Operation: no regrets

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Operation: no regrets

Your mission? Avoid common bridal blunders with our foolproof guide to big-day bliss...

We’re not going to tell you to stop worrying about your wedding, because you won’t. We’re not even going to tell you everything will go precisely to plan – it might not. What we can tell you is how to avoid the big mistakes brides make when planning their wedding, so you can be one step closer to having the gorgeous day you’ve always wanted...

Not setting a budget

So you're engaged! You finally get to plan the day of your dreams and you're having it all: the harpist, the chocolate fountain, the horse and carriage … hold it right there! What about your budget? It's wise to sit down with your fiancé and talk money before anything else.

"Treat it like a project and work out what's important; you have to prioritise," says Cathrin D'Entremont, a Perth-based wedding planner, stylist and owner of CD Weddings (cdweddings.com.au). So, if you're a foodie, the caterer will be number one on your list, if you're a fashionista, it's the dress, and if you love dancing, perhaps it's all about the band. Break down your budget into sections and allocate money accordingly. But be flexible - if you go outside your budget in one area, you'll just need to curb spending somewhere else.

Doing it all yourself

"Many brides find it hard to let go of any part of planning their wedding," says D'Entremont. But it's important to delegate, otherwise you'll be pulling your hair out in the lead-up to the big day. "Have a family get-together and discuss the wedding. Everyone has a talent they can put to use, even if it's something small, so give each person a job to take responsibility for," suggests D'Entremont.

As for the big jobs that only you can do, do your research - choose your reliable suppliers then let them guide you. "Pick your team and trust them to do the right thing. Then the only job you have is to enjoy the day," she adds.

Choosing an "out-there" dress

When shopping for your wedding gown, the key is to choose something that suits your personal style and figure, that you'll feel comfortable and confident in for the entire day. Now's not the time to be too experimental. Whatever style you're thinking of, you'll want to be able to look back at your wedding photos in five, 10, even 20 years from now and feel happy with how you looked. "Keep in mind the venue of the wedding, whether it's an outdoor or indoor setting, and obviously the time of year. You'll be spending a minimum of eight hours in your lovely dress so make sure you're able to sit down in it, as well as get up and dance," says Sydney-based bridal designer Karen Willis Holmes (karenwillisholmes.com.au).

Unplanned photo time

While it's definitely worthwhile setting aside some time for post-ceremony shots with your groom and bridal party, you don't want to eat into too much of your celebrations. According to photographer John Warren (warrenphotography.com.au), it pays to have a good chat with your photographer before the day to nut out a rough timeline so things can stick to schedule. He also recommends a test run with them beforehand. "Visit the venue and choose the spots where the photos will be taken. Make a list of the pictures you want and where they fit into the timeline," he says.

Not enjoying the day

This is it, your wedding is here at last. You've been planning it for months and then … it's over. Don't make the mistake of rushing around like a nutter on the day, trying desperately to spend time with each of your guests to the point where you don't get any time with your groom. It's your wedding day and you'll (probably) only have one, so make sure you take time out to soak up the precious moments.

"Build little things into the schedule," says D'Entremont. "Make sure you and your groom have your own car to get to the reception and when you arrive, take a few moments to have a drink together. Then some time later in the evening, sneak off for a romantic stroll."

Tags: wedding day , events , ceremony , expert advice