Here’s what you should avoid doing on your wedding day (Picture: Getty Images)

A wedding expert has revealed the top six things couples tend to regret doing on their big day.

Maleila S Domingos has made dreams come true as a wedding planner for the last six years, with over 300 nuptials under her belt so far.

The 32-year-old now runs her own business to help couples tie the knot and it’s fair to say that she’s seen a lot of ups and downs.

From forgetting to schedule a hair and makeup trial, that many people overlook until it’s too late, to inviting people they don’t actually want to attend, she’s seen it all. Here are her tips:

Don’t print your seating chart too soon

Maleila says that most guests tend to cancel between one to three weeks before the big day. And so, printing your seating chart too early could lead to a lot more hassle than it’s worth. 

Instead, you should print your seating plan the Monday before your big day.

‘This is the very latest you should be doing a print job as most printers require a minimum of 48 hours’.

Having too much to drink before the ceremony

Although you should definitely let loose once you say ‘I do’, Maleila warns her clients against burning out before the real party begins by having too much alcohol before the big day starts.

‘We encourage you to sip on something lighter during the day, get enough food and water and take your time.

‘When the dance floor opens, well that’s a different story!’

Inviting people out of obligation

Choosing who to invite to your wedding day can become one of the most stressful aspects during the planning stages and a large guest count can often be one of the biggest costs.

The more friends and family you invite, the more space and food you’ll need. So, do you actually have to send invites to your neighbour you barely talk to or a former friend you haven’t seen in years? The expert says no.

‘Budget aside, your wedding is a deeply personal celebration that will be captured in photos, films and in your memory and you should celebrate with people you care about.

‘There’s no reason you have to invite every single person you’ve ever met unless you want to.’

Ask a friend to feed you

With all the excitement of your dream day looming, sitting down to eat ends up being overlooked and you don’t want to end up drinking all the bubbly on an empty stomach. 

Instead the expert urges her clients to assign your best friend feeding duties, to ensure you don’t go hungry.

‘After all, you did pick out all these delicious food options and probably paid a pretty penny for them.

‘This also means taking advantage of the fact that you are served first during dinner and trying your best to finish your meal before greeting each table’.

You don’t have to invite people out of obligation (Picture: Getty Images/Maskot)

Don’t forget to schedule a makeup and hair trial

You may have a picture of your ideal glam look pinned to your Pinterest board but not testing it out first and seeing it IRL is a massive no-no.

Most makeup and hair artists can’t just conjure up a masterpiece look in a matter of minutes without time to prepare.

‘Hair and makeup trials are the reality checks we didn’t know we needed.

‘You should schedule a trial at least three months before the wedding to see how your inspiration photo looks on you’.

Not hiring a wedding planner

Couples may save a few coins by not hiring someone to help plan their wedding, however, understandably, wedding planner Maleila says this can ultimately lead to more trouble in the long run.

‘Even if you do not hire a full-time planner, I encourage all couples to consider a Day of Coordinator.

‘They make sure everyone is where they need to be and take the stress off the couple so they can focus on the moment.’

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