There are a million and one things to plan when it comes to a wedding. So is it any surprise that one or two or even 11 wedding details might fall through the cracks?
Planning a wedding—whether big or small—can be extremely overwhelming, especially when juggling a full-time job. 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.
Here, we break down the top things you forget when planning a wedding. With any luck, this list will save you from forgetting these details, too.
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A Contingency Plan for Bad Weather
Many couples forget to have a plan B in case of inclement weather. Sometimes this is not considering how hot and sunny it will be, severe cold fronts, or even rain. They often get so wrapped up in the beauty of their venue they just forget to have a contingency plan.
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What Time 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.
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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 detail, lighting is the most important component to really ensure those elements look their very best.
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Extra Seats for the Ceremony
Take into consideration the fact that people do not naturally sit next to each other. So you will always need roughly 20 more chairs than there are people.
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Designating a Photo Wrangler
Along with a shot list, designate a sister, brother, cousin, or aunt who can be the 'photo wrangler’. The photographer is not going to know who your important family members are, so when he 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.
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Asking Guests About Food Allergies and 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 is sitting—your caterer will love you.
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Bringing a Change of Clothing
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.
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Assigning Someone to Take Your Wedding Attire
Many couples forget to make arrangements for the wedding dress and tuxedo. If you are leaving for your honeymoon right after the wedding, make sure you have a friend or family member pick up your dress, hang up your wedding outfits, or return rented items.
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A Do-Not-Play List for Your DJ
Though you might have meticulously planned your father-daughter dance song and your cocktail hour songs, you should also write out a do-not-play list for your DJ (because no one wants to be surprised with Sir Mix-a-Lot at their reception).
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Asking Someone to Gather Gifts, Decor, and Personal Items
Assign someone 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 number of bridal parties that make no plans for personal belongings at the end of the night.
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Eating the Day-Of
Last but not least among the things newlyweds 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.