Learn from Others' Wedding Planning Mistakes
Every couple makes some mistakes during wedding planning. Learning from common errors saves money, stress, and disappointment. These insights come from hundreds of Irish couples' experiences.
Budget Mistakes
Not including service charges and VAT in vendor quotes. Forgetting about tips for vendors (budget 10-15%). Underestimating bar costs for Irish celebrations. Not reading contract cancellation policies. Paying everything upfront instead of deposits. Ignoring hidden costs like alterations, postage, favors.
Timeline Errors
Underestimating setup time at venue. Not building buffers between events. Scheduling photos during golden hour without backup plan. Planning receiving line for 200+ guests (takes forever). Not accounting for Irish weather delays. Starting ceremony exactly on invitation time.
Guest List Problems
Sending save-the-dates before finalizing list. Allowing "and guest" for singles (doubles costs). Not being clear about children policy. Assuming evening guests understand they're evening only. Inviting people out of obligation. Not chasing RSVPs promptly.
Vendor Selection Mistakes
Booking without seeing real wedding examples. Not checking recent reviews. Skipping vendor meetings to save time. Not getting everything in writing. Choosing friends as vendors without contracts. Booking based on price alone.
Music and Entertainment
Not providing do-not-play list to band/DJ. Forgetting background music for cocktails/dinner. Not checking venue sound restrictions. Assuming band knows traditional Irish songs. Not planning music for ceremony processional/recessional. Micromanaging the playlist.
Food and Drink Errors
Not accounting for dietary restrictions. Underestimating appetites after drinking. Choosing menu items you haven't tasted. Not having late-night snacks for Irish parties. Running out of beer/wine before spirits. Forgetting vendor meals.
Communication Failures
Not informing guests about venue quirks (parking, hills, cold church). Assuming everyone knows Irish wedding traditions. Not providing accommodation information early. Forgetting to inform B&B/hotels about room blocks. Not updating wedding website regularly.
Day-Of Mistakes
Not eating breakfast or lunch. Forgetting to designate someone for vendor payments. Not having backup plan for weather. Trying to greet everyone individually. Not delegating setup tasks. Forgetting to enjoy your own party.
Lessons Learned
"Our biggest mistake was not reading vendor contracts carefully. The band's overtime rates were double, and we hadn't budgeted for it. Read everything, ask questions, and get clarity before signing." - Deirdre, 2023