When you think of your dream wedding, what do you envision? From your dress to your chosen venue, there are certain elements that are must-haves. With that being said, when you get too caught up in all the little details, you can quickly lose sight of what’s important — the celebration and union of your love.
Whether you’re trying to stick to a tight wedding budget, or are trying to keep elevated stress levels to a minimum, it all begins with how you approach your big day. When you begin to realize what truly matters, you quickly see that certain things aren’t ideal, or that they don’t really matter.
Approximately 89 percent of couples create a wedding budget, but 35 percent spend more than intended. All of the little details add up — but do they truly add anything to your big day or the guests’ experience? Here are 10 things to be careful going overboard with at your upcoming wedding.
1. DIY Projects
Pinterest is every bride’s best friend. With so many possibilities, DIY projects become a lot more attractive. If you’re making your own signs, centerpieces, guest cards, invitations and wedding party gifts, however, you may quickly become overwhelmed and spread yourself too thin. Focus your attention on one or two projects — especially if it’s something that you can cherish as a keepsake.
2. Signs
Speaking of signs, you may be tempted to direct your guests around the venue, but too much signage can take away from the overall atmosphere. If your guests are greeted by a sign at every turn, it can be a bit much. Instead, focus on the most important aspects, such as where the washrooms are, the location of the cocktail bar, the seating chart, etc.
3. Flowers
You know that flowers come with a hefty price tag, so there’s no need to flood your venue with floral pieces. Get creative in terms of your décor. Narrowing down your selection, you may want to focus your attention on your bouquet or even a stunning floral headpiece. Sometimes, less is more.
4. Speeches
Wedding speeches are often powerful, especially when hearing from the father of the bride and the groom’s best man. With that being said, keep it short and sweet. If you have a dozen people who want to speak, it can drag on. Spend that time speaking to your guests, enjoying your special day with the ones you love.
5. Alcohol
What’s a wedding without some celebratory champagne, right? Although there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few glasses, the last thing you want is to be a little too tipsy. Just imagine not remembering your wedding night — or falling over during your first dance.
We’ve all heard some horror stories, so be mindful of not only your consumption, but how much your guests are drinking also. If you have an uncle who’s notorious for indulging, this is something to be aware of before letting your guests loose on an open bar.
6. Jewelry
If you find that your jewelry is cutting deep into your budget, focus on minimalism. You and your dress are what’s meant to shine, so focus on one or two pieces that accentuate your look. Think pearls or gemstones instead of diamonds — after all, you’ll soon be wearing a stunning rock on your finger.
7. Linens
Depending on your wedding, the tables will be set based on your overall theme. As long as they’re not eating off a fluorescent green tablecloth, your guests won’t even notice that you passed up specialty linens.
8. The Cake
For some, this is an important element — but for many brides, they’re beginning to think outside the box. A four-tier cake will surely get noticed, but you may want something simply more delicious. Instead, go for an option that will be more memorable; something more of an experience. You could create a dessert bar with a unique selection of small delights, or even try a themed tower of mini cupcakes. What about a pyramid of macaroons? People are increasingly thinking beyond the standard wedding cake, and if you are intrigued then we say go for it!
There are many interesting cake designs out there — the only limit is the imagination of you (and the baker)!
9. The Guest List
This is a challenging area for many couples, as they try to slash their list without offending anyone. At the end of the day, it’s important to set boundaries. Perhaps you only invite first cousins, instead of second cousins. This is something that you need to discuss with your partner. Although you may feel guilty, know that according to a 2016 survey, this is one of the main areas that couples have scaled back on. The average number of guests is now down to 135.
10. The Engagement Party
If you’re hemming and hawing over whether or not you should throw a pre-wedding bash, know that just 29 percent of couples did so in 2014. With the average reception costing $11,380, pour those funds into your wedding night. Don’t feel like you need to chew up your budget before the planning has even begun.
Just remember, although your wedding day is incredibly special, what you’re celebrating is more than one day — it’s a lifetime of commitment and love together. In 10 years time, you won’t care about a $5,000 photo booth. As you continue to love and be loved, that special feeling is what you’ll remember.
Please share your tips and experiences below — we’d love to hear from you! Also, stay up-to-date with our Facebook and Pinterest pages during this exciting journey. Happy planning!
