Planning A Wedding: Crucial Details You Can't Overlook

Planning a wedding is stressful, and it's easy to forget something important. From the marriage license to the rings, there are many things to remember. You'll also want to make sure you eat and drink enough water throughout the day, and that you have a 'do not play' list for your DJ or band. You'll need to think about how to get to and from the venue, and whether you'll need an overnight bag. It's a good idea to have a separate email address for wedding correspondence, and to create a wedding website. You'll also need to factor in hidden fees and unexpected expenses, and decide who will be giving speeches.

Remember to eat and drink water throughout the day

It's easy to forget to eat and drink water throughout your wedding day, but it's important to make a conscious effort to do so. Not only will it help you feel your best, but it will also ensure you have the energy to enjoy the day to its fullest.

Start your day with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs. This will give you the sustenance you need to get through the morning and the early part of the day. A good breakfast option could be oatmeal or a yogurt parfait with nuts and granola.

Throughout the day, be mindful of snacking on water-filled foods like watermelon, cucumbers, citrus fruits, zucchini, or grapefruit. These foods will help keep you hydrated, especially if you're also drinking alcohol, as alcohol can dehydrate you. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, red skin, fatigue, and weakness—all things you want to avoid on your wedding day! If you're drinking alcohol, remember to pace yourself, drink water, and eat food in between drinks.

In addition to staying hydrated, make sure you're also eating enough solid food. On your wedding day, there will be a lot going on and many people to talk to, so you may not get much of a chance to eat. Ask your coordinator if you can be served your meal first, so you can eat before mingling with your guests. Having a table just for you and your spouse can also make it easier to eat without distractions. Some light snack options to consider are dried fruit and nuts, string cheese and whole wheat crackers, on-the-go fruits like bananas, apples, peaches, and oranges, or a protein smoothie.

Finally, don't forget to end your day with a refreshing glass of water or a hot cup of water with lemon to help you wind down. Drinking water and eating throughout your wedding day will help you feel energized, hydrated, and ready to enjoy every moment.

Assign someone to gather people for photos

Wedding planning can be stressful, and it's easy to forget a thing or two. One important thing to remember is to assign someone to gather people for photos. Here are some tips to ensure this goes smoothly:

Firstly, create a list of photos you want to be captured with your photographer. This will include a list of all the family and friends you want in specific photos and the various combinations. Since your photographer won't know who these people are, it's crucial to assign someone from each side of the family to gather the required people for each shot. This will ensure that you have a stress-free experience and that your photographer can focus on capturing the perfect moments.

It's a good idea to assign this task to someone who is familiar with both sides of the family and can efficiently coordinate with the photographer. This could be a wedding planner, a member of the bridal party, or a close family friend. Ensure they have all the details and a full list of names, so they know exactly who to gather for each photo. It's also a good idea to give them a copy of the shot list so they can tick off each photo as it's taken.

If you have a large number of guests, you may want to consider assigning multiple people to help gather everyone efficiently. They can divide the list of names and work together to ensure everyone is accounted for. Additionally, if you have a complex or extensive photo list, you may want to allow extra time for this process. That way, your assigned helpers can take their time gathering everyone without rushing, and your photographer can also capture some candid moments during this time.

Finally, don't forget to brief your helpers on any last-minute changes or special requests. For example, if you decide to add a few more photo combinations on the day, ensure they are informed and can adjust accordingly. By assigning someone to gather people for photos, you can ensure that your wedding photography runs smoothly and that you capture all the special moments with your loved ones.

Plan for unexpected costs

Planning a wedding is stressful, and it's only natural that some things will get forgotten about. It's almost guaranteed that you'll run into some hidden fees or other unexpected expenses, so make sure to give yourselves a cushion. Here are some tips to help you plan for unexpected costs:

Create a buffer in your budget

It is recommended to use about 5% of your total budget as a buffer to cover any unanticipated costs. This will allow you to handle unexpected expenses without having to worry about going over budget.

Plan for vendor payments

Verify the details of your contracts with vendors and create label and fill envelopes with cash or cheques for each of them. Having tip envelopes organized beforehand will make it easy to pay out the DJ, catering staff, etc. without having to worry about it during the wedding. Don't forget to include a tip, which is typically about 15-20%.

