What Should You Not Do On Your Wedding Day?

Weddings are full of joy, but let’s face it — they can also come with a fair share of stress. While most advice focuses on what you should do on your big day, what about the things you shouldn’t do? After planning my wedding at Vogue Ballroom and working with countless couples, I’ve learned that avoiding common mistakes can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the wedding day blunders to steer clear of, helping you stay calm, enjoy the moment, and make sure your celebration runs as smoothly as possible. Let’s dive in!

Key Wedding Day Mistakes You Must Avoid for a Stress-Free Celebration

Last-Minute Changes & Experiments

Wedding days are not the time to reinvent the wheel. A lot of couples try to experiment with something new, like a new hairstyle, a different makeup look, or even trying a new beauty routine in the hopes of looking flawless. But let me tell you from experience — this is a recipe for disaster.

I learned this the hard way. A few days before my wedding, I decided to try out a new facial scrub. The next morning, my skin was redder than a lobster! I ended up using a ton of concealer just to cover it up. That was one less thing I needed to worry about before walking down the aisle!

Stick to what you know. If you’re getting a professional makeup artist or hairstylist, book a trial run weeks ahead of time. This way, you can work out any kinks. Trust me, you want to avoid any surprises when it comes to your appearance on the big day.

Skipping Meals and Overdoing the Alcohol

I get it — the excitement of the day can make you forget about food. You’re running around, getting dressed, meeting with vendors, and before you know it, the ceremony begins. But skipping meals? That’s a huge no-no.

I remember one couple who rushed straight through the morning without so much as a cup of tea. By the time the ceremony began, the bride felt lightheaded and shaky, and she nearly fainted halfway down the aisle. Not ideal!

Fuel up early with a healthy breakfast — think whole grains, protein, and plenty of water. Throughout the day, snack on light, energy-boosting foods like nuts or fruit. And when it comes to alcohol, moderation is key. Too many celebratory toasts can lead to headaches and a fuzzy memory. Stick to a glass or two and remember to hydrate!

How to Stay Calm and Confident: Wedding Day Health & Well-being Tips

Forgetting to Prioritise Your Health

When you’re planning your wedding, it’s easy to overlook your own health in the chaos. But you’ll need energy, stamina, and focus to enjoy the day fully. Don’t let your health take a backseat.

In the week leading up to my wedding, I had friends telling me to stay calm and rest. But I couldn’t help myself – I was knee-deep in last-minute tasks, from seating arrangements to coordinating with vendors. I didn’t sleep much, and I didn’t eat regularly. By the time the day arrived, I was exhausted before I even stepped foot in the venue!

Here’s the thing: you don’t want to be running on empty. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, even in the days leading up to your wedding. Drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced meals. A couple of days before the big day, try to rest as much as you can, even if it means stepping away from the checklist for a bit.

The Dangers of Over-Exercising or Overindulging

Trying to “look your best” on your wedding day can sometimes lead to over-exercising or extreme dieting. As tempting as it might be to push yourself to the limit in the final days, it’s best to stick to your usual routine.

A bride I worked with in Melbourne was so focused on fitting into her dream dress that she overdid her workout routine. She ended up feeling sore and tired on the day of the wedding. While she looked amazing in her gown, she was too worn out to really enjoy the day. I’ve also heard of brides pushing themselves through intense boot camps in the lead-up to their wedding, only to feel exhausted by the time they reach their ceremony.

Instead of pushing yourself too hard, keep exercise light and easy. A short walk or a relaxing yoga session is much better than an intense workout the day before. The goal is to feel good in your own skin, not run yourself ragged.

The Key to a Smooth Wedding: Delegating Tasks and Trusting Your Team

Taking on Too Much Responsibility

I get it — you’ve spent months planning every little detail, and you want everything to go perfectly. But you can’t do it all. Trying to manage every single aspect of your wedding on the day will only add stress.

On my own wedding day, I found myself still trying to coordinate guests, check in with vendors, and double-check timelines while everyone was getting ready. It was only when my bridesmaid firmly told me, “You need to step away and enjoy this,” that I realised I needed to delegate and trust my team. My wedding planner, maid of honour, and even the groom’s best man were instrumental in taking over tasks that could’ve bogged me down.

Make sure you delegate responsibilities to people you trust. Have a day-of coordinator or a close friend take charge of any hiccups that come up. Let your bridal party handle anything you can’t manage, and give them clear instructions ahead of time.

Overbooking Your Wedding Timeline

You’re excited, and I totally get it — there’s so much you want to fit in! But cramming too much into the schedule can leave you feeling rushed and overwhelmed.

One couple I worked with had such an ambitious timeline that we barely had time for a breather. The bride felt like she was sprinting from one activity to the next, and by the time they reached the reception, both she and the groom were exhausted. There’s nothing worse than seeing a couple miss out on the little moments because their schedule was packed too tightly.

