No AC in the summer. While you might love the idea of getting hitched in that old church that doesn’t have air conditioning or an outdoor garden with no shade, sitting in the sweltering heat will only make your guests sweaty and miserable.

The venues are too far apart. When your ceremony and reception are being held in two separate locations, be sure you don’t make them too far away.

There’s no open bar. We know, it can be expensive to offer an open bar, but it’s what guests expect (and want). Save money by serving beer and wine, and then choose two signature cocktails. This will be far cheaper than having an open bar, and give you a chance to share a little more about yourselves with your guests.

Having to sit at the “wrong” table. A young couple sitting at the senior table; exes having to endure having dinner with one another–and their new partners; your parents’ friends seated right near the DJ speakers. These are just a few seating faux pas that annoy guests and cause stress for couples.

Bad Food (or not enough).You expect the food you will receive as a guest, and the food ordered by the family, would be tasty. But what happens when the food is unsalted and the fish and meat are cooked to bricks? I suggest having a family member taste test the food before it goes out to the tables. You also need to make sure your venue and caterer has an accurate head count before the wedding day so there is enough food ordered and prepared for the event. The last thing you need is for guests to leave your reception still hungry and looking to make a fast food run on the way home.

photographs by AshImagery