5 Things to Avoid Doing on Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and understandably, you want everything to be perfect. As you move forward with your planning, you’ll likely hear plenty of advice about what you should do to ensure the day runs smoothly. But what about the things you shouldn’t do? Avoiding certain common wedding day mistakes can make all the difference in helping you stay calm, relaxed, and present during your celebration.

We’ve put together a list of five things to avoid on your wedding day, so you can focus on enjoying your big day without unnecessary stress.

Photo Credit: Stacey Cavalier Photography

1. Stress About the Weather

We all know the saying, “You can’t control the weather.” And it’s absolutely true, especially on your wedding day! Whether it’s rain, shine, or anything in between, stressing over the weather is simply not worth your time. Worrying about what might happen can only lead to anxiety and detract from the joy of the day.

So, what’s the solution? Plan ahead. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony or reception, make sure you have a backup plan in place. Whether it’s a covered space or moving inside if necessary, having a solid plan ensures that you won’t be scrambling at the last minute. Designate someone — preferably not you — to take care of the backup plan if the weather turns. Trust your vendors to handle the logistics, and all you need to focus on is marrying the love of your life, no matter what the forecast says.

Photo Credit: Stacey Cavalier Photography

2. Wear New Shoes for the First Time

While it’s tempting to break in a brand-new pair of wedding shoes for the big day, it’s a mistake that many brides and grooms regret. Whether you’ve spent hours picking the perfect pair, or you’re simply eager to wear something special, wearing new shoes without breaking them in can lead to blisters and discomfort.

To avoid this, wear your shoes around the house in the weeks leading up to your wedding day. Start by wearing them for short periods and gradually build up to longer sessions to get used to the feel. If you’re worried about comfort, bring along a backup pair of shoes for later in the day. Choose something comfy that you can easily slip into once the ceremony and formal photos are over.

3. Forget to Ea

On your wedding day, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and forget to eat or drink enough. However, skipping meals or not staying hydrated can lead to low energy, headaches, and fatigue, especially as the day goes on. A hangry bride or groom is not a fun person to be around, so make sure you're nourished and hydrated.

To make sure this doesn’t slip through the cracks, delegate someone, perhaps your maid of honour, best man, or a trusted family member — to ensure you’re fed and have enough water throughout the day. Pack snacks that are easy to nibble on during the pre-ceremony moments. Think energy-boosting snacks like fruit, granola bars, or protein-rich foods. Have a meal plan in place too. Even if you don’t have a full meal, a platter of light bites will keep you feeling great and energized.

4. Take On Too Much Responsibility

While you’ve likely spent months (or longer!) planning every detail of your wedding, your actual wedding day should be about enjoying the celebration. Your wedding is one of the few occasions where it’s perfectly acceptable to sit back, relax, and let others take care of things. The key here is delegation.

It’s easy to get caught up in making sure everything is perfect, but it’s essential to let your wedding planner, coordinator, or trusted friends and family take on responsibilities so you can truly relax. Remember, the people around you want to help — and they’ll enjoy being part of the day’s success! From vendor coordination to making sure everything runs smoothly, you’ll have a lot of support. But don’t be afraid to ask for help ahead of time and trust your team to make things happen.

Photo credit: Midge Edine Photography

5. Overcrowd Your Wedding Timeline

Wedding days are fast-paced, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack every second of the day with something to do. Many couples make the mistake of over-scheduling their wedding timeline, leaving no room for breathing space. This can cause unnecessary stress, especially when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Instead, build flexibility into your timeline. Consider adding extra time between events for things that might run late, like photos or transportation delays. This allows everyone to relax and enjoy the moment without the stress of rushing. If things run a little behind schedule, it’s ok. Ultimately, if you’re well-organized and have some buffer time, you’ll be able to enjoy the day at a more relaxed pace.

Photo Credit: Emily Rachel Photography

The most important thing to remember on your wedding day is that it’s your day, and it should be exactly how you want it. While there will be plenty of planning, coordination, and decision-making leading up to the big day, you don’t have to let stress take over. Keep your priorities in mind, delegate tasks, and make sure you take care of yourself. After all, this day is about you and your partner — a celebration of love, joy, and the start of your beautiful journey together.

At Waipuna Estate, we believe your wedding day should be unforgettable for all the right reasons. Explore our wedding packages or book a viewing today to see how we can help create a seamless and magical experience for you both.