You’ve spent months (maybe years) planning your wedding. The vendors are booked, the timeline is set…but even the most organized couples can overlook a few small details! Here are ten of the most common things couples forget on the wedding day, and a few tips to make sure you don’t!
1. MARRIAGE LICENSE
It might sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget to bring the marriage license to the ceremony.
Tip: If your officiant isn’t able to hold onto the license before the wedding day, designate a trusted friend or family member to be in charge of it. That way, it’s safely delivered, signed, and ready when you need it.
2. GUEST BOOK PENS
The guest book is ready to capture sweet messages—but no one can sign it without a working pen.
Tip: Pack a few extra pens (and have someone test them ahead of time) so every guest can leave their well wishes without a hitch.
3. VENDOR TIPS & FINAL PAYMENTS
Keep a safe spot for envelopes containing tips or final payments for your vendors.
Tip: Assign a trusted friend, family member, or your day-of coordinator to hold onto them and distribute as needed. This way, you won’t forget to thank anyone.
4. COMFORTABLE SHOES
Dancing all night in heels or dress shoes seems fun… until your feet start screaming.
Tip: Pack a pair of flats, sneakers, or sandals to change into for the reception. Many couples even coordinate fun colors(think matching Converse or flip-flops) for the dance floor!
5. EMERGENCY KIT
You won’t think you’ll need it… until you do! From fashion tape to stain remover, tweezers, and extra bobby pins, a wedding day emergency kit can be a lifesaver for those minor mishaps.
Tip: If you order a pre-packed wedding kit, consider adding a few extras like safety pins, pain relievers, a sewing kit, tissues, and any other personal items you might need throughout the day.
6. PHONE CHARGERS
Between the getting-ready playlist, photos, and texts on the wedding day, your phone battery is going to drain fast.
Tip: Pack a few portable chargers and charging cords for both Android and iPhone devices. Your wedding party (and you!) will be especially grateful!
7. VOWS, LETTERS, STATIONERY, & READINGS
If you’ve written your vows, a love letter to your partner, or special readings for the ceremony or want a detail shot with your wedding stationery, don’t leave them on the kitchen counter!
Tip: Pack a day-of folder with all these important paper items so everything is in one safe, easy-to-access place.
8. MEALS & SNACKS
I will forever tell my couples to stay nourished and hydrated on their wedding day. It’s easy to forget breakfast and lunch while getting ready, which often leads to someone scrambling for fast food for the wedding party. Instead, plan ahead with plenty of water, sports drinks, snacks, and planned meals for everyone.
Tip: In addition to caring for yourself and your wedding party, make sure to include extra food for any vendors who are with you all day like your photographer, planner, and videographer. Don’t forget to include them for dinner as well!
9. RINGS & RING BOX
There are a couple of common ring mishaps on the wedding day. First, you rarely take off your engagement ring… and then the wedding band gets forgotten at home. It happens more often than you’d think! Another is forgetting to put on your rings for portraits if you’re taking them before the ceremony.
Tip: Designate a trusted person (sorry, ring bearer!) to hold onto your rings on the wedding day and make sure they’re ready for portraits and the ceremony.
10. OVERNIGHT ESSENTIALS
After the reception, you’ll need your clothes, toiletries, and anything for the next morning—including your wallet, purse, and other essentials.
Tip: If possible, book your hotel the night before the wedding so all your belongings are already in your room. If that’s not an option, have a designated person hold onto your things (keys, purse, luggage) during the wedding, and make sure they don’t leave before you can grab everything!
BONUS TIP:
Don’t forget to check your passports before heading to the airport for your honeymoon! A few months before the wedding, make sure your passport isn’t close to expiring and complete any necessary travel paperwork or pre-approvals like Europe’s new ETIAS so your trip starts off stress-free.
We hope this list helps you finalize your checklists and delegate tasks to your wedding party and family members.