Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with so many details to consider. It's easy to forget some of the smaller, yet still important, things that go into making your wedding day special. From the venue to the flowers, the food to the music, and everything in between, there's a lot to keep track of. To help you plan your big day, here's a list of some of the most commonly forgotten details for wedding receptions.
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What You'll Learn
Assign someone to collect gifts and deliver them to the couple
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, with so many details to decide on and elements to keep track of. It's easy to forget some of the smaller, yet still important, tasks. One such task is assigning someone to collect gifts and deliver them to the couple.
On your wedding day, you will likely be busy and may forget to collect gifts or cards left by guests. To ensure nothing is forgotten or left at the venue, it is a good idea to assign a trusted person to be in charge of collecting any gifts and cards and delivering them to you after the festivities. This person can also be tasked with keeping an eye on any card boxes or gift tables to ensure nothing is misplaced or forgotten.
This assigned person can also be responsible for other tasks throughout the planning process and on the wedding day. They can help with setting up and decorating the venue according to your plan, working with other teams and vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly and timely.
By delegating this responsibility, you can focus on enjoying your special day without worrying about forgetting something. It is a simple task that can make a big difference and ensure that your gifts and cards are safely with you after the wedding reception.
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Prepare a backup plan for bad weather
Planning an outdoor wedding? You're not alone. According to The Knot's Real Wedding Study, 58% of couples hosted an outdoor wedding ceremony. But while getting married under blue skies may be the dream, the reality is often rain showers, chilly temperatures, or windy weather. So, it's crucial to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Here are some detailed suggestions for preparing a comprehensive backup plan:
Choose a versatile venue:
Opt for a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. That way, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can easily move the festivities indoors. Some venues, like Notley Abbey, set up both their outdoor and indoor areas simultaneously and make a last-minute call based on the weather conditions. If your venue has outdoor-only options, ensure they provide gazebos, tents, or umbrellas to shield your guests from the elements.
Consider wedding insurance:
Special event insurance for bad weather exists, and it can provide financial protection if the weather impacts your wedding. It can cover scenarios like guests having trouble travelling to the venue due to poor weather conditions or, in rare cases, even postponing the event. Wedding insurance can also help recoup costs if parts of your wedding are affected by wild weather.
Have a rain plan:
Even if you're hoping for sunny skies, always have a rain plan ready. This could include providing pretty umbrellas for you and your guests, ensuring there's a covered area for photographs, and having a designated team to help with setting up tents or moving tables if needed.
Plan for extreme temperatures:
Don't forget to consider the impact of extreme temperatures on your wedding day. If it's going to be unusually hot, ensure you have extra drinks and water for your guests, and check with your cake maker and florist to ensure their creations can withstand the heat. On the other hand, if it's going to be colder than expected, provide pashminas or blankets to keep your guests warm during the reception.
Prepare an emergency kit:
Assemble an emergency kit for the bride, including last-minute makeup essentials, bobby pins, and any other items that might come in handy. Additionally, if you're staying at a hotel after the reception, don't forget to pack an overnight bag with a change of clothes, makeup, hair items, and any medications you may need.
Remember, predicting the weather can be challenging, even for meteorologists. So, it's always better to be prepared with a solid backup plan to ensure your special day goes smoothly, no matter the weather.
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Pack an emergency kit with makeup and other essentials
Packing an emergency kit with makeup and other essentials is a must for your wedding day. This kit will ensure you have everything you need to touch up your look and handle any last-minute surprises. Here are some detailed suggestions on what to include:
Makeup Essentials
- Mascara: For enhancing your lashes and opening up your eyes.
- Lipstick: Choose a shade that complements your wedding look and can be easily reapplied.
- Bobby pins: These are lifesavers for quick hair fixes and creating elegant up-dos.
- Other makeup items: Consider adding blush, powder for touch-ups, and any other products that make you feel confident.
Additional Essentials
- Portable charger: Your phone battery might drain from constant use, so a portable charger will keep you connected throughout the day.
- Medication: It's easy to forget your daily medication in the midst of the festivities, so be sure to pack any necessary medicines.
- Pens: If you have a guest book, provide plenty of pens for guests to sign. It's also a good idea to test the pens beforehand to ensure they work on the material of your guest book.
- Overnight bag: If you're staying in a hotel after the reception, pack an overnight bag with a change of clothes, makeup, hair tools, and any other personal items you may need for the night and the next day.
