With all you have to think about, and make decisions on ,your bound to forget something. Even the best of us tend to let thing slip by. As always we are going to tell you to hire a wedding planner to help keep you on track and make sure you don't forget anything. 😊
Here is a general guide that we compiled over the years of brides calling last minute asking for guidance and help.
- Marriage License- This one of the most important parts of making it official. Bring it to the rehearsal with you typically the officiant will keep it or give it to your wedding planner.
2. Vendor Meals & Bridal Party! - This is one of the most common things couples forget! You have invited everyone, checked off the RSVP's, created the perfect seating chart, counted and recounted, now you give the final number to the caterer and wait it doesn't add up! They have more guests then you do... You forgot the vendors and the bridal party! Sure you knew they would be there and figured they would eat but forgot to add them in! Also remember, Vendor meals are typically less then guest meals.
3. Favors, no they are not required, but they are a nice touch and guests do appreciate them. Just don't make it an afterthought. You don't need to spend a lot, chocolates or pastries on each table at the end of the night with mini to go boxes are a great idea, consider donating to a charity on behalf of your guests. Plan on at least two months before your wedding having your favors decided on.
4. Cake Knife/Toasting Flutes- Although you may not want to purchase these items because it's not your thing, you still need to think about it. How embarrassing would it be when you go to toast and there is no glasses, or cut the cake and there is no knife. Many venues "assume" you have something, they don't typically ask because not everyone has them. If you don't have your own make sure at your final meeting with the venue/caterer if they have ones you can use, they usually do.
5. Guestbook & Pens- This is often forgot simply because many couples don't like the guest book in general. The good news is, there are so many creative ways you can remember all your guests that made your wedding day so special. Getting a photobook from your photographer they can sign, have something made from wood have the guest sign it with well wishes have it sealed after and you have a beautiful piece to display. This is something you want to plan 3-6 months prior to the wedding depending on how complex you get. :) Pinterest has some great ideas too!
6. Extra Invitations/Save the Dates- This is something many couples don't think about until the photographer asks for a set. Keep an extra copy of your Save the Date, Invitation Suite, any Rehearsal invites etc. Your photographer and Videographer can use them for some pretty great shots and its also nice keepsake to have and look back on.
Your married now off to the honeymoon, you don't want to look like this couple do you?
7. Tech Chargers- Seems like a no brainer right? Nope, your waiting in the airport looking at wedding photos posted by your friends and you see low battery, but no charger! Yes, you could go to one of the stores in the airport or train station, but why pay when you have extra home! I have a portable charge in my purse it's small and easy to carry!
8. Passports & Identification- At least 6months prior to the wedding make sure you have all your travel documents, Id and passports, make sure they are not expired. Double check with the Airline, Cruise line or your Travel Agent and make sure you have everything you need. Put them in a folder, or zip lock and keep them out where you won't forget them.
9. Thank-you notes- Your back to reality, unpacking, back to work, weeks go by, months go by and you mom asks if you have all your Thank you notes done!! Don't panic...yet, you have two months after your wedding to send them out. Remember to send an extra special thank you to the parents and bridal party, and anyone else who helped you put everything together, even the vendors!
10. Online Reviews- You sent your thank you notes your done right? All of the people who helped you and worked so hard to make your wedding day all that it could be are often forgotten, simply because they received a tip and or a thank you card in the mail. The BEST thank- you you can give a vendor is an honest review online and email follow up. Not only does this help them with future business, but it is the only way vendors can continue to improve the level of service they provide to future brides. Feed back is very important. Try to review your vendors within six months of the big day.
We hope this was helpful, again many of these things you don't you will forget, my suggestion is to add these things to your To-Do list now. As always if you want to reach out to us for your wedding planning needs visit our website at
http://www.yourdayyourwayweddingplanner.com
