Even with months (or years!) of planning, it’s easy to overlook a few key details on your wedding day, especially if you are thinking of a DIY approach. As your go-to wedding co-ordinator, I’m here to make sure those sneaky little slips don’t derail your big day. Here are the top ten things couples often forget and how to avoid those last-minute scrambles. Let’s dive in with the top ten most forgotten wedding day essentials!
1. Ring Box
You’ll have the rings... (although remind me to tell you about the time when someone did actually forget them - don't worry, it all worked out beautifully in the end) — but what about the box?
An easy thing to overlook, but a beautifully designed ring box adds that picture-perfect detail to your ceremony and photos. Pop it on your checklist and keep it with your other essentials to avoid a mad dash.
2. Spare Stationery for Flat Lay Photos
Your wedding invitations and other paper goods are a huge part of your story. You put so much thought and effort into the design and wording, why not save a couple of extras for your photographer to create those Instagram-worthy flat lay shots. Bonus tip: include a few pretty extras like ribbons, jewellery or flowers!
3. Someone Responsible to Collect Cards, Gifts (and Your Marriage Certificate!)
Assign a responsible friend or family member to take your marriage certificate and put it somewhere safe straight after the ceremony! I can't emphasise this enough. I have seen them left on tables, put in gift bags and it's easy to loose track of who has it. I
t's also worth asking someone to gather cards and gifts at the end of the night and put them in your room or an agreed safe (preferably lockable) place. They’ll ensure everything gets home safely so you can focus on celebrating.
4. Morning Prep Snacks
You’ll be running on adrenaline no doubt, but don’t forget to refuel after breakfast! Remember to pack or have someone organise delivery of some easy snacks like protein bars, popcorn or fruit for you and your wedding party to snack on whilst you're getting ready. Trust me, no one wants a hangry bride or groom; and it's surprising how hungry you can get when you've been sat in the hair and makeup chair since the minute you opened your eyes. Spare a thought for the 'drip-risk' factor - fruit is the prime culprit for accidental staining!
5. Chargers
Phones, tablets, speakers—everything needs juice. Hopefully you won't want or need to be on your phones during your wedding day BUT, you might want some music playing during prep, or want to capture the odd selfie in the evening. Pack a portable power bank or spare chargers to keep your devices ready for impromptu snapshots or guests that have been a little over enthusiastic capturing your memories.
6. Pens for the Guest Book
Probably the most forgotten item! It’s a tiny detail, but a guest book without a pen is like a wedding without your spouse. Pack a few extras to match your décor and place them strategically near the guest book. Nobody wants the venue's fuzzy ended felt tip!
7. To Eat and Drink!
You’ll be busy soaking up the love and most likely running on adrenaline, but please don’t forget to eat! Schedule a quiet moment to enjoy your canapes etc (or at least a nibble) and sip some water post ceremony. Better yet, appoint someone to make sure you have been fed! Weddings can be so busy with photography timelines and people wanting to congratulate you; you'd be surprised at how many couples say they didn't manage to eat until their wedding breakfast! (Fortunately I'm a feeder, so there won't be any hungry tummies on my watch).
8. Asking the Venue to Save You Some Cake
Unless your wedding cake is your dessert, it's entirely possible that you won't remember to actually try a piece of the delicious creation that you painstakingly chose or designed. Consider asking your venue to save you a slice or two (or a tier) to savour later. This is a wonderful way to relive the memories of your wedding day in a quieter moment, perhaps the following day or even on your honeymoon. Pair it with a glass of bubbly, and you’ll have a perfect little celebration for just the two of you.
9. Someone to Collect Décor at the End
All those gorgeous centrepieces, signage, and personal touches need to be gathered up after the party’s over. Have you thought about what happens to it all? Assign a trusted friend, family member, or hire a pro (hint hint) to make sure everything gets packed up safely and perhaps most importantly, ends up going where it is supposed to!
10. Ceremony Seating Plan & Reserved Signs
An easy way to avoid any awkward shuffling on the day is by reserving seats for VIP guests. The more specific the better too if you ask me, especially if you come from a large family. Most of my weddings have an open seating policy now, allowing guests to choose where they want to sit; but the first two (or three) rows are usually still reserved for the bridal party, parents and siblings (assuming you want them up front that is!) Use pretty name cards or signs to keep things organised and ensure your loved ones get the best view of your I dos. Remember to share the seating plan with your coordinator or at the very least the bridal party so they can help guide people to the right places (and move them on if they are sitting in a reserved seat)
I hope that has prompted you to add a few of these things to your checklist for the big day.
Follow @acornandoak_weddings for more tips & tricks; or better yet, book in for a free discovery call and let me help make sure that your wedding day runs seamlessly.
Speak soon,
Dani x
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