destination wedding vendors
You Misplace Your Engagement Ring
When in a public restroom, resist the temptation to remove your engagement ring while you’re washing your hands. The possibility that you might leave it on the ledge of the sink, or, worse, drop it down the drain, is too great a risk to take.
You Don’t Feed Your Vendors
The last thing you want on your wedding day is a low-energy DJ or an exhausted photographer. So plan on feeding any hired hands who will be working during the reception. This includes your wedding planner, photographer, videographer, and DJ or band, plus their assistants (but not your florist or the ceremony musicians). Work their meals into your budget and consider it part of their fee. (Many vendors stipulated in the contract that the couple is to provide a meal.)
You Elope Without Thinking It Through
Thinking of running away to Europe to tie the knot? Don’t forget to swing by your local city hall first. “Make sure you check off everything on the legal to-do list,” says Lindsey Nickel, founder of Events, Etc. “Remember, you still need an officiant and a witness to be legally married in the U.S. And many countries have different residency requirements in order to be married there (officially), so don’t forget to get your marriage certificate at home before you jet off.”
You Set Predictable Tables
Chances are you and your guests have attended countless weddings with uniform, round tables topped by a single floral arrangement. Add some personality by changing it up. “The room looks more interesting when each table is different,” says San Francisco-based Studio Choo’s Alethea Harampolis. Try experimenting with table shape, alternating round, square and rectangular tables. Then mix larger vases with small groupings of greenery or bud vases with a single bloom
You Overdecorate
While you may be tempted to adorn your tables with odds and ends reminiscent of your backgrounds, travels and interests, remember that tasteful, well-placed arrangements impress without cluttering or overwhelming your guests’ view.
You Don’t Carve Out Enough Time for Hair and Makeup
“The time spent getting ready should be as relaxed and fun as possible, but once you find yourself behind schedule the pressure can build to catch up,” says Bruce Plotkin, a New York- and Connecticut-based wedding photographer. Work on a day-of plan with your hair and makeup pros then pad the time your wedding party has with each to ensure you’re properly photographed before you embark for the ceremony.
You Get DIY-Happy
Tempted to cut your budget by playing florist and photographer? Think again. Tackling your own flowers means you’ll be buying and arranging your stems the morning of your wedding, then delivering them to your venue when you should be relaxing with family. And while your cousin may have thousands of Instagram followers, she’s unlikely to capture the lighting, get an assortment of candids or anticipate the day’s flow the way a professional photographer would.
You Forget to Set Parental Boundaries
Most brides experience some conflict with her parents or future in-laws during the planning process. It’s not an easy conversation to have, but the earlier you discuss what’s bothering you — the better. Make time to talk to your mom or MIL in person, and open by thanking her for the nice things she has done for you. Follow with a frank explanation why her decisions or actions are causing problems. Take a firm tone — not an angry one. (Vent to a friend beforehand to let it out.)
You Don’t Think Beyond “Per Head”
Couples often build their budget around a per head price, forgetting the extras — flowers, band, photographer — that aren’t included in most venue’s packages. These extras can often double the per head price, sending coupes way over-budget. Instead, think in terms of a fixed total and divvy each element by a percentage of that amount.
You Only Have a Cash Bar
The bar bill amounts to one of the reception’s biggest expenses, so it’s understandable that not every couple can afford hours and hours of open-bar boozing. But there are many ways to save big without having to resort to a cash bar, including serving two signature cocktails, wine and beer, or asking your venue for a corkage option; this will allow you to keep unopened bottles which you can return, if allowed in your state.
You Rule Out a Wedding Planner Altogether
The most stressful planning period? The week before the big day. That’s when handfuls of unforeseen details arise, leaving some brides sorting out spreadsheets instead of connecting with friends and family. Avoid this by hiring a “week of” or even “day of” planner. He or she will handle last-minute vendor meetings and put out fires so you don’t have to. If budget is a concern, some planners even offer hourly services.
