couples can steer clear of them and enjoy a smoother, less stressful planning process and wedding day. So, let's skip the long intro and jump right in to learn about how to avoid these common mistakes with event venues and vendors in Oak Hill, WV.
1. Ignoring the Budget
One of the biggest mistakes couples often make is not setting a detailed budget from the start. While it’s exciting to dream about the perfect wedding, a well-defined budget keeps you grounded.
Financial disagreements can be one of the trying parts of relationships. If you can agree upon a budget and stick to it, it can prevent conflicts while planning. A budget serves as your roadmap, guiding your spending and ensuring you don’t overspend in one area while lacking funds for another. Consider all potential expenses, including the venue, catering, attire, flowers, and extra costs like tips or transportation.
I know creating a budget may feel tedious and overwhelming, but it’s crucial for avoiding surprises later and to prevent future arguments with your partner.
2. Overcomplicating The Guest List
I cannot stress this enough. The guestlist is STRESSFUL. It is the number one complaint I hear about from brides, grooms and their parents. Set boundaries from the beginning and stick to them.
Also, keep in mind, your guest list is the primary factor impacting your budget. The more people, the more expensive. A larger guest list means more food, more favors, more seating, etc.
You will feel the pressure to invite everyone from relatives to coworkers. Here is how I often suggest to my couples on how to create your guest list.
Start with your ideal guest list number. Example, you and your partner want to invite 100 people to your wedding.
Then start by listing the most important people. Example, your parents, grandparents, siblings and so on.
Stop when you hit your maximum guest count. In this example, 100 people.
That's your guest list. Don't let anyone make you feel pressured to add more. It's your day and it's okay to set firm boundaries.
By setting boundaries and creating a well curated guest list, you can reduce stress and better manage both time and budget.
3. Lack of Clarity in Your Invitations
As previously stated, the guest list is already one of the top wedding stressors that couples face during the planning process. By not being clear on your invites, this can significantly add to this stress, resulting in confusion and potential conflict among guests.
When your invitations are unclear, guests may feel inclined to interpret them in ways that suit their preferences. For instance, some guests might assume they can bring a plus one, even if that was not your intention. This can lead to a situation where your carefully curated guest list expands beyond your initial plan, potentially exceeding your budget and venue capacity. Additionally, friends and family members may start asking if they can bring their children, which can further complicate the situation.
To address these challenges, it's crucial to clearly communicate expectations. Take a look at my previous blog titled "Common Mistakes and Etiquette Tips for a Perfect Invite to Your Wedding at Charleston, West Virginia Wedding Venues" for examples of proper etiquette and how to ensure clarity in your invitations.
4. Not Hiring a Day of Coordinator
As a wedding venue owner, the number one regret I hear from my couples (and mother of the bride/groom) is, "we should have hired a coordinator." So many people wonder why I push coordinators and cannot see the value in paying someone to coordinate their day. It is often a regret post wedding once they realize all the ways a coordinator would have made their day less stressful.
Coordinators do so many things, it is hard to even encompass their true role. I have seen Rebecca Perry, who owns Imagine Designs by Beck, do everything from create a curated timeline to help a bride out of her dress to change into her reception dress. A caring coordinator is worth every penny. They take care of the little issues that arise, they allow you to enjoy the moments, and they keep you and your entire wedding on schedule.
5. Disregarding the Venue & Venue Logistics
Your venue serves as two of the most important parts of your wedding.
It is your pictures. Your photographer cannot change the entire backdrop behind you. You need to love your venue and the look of it.
Venue logistics are just as important. Elements like your table layout should not wait until the day you set up. Layout can be complicated and time consuming. Find a venue that is willing to give you examples or tools for you to have a planned layout before the day of your wedding.
Logistics become especially important during inclement weather. The beautiful couple in the photo below enjoyed a beautiful wedding day despite the 20-degree temperatures and 5 inches of snow on the ground. By considering these practical aspects and communicating effectively with your venue, you can avoid last-minute issues on the wedding day, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
6. Failing to Communicate with Event Venues and Vendors in Oak Hill, WV
Once you’ve hired a vendor, you might think the communication part is finished. However, keeping in touch is key. Regular, clear communication ensures everything aligns with your vision.
As your wedding day approaches, it is vital to go over key details that were agreed upon and keep your vendors updated on any changes. For example, if your guest count changes from 100 to 120, inform your caterer immediately or you could run out of food!
Good communication will foster a positive relationship with your vendors, which often leads to better support on your wedding day.
Wishing You a Wedding Planning Experience Free of Stress
Avoiding these 6 common mistakes with event venues and vendors in Oak Hill, WV will help ensure wedding planning stays joyful rather than stressful. Ultimately, your wedding day is about celebrating your unique love story with those who mean the most to you. With these insights, you’ll be better prepared for a day you’ll cherish forever.
Weekly Shoutout from Our Charleston, West Virginia Wedding Venue
We are so thankful for those who stop by our blog! Here at Evermore Ridge wedding venue, we are passionate about using our blog to shine a light on other locally owned wedding venues across the country. As you plan your wedding, and hopefully avoid these wedding planning mistakes, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this wedding venue map to discover other amazing locally owned venues. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!
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