MISTAKE #1 – Planning the Ceremony LAST.
Jill and Kevin found the perfect wedding location at a rustic winery on the hilltop near the couple’s home. They plunked down a big deposit, booked the band and photographer. Then they started looking at churches…
None of the Catholic churches in the area would agree to marry them because they weren’t members. The beautiful Methodist Church was already booked up on their date and the only church available was in a run down schoolhouse with no heat or air conditioning.
Their parents were outraged that Jill and Kevin weren’t getting married in a Catholic church. The couple faced the painful decision of dealing with 
parental rage and an ugly, overheated church or losing a large chunk of change in lost deposits.
If you are planning a ceremony in a location separate from your reception, make sure you can find an available, acceptable church or space BEFORE you book your venue.
If you have your heart set on a particular church or minister, make sure they are open before you put down your deposit. Otherwise, you can find yourself facing some tough decisions.
MISTAKE #2 – Not Considering the Weather.
If you don’t carefully consider the effect of the weather on your wedding day…for your specific location at that specific time of year…you can end up with a wedding day disaster.
True story…
Sara and Bob were getting married on the banks of a river. Beautiful views, gorgeous scenery, amazing gardens nearby. Of course, they imagined their wedding day on a perfect June afternoon. Instead, they ended up with a monsoon.
They didn’t have sides for the tent, so the guests got soaked. The DJ moved onto the tiny dance floor to protect his equipment, which meant there was no room for dancing. Everyone slogged through the mud for five miserable hours.
Before you chose your location, consider the worst case scenario. What if it rains? What if it is blistering hot? What if it snows? Make sure you are comfortable with your ceremony and reception location in EVERY possible situation.
Make sure your dream wedding will still hold up under the worst the weather can possibly throw at you. That way you know your day will rock no matter what.
MISTAKE #3 – Having an Unrealistic Day Of Timeline…or No Timeline at All.
Everything takes more time than you think.
Even some of our smartest brides, the ones who are always on time for everything, end up rushed and panicked on their wedding day because they didn’t allow extra time.
If you fall behind schedule on your wedding day, there is no catching up. You can’t get those minutes and hours back. Your party ends at the contracted time and there is nothing more painful than watching a bride who doesn’t relax and enjoy her day.
Get realistic estimates for the time it takes to do something, then add on some extra time for good measure.
MISTAKE #4 – Trying to Please Everyone
Every wedding website and book on wedding planning seems to know the “right way” to do plan a wedding. Your family and friends are more than happy to tell you what THEY think you should do. Trying to make everyone happy is exhausting. Plus, it’s an effort that’s doomed to failure.
Choose your battles. If something is really important to you, stick to your guns. You won’t be able to make everyone happy anyway. Make sure you make yourself happy.
If you’ve already made some of these mistakes, never fear. Now that you know you can fix them. Just being prepared is the best way to avoid a wedding day disaster.
And if you haven’t made any of these mistakes…CONGRATULATIONS! Learn from the bride sisters who have gone before you. Have fun planning your wedding and decide to make it your best day ever, no matter what.
You’re marrying the one you love. In the end, how can that ever be a disaster?
See you on the dancefloor
-Ryan Meeks
Originally posted by Mitch Taylor
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