Planning your big day can easily be a whirlwind of an experience. With so many decisions to make at any given time, it makes sense that some couples will struggle with certain choices. Though there is no secret formula for planning the perfect wedding, there are ways to make the process a bit easier. Consider these classic mistakes that couples make while planning their nuptials, and learn how to avoid some of the more commonplace pitfalls. 

Deciding You Don’t Need a Planner

Hiring a wedding planner can seem like an unnecessary expense at first glance. However, you should give this service some extra thought before making a final decision. A planner is a professional who can guide you through the many ups and downs of the wedding experience and keep your stress levels at a minimum. What’s more, planners often work closely with specific vendors and venues to provide couples with tantalizing discounts on services. A planner is a perfect fit for couples with limited time and a little extra cash in the budget.

Giving All Guests a Plus-One

The idea of giving all of your guests a plus-one invite can seem like a thoughtful gesture. Unfortunately, this may be a big mistake that can cost you a small fortune in the long run. The longer you make your guest list, the more you will need to spend on your event. According to tradition, you only need to offer plus-ones to guests who are married, engaged, or in long-term relationships. You should also give the members of your wedding party plus-ones as a way of showing gratitude. 

Allowing Guests To Sit Anywhere

Creating a seating chart can easily become one of the more frustrating planning tasks you need to tackle. Still, this doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind and allow guests the option to sit wherever they want. A seating chat creates order in the reception space and helps with a sensible flow. You may not enjoy picking who should sit at what table, but it will help you avoid a scenario where you have 25 family members squeezing around the same small space.

Inviting People for the Wrong Reasons

An old piece of advice states that you should always offer an invitation to couples who invited you to their weddings. Though a widespread belief, you do not need to follow this mentality. Your guest list should be based solely on who you actually want to share your big day with you and how much money is in your budget. The same is true when a relative or friend asks you to invite people you barely know. Really, there is no need to offer extra invitations to those making requests. 

Having a Cash Bar

A wedding does not need alcohol for it to be a success. If you do want liquor involved, however, you need to be mindful of how it is offered. A cash bar might save you money by requiring guests to pay for their own drinks, but people may feel slighted by the decision. When you provide an open bar, you are telling your friends and family that you want them to have a good time. You don’t need to offer a huge variety, either. Beer and wine will often be enough for guests to enjoy themselves. 

Forgetting To Have Fun

Finally, be sure to enjoy the experience. Don’t spend the entire party worrying about details. Be sure to eat, get on the dance floor, and have some laughs with your guests. After months of planning, you owe it to yourselves to celebrate. 

There are plenty of mistakes to consider when it comes to planning a wedding. Stay mindful of these traps and put together an event you can take pride in.