- Marriage license: While this isn't exactly an 'essential' to pack, it's important to remember to bring your marriage license and ensure it's signed by you, your spouse, witnesses, and the clergy member right after the ceremony.
- Chargers and cables: Ensure you have the correct chargers and cables for your devices, especially if you plan to play music from a personal device.
Remember to customise your emergency kit to your specific needs and add any items that will make you feel prepared and relaxed on your special day.
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Bring pens for guests to sign the guestbook
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with so many details to consider. It's easy to forget some of the smaller items, but these can be just as important as the bigger things.
One of these smaller, yet significant, details is providing pens for your guests to sign the guestbook. It's all too easy to remember this in the lead-up to the wedding, but it can be forgotten on the day itself. Be sure to bring plenty of pens in case the ink dries out or guests walk away with them. If you are using something other than a traditional book for guests to sign, bring the appropriate writing utensil for that item. For example, if you are using wood or stone, be sure to test the pens in advance to ensure they work with the texture of the item.
The guestbook is a great way to capture the attendance of your guests and acts as a wonderful memento of your special day. It is a lovely keepsake to look back on, and it is made all the more special by any personal messages your guests may leave. It is also a good way to ensure your guests feel welcomed and valued, and it can be a nice touch to have a designated sign for the guestbook, especially if you are using something other than a traditional book.
In the midst of planning, it can be easy to overlook items such as pens for the guestbook, but it is these thoughtful details that can make all the difference in creating a memorable day for you and your guests.
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Thank your vendors with thank-you notes
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with so many details to decide on and elements to coordinate. It's easy for couples to forget to thank their vendors, but these are the people who made your big day happen. Here are some tips to ensure you don't forget to express your appreciation:
Create a List of Vendors:
Start by making a list of all the vendors you worked with for your wedding. This includes your caterer, florist, stationer, venue coordinator, photographer, videographer, musicians, bartending company, rentals company, lighting company, tent company, and any other professionals who contributed to your special day. Having a comprehensive list ensures that no one is accidentally overlooked.
Prepare Thank-You Notes:
Write personalised thank-you notes to each vendor. Express your gratitude for their specific contributions and how they enhanced your wedding. For example, you could mention how the beautiful floral arrangements exceeded your expectations or how the delicious food was a highlight for all your guests. Address each note to the main point of contact you worked with from each company.
Send Notes Promptly:
Don't delay sending your thank-you notes. Aim to send them out within a few weeks of your wedding. This shows your sincerity and appreciation while the memories of your wedding are still fresh. It also avoids any potential delay that could make your gratitude seem less timely.
Include a Small Gift:
Consider including a small gift or token of appreciation along with your thank-you notes. This could be something personalised, like a customised gift basket or a gift card. It's a thoughtful way to show your gratitude and make your vendors feel valued.
Share Photos or Testimonials:
If you have beautiful photos taken by your photographer that showcase the vendors' work, consider printing and including them with your thank-you notes. Alternatively, you could also write a testimonial or positive review for each vendor, highlighting their exceptional work. This not only shows your gratitude but also helps promote their business to future couples planning their weddings.
Remember, your vendors played a crucial role in making your wedding day memorable, so taking the time to thank them will leave a lasting impression and ensure your appreciation is known.
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Frequently asked questions
It's easy to forget some of the smaller details, so here are some important reminders:
- Guest book and pens
- Wedding signage, including table numbers, welcome signs, and restroom signs
- Copies of important documents: toasts, vendor contacts, guest list, music playlists, and a timeline
- A professional photographer and/or videographer
This is an important part of the reception, so don't forget:
- Glassware and champagne flutes for toasting
- Serving pieces and utensils
- Napkins and napkin rings
- Barware, including straws and lemon/lime wedges
- Signature cocktails and a bar menu
Music and dancing are usually a big part of wedding receptions, so be sure to:
- Choose your wedding songs and musicians
- Confirm whether your venue has a dance floor, or whether you need to install one
- Create a wedding reception timeline, so your vendors know what's expected of them
Seating charts and place cards can be very helpful for your guests. You can also include:
- Escort cards, which designate where each guest will sit
- Table numbers or name signs
- Menu cards at each place setting
There are lots of small details that can be easy to overlook, so try to remember:
- Thank you notes for your guests
- A hanger for your dress
- Baskets of pashminas, flip-flops, and/or sunglasses for guests
