Planning your Baltimore wedding can be exciting and yet stressful, but our list of mistakes to avoid will help you navigate the process with ease.
Planning your Baltimore wedding, for most people, is a foray into uncharted territory. How many of us have experience hiring caterers, booking bands, and coordinating an event for dozens to hundreds of people? That lack of experience can sometimes lead to things getting a little hairy, but don’t worry: you’ll learn as you go!
To help you along, here are some of the more common mistakes couples make during the wedding planning process and how to avoid them:
Steer Clear of These 6 Pitfalls When Planning Your Baltimore Wedding
Not figuring out your budget first.
Say it with me: Budget! Determining your budget should be the absolute first step in planning your wedding (or any event). It’s important to know how many guests you can invite, what type of venue you can afford, and even choosing your date (gotta love those off-season discounts). Once you’ve set your budget, follow it! There’s nothing worse than starting your life together in debt, especially when it could have been easily prevented.
Photo credit: Baltimore Museum of Art/Photography by Brea
Booking a venue before starting on the guest list.
Wedding venues can book up quickly, especially if they’re in high demand, so it makes sense to call dibs on your date and get that contract signed as soon as possible. Even so, it’s a bad idea to book a venue before you have a good idea of what your guest list will look like. While you don’t need to have a final version quite yet (your list will definitely go through several drafts as the months go by), you’re going to need to know if you’re talking 20 people or 200. That’s going to make a huge difference in deciding where you have your wedding and you don’t want book your Baltimore venue only to realize that your guests are going to be packed in like sardines or that the size of your party will be dwarfed by that cavernous ballroom.
Purchasing a dress before you’ve decided on a date and venue.
While it’s tempting to run out and find the perfect dress the moment the ring’s on your finger, try to resist until after you’ve chosen a date and venue. You’ll be surprised at how much the “when” and “where” affect whether that dress is truly perfect. Just think, if you go out and buy a beautiful, elaborate ballgown and then decide that the perfect place for your wedding is out on the beach, it will be a little difficult to reconcile those two styles. Having a date in mind will also help you plan for the weather. This forethought will have the added effect of giving your dress shopping experience more focus and make it less overwhelming.
Photo: La Banque de Fleuve
Not having a rain plan.
A back-up plan in case of inclement weather is a must for any outdoor wedding. Ask your venue what their usual course of action is in the event of strong winds or precipitation—most likely they’ve hosted plenty of outdoor events before and will know what to do. Even if it means spending extra money to rent a tent just in case, it’s still preferable to everyone getting drenched in an unexpected downpour.
Not getting references from your vendors.
Wedding vendors are an import part of your wedding. While many of them are worth every penny, you don’t want to get stuck with the one who’s not. Therefore, it’s important to ask for references. And, of course, actually follow up on these references. Contact people who have used the vendor before and ask about their experience. Never hire a band before you’ve heard them play—whether live or on a recording. Don’t assume, either, that just because a vendor is pricey that they’re also good at what they do—double check. However, once you have done your research and picked the right talent for the job, let them do it. It’s okay to ensure that they understand your needs clearly. However, micromanaging just tends to bog things down. You hired professionals for their ability to get things done. Remember?
Not reading your contracts.
No matter how thorough your vendor explains their services, you should still carefully read your contract before you sign. Nobody wants to be blindsided by fine print, especially when dealing with large numbers. Taking the time to carefully review the agreement pays off. For example, service charges, sales tax, and gratuities often aren’t included. In fact, discovering this after you’ve signed the contract could lead to unwanted surprises. If you’re not very good with contracts, ask a friend or family member to go over it with you.
In conclusion, planning your Baltimore wedding may come with its challenges. However, keeping these common mistakes in mind will help you stay on track. In fact, it will ensure your special day is everything you’ve dreamed of. With careful planning and attention to detail, you’ll be able to enjoy a flawless wedding experience. And that way, it will leave you more time to celebrate the moments that matter most.
