Planning A Wedding: What Could You Be Forgetting?

Planning a wedding is an exhilarating experience, but it can also be stressful. There are so many things to think about and it's easy to forget something. From the guest book and pens to the music and entertainment, there are many aspects to consider. You also need to think about the logistics of the day, such as packing a bag for yourself and making sure you have all the necessary paperwork. It's important to plan for different weather outcomes and to consider the needs of all your guests, especially if there are different venues or limited accommodation. Here are some tips to help you feel more prepared and ensure you haven't forgotten anything for your big day.

Food and drink

Catering for Guests

Firstly, think about the dietary requirements of your guests. It is a good idea to include a section on your wedding invitations for guests to inform you of any dietary restrictions or allergies. This will help your caterers plan a menu that caters to everyone. It is also worth checking with your on-site vendors if they have any specific requirements.

Feeding Vendors

Speaking of catering, don't forget to feed your vendors! They are working a full day and will need food and water breaks. Ask your caterers what they offer for vendor meals and give them the final count when you confirm your guest count.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, it is essential to plan for a few different scenarios. Consider the length of your wedding and how long guests will be drinking for. You don't want to run out of drinks, so make sure you have plenty of options available. It is also a good idea to provide some non-alcoholic choices. If you are providing your own drinks, don't forget to factor in the cost of ice and glassware.

Cake

No wedding is complete without a cake! Be sure to organise a cake tasting and discuss any specific requirements with your baker. If you want to save the top tier of your cake for your first anniversary, don't forget to ask your caterers or venue staff to set it aside for you.

Snacks

It might be a good idea to provide some snacks for your guests, especially if there is a long gap between the ceremony and the reception. You could include these in welcome bags for guests or have them available during the cocktail hour.

Your Meals

Lastly, don't forget to plan your own meals! You will likely be too busy to eat during the reception, so consider having a light meal or snacks available while you are getting ready. You could also pack a bag with some snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day.

Music and entertainment

First, you should decide on the music and entertainment you want at your wedding. This could include a DJ, live band, or other live entertainment. If you opt for a DJ, you will need to provide them with a list of songs to play, including key songs such as the song for entering the reception. You may also want to provide them with a "do-not-play" list to ensure that certain songs or genres are avoided. If you choose live entertainment, you will need to consider the setup and pack-up of their sound equipment. You may be able to dry hire extra speakers from the band to avoid a noticeable volume decrease when the band finishes and you switch to a playlist.

Next, you should think about the ambiance of the ceremony and reception. For example, who will be playing music when you walk down the aisle, and do they have the necessary sound equipment? What will keep your guests occupied while you are signing the register? Will there be background music during the cocktail hour or dinner?

Don't forget to also consider other forms of entertainment for your guests. This could include lawn games or a photo booth. If you are having a photo booth, you may want to provide props to enhance the fun.

Finally, remember to take care of the practicalities. Confirm arrival times with all vendors, including your DJ or band, and provide them with a timeline for the day. Ensure that your venue has the necessary lighting and space for your chosen entertainment. If you are planning to extend the night for an extra fee, let your suppliers and venue know, and check if they will allow you to adjust the lighting to create the right ambiance.

Official documents

Planning a wedding involves a lot of paperwork, and there are a few legal requirements that need to be taken care of to ensure that your marriage is legally recognised. The two main documents you need to pay attention to are the marriage license and the marriage certificate. Here is what you need to know about these documents:

Marriage License

The marriage license is a legal document that a couple obtains before getting married. The steps to obtaining a marriage license vary depending on your location, so it is important to check the specific requirements for your state or county. Most places will require proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID, and some regions may also require additional documentation such as a Social Security number, birth certificate, or parental consent if you are a minor. There is typically a fee associated with applying for a marriage license, ranging from $35 to $150, and specific payment methods may be required, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Marriage Certificate

The marriage certificate is an official certified copy of the registration data held by the government. It is proof that you and your partner are married. To obtain a marriage certificate, your marriage must first be registered by the celebrant within 14 days following the ceremony. After your marriage has been registered, you can apply for your marriage certificate. You will need certified copies of your marriage certificate if you or your partner plan to change your surname. This document can also be used to obtain a new Social Security Card, which requires proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

Additional Considerations

If it is not your first marriage, you may need to provide a certificate of divorce or the death certificate of your former spouse. Additionally, if you are under 18 years old, you will likely need permission from a parent or both parents to wed, and some states may require a court order as additional documentation.

Remember to always check the specific requirements for your location, as they can vary by state, county, and even country.

Gifts and thank-you cards

For thank-you cards, it is considered good etiquette to send them out within two to three months after your wedding day. It is also important to send thank-you cards for any gifts received before the wedding within two weeks of receiving them. To make the process easier, consider ordering your thank-you cards when you order your wedding invitations, and start writing them for gifts that arrive before the wedding. This way, you can send them out promptly and avoid a pile-up after your honeymoon.

When writing your thank-you cards, it is essential to personalise them. Address the gift giver by name and mention the specific gift you are thanking them for. For example, "Dear Aunt Liz, thank you so much for the beautiful metallic vases." If you received a monetary gift, it is a nice touch to mention what you plan to use the money for. For instance, "We are so grateful for your generous gift. We are one step closer to the kitchen remodel of our dreams."

Additionally, don't forget to thank your vendors and the guests who attended your wedding. It is a thoughtful gesture to acknowledge their presence and the effort they made to be there. Finally, if you are tipping your vendors, it is a good idea to prepare individual envelopes with the amount you want to give ahead of time. This will save you from worrying about it on the day of your wedding.

Clean-up and vendor payments

Clean-up:

Designate a trusted individual, such as a wedding planner, a member of the bridal party, or a close friend, to oversee the clean-up process. This person will ensure that rented items, such as chairs and equipment, are returned, and gifts are securely collected and transported to your house. It is advisable to create a checklist of borrowed items and their respective sources to facilitate an efficient return process.

Vendor Payments:

Vendor payments are typically expected shortly after the wedding, so it is essential to plan this aspect in advance. Withdraw cash and place the appropriate amount in labelled envelopes for each vendor, including tips. Assign a responsible member of your bridal party or a close friend to distribute the envelopes during the event. Remember to confirm with your vendors about any dietary allergies or restrictions for their meals and provide the final count for vendor meals to your caterer.

Thank-You Cards and Gifts:

Thank-you cards are often overlooked, so it is advisable to order them when you order your wedding invitations. Start writing your thank-you notes for gifts received before the wedding, and for your vendors, include them with their payment on the day. Send out the remaining thank-you cards within two months after the wedding. If you have thank-you gifts for your wedding party, ensure they are ready to go the night before your wedding so that you don't forget to distribute them during the festivities.

Other Financial Considerations:

When budgeting for your wedding, remember to include a buffer, approximately 5% of your total budget, to cover any hidden fees or unexpected expenses. Don't forget to factor in the cost of postage for sending out save-the-dates, invitations, and RSVP cards, as well as the cost of pre-stamping the RSVP cards for your guests' convenience.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that the clean-up and vendor payments are efficiently managed, allowing you to fully enjoy your special day without unnecessary worries or stress.

Frequently asked questions