As you count down the days leading up to your wedding, your to-do list may seem never-ending!
From creating your timeline to finalizing your seating chart, there’s no shortage of tasks demanding your attention. However, it’s essential not to overlook the smaller details that can also make a huge difference on your special day.
Want to make sure your celebration runs smoothly (and goes off without a hitch)? Make sure you take note of these 13 wedding day details you absolutely can’t forget.
Your Marriage License
First and foremost, don’t forget to bring your marriage license! This legal document is required for your marriage to be officially recognized, so ensure it’s safely tucked away and ready for signing during the ceremony.
A Signing Table and Chairs
Speaking of your ceremony, make sure you’ve organized a designated table and chairs for the marriage license signing. Sometimes this will be included in your celebrant or venue package, but the furniture might not suit your style or theme, so it’s worth double checking just in case!
A Thank You Speech
Instead of making something up on the fly, prepare a heartfelt thank you speech to express your gratitude to your guests, family, and wedding party. Take a moment during your reception to acknowledge their love and support, and make them feel appreciated for being a part of your special day. Find our tips for writing the perfect wedding speech here!
Wedding Party Gifts
Surprise your bridal party on your wedding morning with a thoughtful gift. Whether it’s a pair of earrings to match their dress, a beautiful robe for getting ready or simply a handwritten note, these tokens of gratitude will make your bride tribe feel appreciated for their involvement and support.
A Family Photo List
Don’t forget to prepare a list of must-have family photos for your photographer! This ensures that no important family members are left out and helps streamline the process, allowing you to maximize your time spent with loved ones on the day.
Vendor Meals
Something you might not have considered is arranging meals for your vendors who will be spending most of the day with you, such as your photographer, musicians and planner. Most caterers will provide the option to add vendor meals to your package at a discounted rate, ensuring your dream team has the energy they need to keep your day running smoothly!
Adding Yourself to the Guest Count
On the topic of catering, don’t forget to include yourself and your partner in the guest count when finalizing catering and seating arrangements. Many couples will work off their RSVP numbers, without actually considering themselves. The last thing you want is to miss out on a meal at your very own wedding!
Comfortable Shoes
After hours of dancing and mingling, your feet will thank you for having a pair of comfortable shoes on hand. Whether you opt for sandals, ballet flats or sneakers, you’ll be able to keep the party going all night long.
An Emergency Kit
Don’t forget to pack a wedding day emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, stain remover, breath mints, tissues, band-aids, pain relief and touch ups for your hair and makeup. Trust us, this handy kit will come to the rescue for any last-minute mishaps, wardrobe malfunctions or unexpected emergencies! Assign the responsibility to one of your bridesmaids or trusted friends to stash the kit somewhere easily accessible at your venue.
A Wet Weather Backup Plan
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, it’s critical to have a wet weather backup plan in place. Whether it’s a tent rental, indoor venue alternative or umbrellas for guests, being prepared for all kinds of weather will give you peace of mind, no matter what Mother Nature has in store!
A Guest Book
Something you definitely won’t regret is setting up a guest book station where your loved ones can leave well-wishes, advice, and heartfelt messages. Whether it’s a traditional book, a Polaroid guest book or a retro phone that records audio messages, this keepsake will be a cherished reminder of your wedding day for years to come.
Guest Song Requests
To guarantee a buzzing dance floor, compile a list of must-play songs and special requests for your DJ or band. You can even crowd-source requests from your loved ones by adding a custom question to your RSVP form! The right music will set the tone for your celebration and create unforgettable moments on the dance floor. Find our ultimate guide to creating your wedding day playlist here.
Welcome Bags
For couples hosting a destination wedding, welcome bags are a thoughtful gesture to make your guests feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. Fill these bags with travel essentials and local treats to make their stay more comfortable, such as bottled water, sunscreen, souvenirs, local delicacies and a map of the area. You may also want to include a heartfelt welcome note expressing your gratitude for their presence.
From practical considerations to sentimental touches, these small (but significant!) details will make your wedding day truly memorable. Big day quickly approaching? Check out these 8 important things you should do after your wedding here.
