When it comes to planning a wedding, there are countless details to manage. While most of them contribute to creating a perfect day, certain missteps can cause unnecessary stress or even “wreck” the experience altogether.
Sherri Durling, a multi-award-winning venue owner in Joplin, Missouri, has seen it all. Drawing from her years of experience, Sherri highlights three key mistakes brides should avoid to ensure their big day is memorable for all the right reasons.
Here are Sherri’s top three things that have the power to “wreck a wedding,” leaving brides in tears, frustrated, or disappointed.
1. Not Having a Wedding Planner or Day-of Coordinator
Without a planner or coordinator, tasks like organizing the wedding party, managing guest flow, and solving unexpected issues often fall on the bride, her family, or friends—leaving them stressed and unable to fully enjoy the day. Hiring a professional ensures that you can focus on celebrating while someone else handles the logistics. Even if your budget doesn’t allow for a full-service wedding planner, a day-of coordinator is an investment worth making.
Pro tip for brides: Wedding venue owners and staff do not operate as day-of coordinators. To ensure your wedding day runs smoothly, it's important to hire a dedicated, professional day-of coordinator who will focus solely on managing all the details and logistics of your special day.
2. Not Renting Linens from a Professional
Wrinkled linens, mismatched colors, or ill-fitting tablecloths can detract from your carefully curated aesthetic. And while it may seem like a cost-saving measure to purchase or DIY your table linens, experienced venue owners like Sherri have seen firsthand how this approach can backfire.
“I’ve seen brides and bridesmaids in tears trying to get wrinkles ironed out of tablecloths,” she said. “It’s really best to leave it to the professionals.”
Professional rental companies not only provide high-quality linens, but they can also handle the setup and removal—saving you time and stress on the wedding day.
3. Not Booking a DJ
Music sets the tone for your reception, and if you want your guests to hit the dance floor, a DJ is a must. A good DJ knows how to read the crowd, keep the energy up, and make seamless transitions between moments like the first dance, cake cutting, and the open dance floor.
Without a DJ, the reception can feel disjointed, and guests may lose interest earlier than expected.
“Receptions without DJs often end earlier as guests decide to leave because there is little to do at the reception,” Sherri said.
Booking a professional ensures your party flows effortlessly and keeps your guests engaged until the end.
Pro tip for brides: Due to licensing and other legal guidelines, using a streaming service for music at a wedding may be prohibited, so booking a professional DJ may be a safer option when it comes to compliance.
Planning your dream wedding is all about making informed decisions. Take it from an award-winning expert: these three steps will go a long way toward ensuring your day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of!
Sherri Durling is the owner of Greenwood Springs Event Center in Joplin, Missouri, a multi-award-winning wedding and event venue featuring a glass greenhouse style venue.