Most Forgotten Wedding To Do's
There are so many things to think of when planning your wedding, it can be a little bit overwhelming. Right? So is it any surprise that one or two or even twenty-five wedding details might fall through the cracks when planning yourself. Here, I have broken down the top things people commonly forget when planning a wedding. Planning a wedding — big or small — can be extremely overwhelming, especially when juggling full-time job. Planning a wedding is essentially a full time job (that’s where I come in!). There are so many details and so many people, vendors and logistics that have to be managed, so it's not hard to believe that sometimes a detail here and there gets overlooked. With any luck, this list will save you from forgetting these details, too!
Have a Contingency Plan for Bad Weather
Many couples forget to have a plan B in case of inclement weather. Sometimes this is not taking into account how hot and sunny it will be, severe cold fronts, or even rain. Couples often get so wrapped up in the beauty of their venue they just forget to have a contingency plan. Couples should find out the historical temperature and weather to have realistic expectations of what to expect, and make arrangements for what will happen if the weather is less than ideal.
Know When the Sun Will Set
Sunset is a golden hour for photographs and it might be a time your wedding photographer would like to pull you outside for some magically lit photos. If you know what time the sun will be setting, you can make sure you'll be available rather than say, cutting the cake.
Designate Someone to Be the Day-Of Point Person
A first point of contact for your wedding vendors is essential. Clients sometimes often assume vendors will just answer their cell phone but it's already going to be a whirlwind day for them, there's no need to add more responsibilities to their list. Instead, Event Planners can be critical to serve in capacity as a Day of Coordinator to be the first point of contact.
Budget for Gratuity
Gratuity is often overlooked during the budget planning process, and I find this is the most commonly missed item when couples come to me partially through the planning process. When looking at the costs of your catering, for example, remember that typically you'd want to include an 18-22 percent gratuity on top of the final bill. You'll also want to be mindful of tips for wedding professionals the day of the event. While it is certainly not required, it is appreciated if someone has gone above and beyond. In this instance, prepare in advance with tips (cash or check are usually both fine) in envelopes and designate someone to distribute them.
Arranging Event Lighting
Lighting really helps to set the mood and vibe at a wedding. After all the decisions are made and hard work put into every little details, lighting is the most important component to really ensure those elements look their very best.
Designate a Photo Wrangler
Along with a shot list, ask your Day of Coordinator to be the 'photo wrangler, the photographer is not going to know who your important family members are, so when he or she gets to the 'photo of the bride with aunts and uncles,' your photo wrangler can easily go grab these family members for you and you can stay on track with timing.
Establish a Wedding Website Before You Mail Save-the-Dates
The site does not need to be fully finished, but you should have a URL that you can put on the cards, as well as a few basic pieces of information on site, such as the the location and nearby hotels. People are often so excited to get the save-the-dates out that they don't think about the fact that six to eight weeks before the wedding is pretty late for out-of-town guests to make travel plans.
Make Sure You're Using the Correct Invitation Postage
Not only does the weight matter, but the size as well when it comes to your invitations. Square envelopes and certain enclosures can carry an additional charge. This can fall through the cracks simply because people forget to ask, or don't know all these funny rules from the post office.
Check to See If Any of Your Guests Have Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions
Be sure to make note of all the guests who have food allergies or are vegetarian or vegan. Provide a list for your caterer noting where each of these guests are sitting — your caterer will love you!
Talk to Vendors About Potential Overtime
Have your planner check in with your vendors ahead of time to see if they might be willing to stay later. Even if you don't think you'll want to take advantage of this option, you never know how you'll feel that night! It's better to find out what those fees would be like from vendors, such as your DJ and bartender, ahead of time, as well as giving them the heads up that overtime might be a possibility.
Factor Yourself Into the Guest Count When Placing the Final Catering Order
Couples forget to add themselves to the guest count all the time. Make sure you've included yourselves as well as any dietary restrictions when giving the final count to the caterer. Happens every time!
Order Vendor Meals
Vendor meals can be easily forgotten if there isn't a wedding planner to coordinate it. Many vendors require meals in their contract and some, like bands, will also need a separate break room altogether. Coordinate this with your venue and caterer early to make sure you have met all of the obligations
Bring a Change of Clothing
I personally forgot this small detail for my own wedding. I was so wrapped up in making sure my wedding day attire was good to go I forgot to bring clothing to wear to the brunch the next day. Make sure you pack a small bag and enlist the help of a friend or family member to help get it where it needs to go.
Assign Someone to Take Your Wedding Dress
Many couples forget to make arrangements for the wedding dress and tuxedo. If you are leaving for your honeymoon the morning after the wedding, make sure you have a friend or family member to pick up your dress or return a rented tuxedo. As a wedding planner, I always offer to return tuxedos and drop wedding gowns at a cleaner for my clients.
Write Out a Do-Not-Play List for Your DJ
Though might have meticulously planned your parent dances or cocktail hour songs, you should also write out a do-not-play for your DJ (because no one wants to be surprised with Sir Mix-a-Lot at their reception).
Craft Wedding Signs
Many couples spend a lot of time and energy picking out the wedding invitations and completely forget signage for the big day. Whether it’s a seating chart, a gift tables sign, or even just a 'Welcome to Our Wedding,' signage can easily be overlooked!
Designate Someone to Gather Up Gifts, Decor and Personal Items
Assign someone (me!) the role of removing personal items at the end of the night. It is important to assign a helper to make sure these items don’t get left. It’s surprising to me the amount of bridal parties that make no plans for personal belongings at the end of the night.
Leave Enough Time (and Budget) for Wedding Dress Alterations
When one finds their wedding dress, they think the hard part is over ... but when the dress arrives, you are likely to have something altered. Even if the dress fits you perfectly, you may still have to pay for ties to be added so you can bustle it for the reception. Be mindful of this with your budget and ask your gown shop in advance for pricing.
Eat Food and Drink Water!
Last but not least among the things brides forget is to eat! Your wedding day is a very busy, overwhelming day! Get a good breakfast and plenty of water! And as you schedule out your wedding day prep, make sure to have snack breaks.
