5 Things You Might Forget to Plan for Your Wedding

OK, so there's a lot to get done during the wedding planning process; from ensuring your wedding venue is available on your chosen wedding date to finding your perfect wedding dress to bagging that live band you saw years ago and have dreamt of having play at your wedding. Not to mention the less glamorous elements such as obtaining a marriage license, creating the table plan, and deciding on a timeline for the entire event... phew!

Wedding stationery makes up a huge part of planning a wedding but Say I do can help with being your one-stop shop when it comes to save the dates, RSVP cards and even helping you create a wedding website and a digital to-do list. Start by creating a separate email address and remember to keep your website updated with all the details - this will help keep the entire party informed of any changes in the run-up to your big day.

You've all heard the phrase 'the devil is in the detail', well, in a wedding planning situation it couldn't be more accurate. Even if you've ticked off the big ticket items, don't forget the little extras that will make your entire wedding run smoothly. Stay with us, and get ready to take notes as we cover the 5 things you might forget to plan for your wedding day!

1. On the day essentials

Think of your wedding as if you were going on holiday; you know when you're jetting off somewhere so you get your suitcase out and start flinging things in super early, well why not do the same in the lead-up to your wedding? Your overnight bag will not only be holding all your essentials for your wedding night but also your wedding emergency kit too. Things you may need on the day could range from a charger in case yours or someone else's phone battery needs a top-up, double-sided tape for last-minute decoration fixes, hair and makeup accessories for touch-ups, and/or a pair of comfortable shoes to change into. After all, you'll want to dance all night long to your carefully curated playlist, right?

Creating a list of all the essential wedding accessories you might need during the wedding planning process is a great idea. This may result in your overnight bags overflowing but you'll be very grateful for that plaster if you're suffering with blisters on the day or that needle and thread for that button that comes loose at the last moment!

2 Wedding lighting

Lighting can be an easy wedding oversight, so don't underestimate how important lighting can be for enhancing the atmosphere and ambiance that you’ve worked so hard to create. From supporting the photography to helping accentuate your floral centerpieces, the sky really is the limit when it comes to lighting. Speak to your venue about what they provide regarding lighting and consider what you might like to add. Depending on where you get married and what time of year your wedding is due to take place will play a part in lighting considerations.

Think about lighting when the sun goes down and if your guests are going to be outside. How will the dance floor be lit and how can lighting be used to enhance areas such as the cake-cutting area or gift table? Depending if you've set up a gift registry or not, some guests will still bring cards and gifts and will need somewhere to put them.

Speak to your photographer if you want to try to capture golden hour shots or if you're lucky enough to have a beautiful sunset as a backdrop. Plus, is there anything more magical than a candlelit dinner reception?

3. Pay attention to the weather

Regardless of the weather forecast or season, remember to have a contingency plan when it comes to the weather. If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, speak to your venue beforehand and see if they have an indoor space or cover you could use if the weather turns. Remember this isn't their first rodeo when it comes to hosting weddings but for your own peace of mind knowing you have a backup plan will keep wedding morning stress levels to a minimum.

Speak to your photographer ahead of time about the weather and what might happen if it's a wet one. Umbrella shots can look great but who will provide them and where will the photos take place? They will advise you should the weather take a turn for the worst but having a backup plan will put everyone's mind at rest.

If it does end up raining on your wedding day, embrace it! In fact, according to Hindu traditions, a rainy wedding is a sign of a lasting marriage since a wet knot is harder to untie. Others claim it signifies a fresh start for newlyweds, washing away any bad memories from the past. Rain could also represent fertility, fortune, and abundance. So, if the heavens open, keep your chin and umbrella up!

Rain shouldn't be the only consideration when it comes to wedding weather planning. The idea of a heatwave could sound dreamy but in reality, it needs careful planning. Consider whether you need to provide shelter from the sun, fans, sunscreen, water stations, and plenty of ice to keep everyone cool and sufficiently hydrated.

4. Consider elderly guests

Even the hardiest of wedding guests have been known to flag during a long wedding day, so if you've got elderly guests joining in on the celebrations, it's worth being prepared if you want them to stay awake past the speeches.

Have hot drinks available throughout the day so whoever needs an alcohol break/caffeine fix ensures they can get one with ease. Also, consider moving reception tables to create a snug area with comfortable seating so guests can enjoy a little relaxation if they need to recharge or want to rest those dancing feet!

5. Looking after your wedding vendors

Without key vendors, your wedding day simply wouldn't happen. They are crucial to making the day a success, so remember to look after them! Ensure your vendors get regular breaks and factor them into your total guest count so they get a meal, always taking into account any food allergies. Wedding celebrations can be a super long, tiring day if you're working so make sure there is somewhere for your vendors to have a break, keep their personal items safe, and re-fuel - after all, no one wants a tired and grumpy photographer! Many vendors will be used to managing their time during the wedding reception, but there's nothing wrong with making a plan to make everyone feel comfortable.

You should also factor vendor tips into your wedding budget from the off. However, read all your paperwork ahead of time, as some vendors might already include gratuity in their fees. If your photographer and florist for example own their own business tipping them isn't necessary but you should give something to their assistants and the bar and catering staff. You could ask a friend or family member to manage the whole tipping situation, but plan ahead and have envelopes of cash with vendors' names on them to save any confusion at the end of the night.

To summarise...

Decide on a point person for both the run-up to the wedding and the day itself. If you hire a wedding planner, then this is their role. However, if you don't hire a professional, then be sure to find someone responsible. This person could be the best man, a member of the bridal party, a close friend, or one of your in-laws; guaranteed any one of these will all be willing to help out and take the pressure off you and your new spouse.

These are some of the most common things couples forget when planning a wedding. Always remember to keep your wedding website up to date though, you'll be surprised how many guests will ask the same questions repeatedly in the lead-up to the big day. Direct them to your website and/or FAQs where they can find all the essential wedding information - this will prevent you from spending a LOT of time answering the same questions.

Like everything in life, having good communication with everyone involved in the wedding will help manage expectations and help everyone feel relaxed and in control - leaving you and your husband/bride-to-be to have the best day imaginable!