Create a wedding timeline that allows for some breathing room. You don’t need to schedule every minute of the day — leave a little space for spontaneous moments, like chatting with guests or having a quiet moment alone with your partner. The best memories happen when you’re relaxed and present.

Managing Wedding Logistics Like a Pro: Key Tips for Smooth Operations

Forgetting Essential Items

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most common mistakes I see. Forgetting the key documents, like your marriage license, or important items like wedding rings ,can lead to major stress — and possibly halt the ceremony itself.

I worked with one couple in Melbourne who nearly missed the start of their ceremony because they forgot their marriage license at home. The panic on the groom’s face when he realised was unforgettable. Luckily, the bridal party had the foresight to have a family member bring it to the venue in time.

So, here’s my advice: designate someone to be in charge of the important documents and items. This includes the marriage license, wedding rings, and any other last-minute things you might forget. You don’t want to be scrambling while everyone else is celebrating. And remember, double-check the rings before the ceremony starts — they’re kind of the main event!

Postponing Final Preparations Until the Last Minute

Your wedding day isn’t the time to start DIY projects or revise your vows for the first time. I’ve seen it happen — a bride in a panic, trying to write her vows the night before, only to feel rushed and overwhelmed the next morning.

One of my best pieces of advice? Write your vows weeks before the wedding. Keep them short, sweet, and personal, but leave yourself time to reflect on what you really want to say. The morning of your wedding should be spent focusing on yourself and your partner, not wrestling with words.

Similarly, finish any DIY projects well in advance. The last thing you want is to be putting together centrepieces or decorations hours before your ceremony. Finalise all the little details ahead of time, so you can focus on the bigger picture.

Be Present and Make Memories: Enjoy Every Moment of Your Wedding Day

Missing Out on Enjoying the Moment

The wedding day goes by in a blink. I remember standing at the altar, holding my partner’s hand, and thinking, “This is it.” But then, before I knew it, we were in the reception, and the whole thing felt like it happened in a flash.

One of the most common regrets I hear from couples is that they didn’t take enough time to enjoy the moments. They were too caught up in managing everything or worrying about the smallest details.

The best advice I can give is this: take a moment to pause and soak it all in. Whether it’s stealing a quiet moment with your new spouse, dancing together at the reception, or just enjoying your guests’ company, make sure you’re present. This day is about you, your partner, and the love you share — don’t let it pass by in a blur.

Letting Family Expectations Dictate Your Day

Family dynamics can be a tricky part of wedding planning. Every family has its own traditions, expectations, and quirks. But no matter what, remember: this is your day.

I’ve seen couples allow family pressure to dictate decisions that didn’t align with their vision. One couple, for example, was pressured to change their venue at the last minute by relatives who wanted something more extravagant. This caused a lot of unnecessary stress and, ultimately, detracted from the personal nature of their wedding.

Stay true to your own vision. If you’re happy with the decisions you’ve made, don’t let anyone steer you off course. Your wedding day is a reflection of you and your partner, not your extended family’s preferences.

Additional Wedding Day Pitfalls to Avoid

Mistakes with Wedding Dress Care and Venue Logistics

Your wedding dress is likely the most important piece of clothing you’ll ever wear — and it’s often the most expensive too. But I’ve seen more than one bride come close to disaster due to improper care or handling on the big day.

One bride I worked with made the mistake of hanging her dress from the sprinkler system at her venue. The next thing we knew, she was running to another part of the venue as water started dripping down. Thankfully, the dress was saved, but this is just one example of why you need to be extra careful.

Make sure your dress is hung properly (preferably in a climate-controlled room), and ensure that the venue understands the value of your gown. If you have a dress with intricate detailing, assign a trusted bridesmaid or maid of honour to help you handle it carefully. Your wedding venue should be aware of its significance and ensure it’s kept safe.

Another tip? If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, always have a backup plan. I can’t stress this enough. Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, and I’ve seen countless outdoor weddings forced to relocate last minute due to rain or heat. Have a contingency plan with a backup indoor location in place, just in case.

Overly Dramatic Wedding Send-Offs

While a grand exit might seem like the perfect way to end your reception, I’ve found that some couples make the mistake of doing this too early.

At one wedding, the couple staged a send-off at the start of the reception to make a big dramatic moment. Unfortunately, it confused the guests. Some thought the wedding was over and started to leave early, which was definitely not the vibe they intended.

When it comes to a send-off, timing is everything. If you do want a grand exit, make sure it’s closer to the actual end of the celebration, not before guests have even had a chance to enjoy the festivities. The last thing you want is to make guests feel like the celebration is winding down before it’s supposed to.

How to Avoid Wedding Day Stress and Focus on What Matters Most