Consider creating a separate email address

Create a separate email address specifically for your wedding planning. This will help you keep track of all the wedding-related correspondence, such as vendor quotes, contracts, and payments. It will also prevent your personal inbox from becoming cluttered with wedding-related emails.

Don't forget about thank-you cards and gifts

It's easy to overlook sending out thank-you cards after the wedding. Ideally, they should be sent out within two months of the wedding. Order your thank-you cards in advance, and start writing them for gifts that arrive before the wedding. Don't forget to bring your thank-you gifts for your wedding party to the wedding venue so you can give them to your bridal party and groomsmen on the day of the wedding.

Plan for potential overtime costs

If you are hiring a wedding planner, a member of the bridal party, or a close family friend to help with coordination, make sure to plan for potential overtime costs. Have enough money set aside to cover overtime if needed, especially if vendors expect to be paid shortly after the wedding.

Create a 'do not play' list for the DJ

It's easy to forget some of the smaller details when planning a wedding, and music is a key part of creating the right atmosphere for your big day. While it's important to let your DJ or musicians know your key songs, it's also a good idea to create a 'do not play' list. This is a list of songs, bands, or genres that you and your loved ones dislike and would not want to hear all night.

To create a 'do not play' list, sit down with your soon-to-be spouse and discuss the music you love and hate. You can use YouTube to search for songs and artists that you don't want to include, and craft a comprehensive list for your DJ. Send this list to your DJ early on so they can prepare a playlist for your night of dancing.

It's also important to consider the music for your ceremony. Who will be playing music when you walk down the aisle? Do they have the right sound equipment? What will keep your guests entertained while you're signing the register? Make sure you've thought about every part of the wedding where music or other entertainment is needed.

Don't forget to also plan for after-party music. If you're extending the night for an extra fee, let your DJ know. It's a common mistake for couples to forget to inform their DJ, only to find that they've left and there's no music for the last hour. If you're planning to use an iPod playlist, ask the band if you can dry hire extra speakers to avoid a noticeable drop in volume.

Pack an overnight bag for the night of the wedding

Packing an overnight bag for your wedding night is a task that is easy to overlook during the hectic last few days before your wedding. It's a good idea to pack your bag at least a few days before the wedding to avoid a last-minute panic. If you're getting ready at home, you can have someone bring it to your accommodation ahead of time. Here are some essential items to include:

Clothing and Accessories:

• Wedding outfit, including dress/suit, shoes, undergarments, tights, veil, hairpiece, jewellery, and clutch.
• Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
• Second-day party dress and accessories.
• Comfortable shoes for walking, especially if your hotel/venue has gardens.
• Wedding night lingerie.
• Robe or button-up shirt to wear while getting ready and during hair and makeup.

Toiletries and Self-Care:

• Morning and night skincare products.
• Heavy-duty makeup remover, oil-based ones are best for removing layers of makeup.
• Wedding day makeup and emergency makeup kit for touch-ups.
• Hairbrush, elastics, clips, bobby pins, hair straightener or curling wand, and hairspray/mousse.
• Contact lenses, case, contact solution, and spare lenses.
• Perfume or cologne.
• Deodorant or antiperspirant.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other dental care items.
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and razor.
• Bubble bath, especially if your bridal suite has a large tub.
• Pamper products like a face mask, manicure set, body lotion, and massage oil.

Other Essentials:

• Marriage license and rings for the ceremony.
• Pen to sign the marriage license.
• ID and cash or credit cards for any unforeseen expenses.
• Passport if you're jetting off to your honeymoon right after the wedding.
• A bottle of bubbly to enjoy while getting ready.
• Rescue remedy or calming essential oils to help ease pre-wedding jitters.
• Handheld steamer for last-minute creases in your wedding outfit.
• Entertainment for the hotel room, such as books, e-readers, games, a laptop, or a portable speaker.
• Camera for taking pictures the day after the wedding.
• Medications and any other personal items you may need.

Remember to pack any items you'll need for the morning of your wedding separately, such as shoes, accessories, and getting-ready outfits. Also, consider using packing pouches to keep things organised and easy to find.

Frequently asked questions