The Most Commonly Forgotten Parts of Wedding Planning
Planning your wedding is a thrilling and joyous experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing all the little details. While the big moments like the ceremony and reception are top of mind, there are several parts of wedding planning that often get overlooked. Here are some commonly forgotten details and tips to ensure you don’t miss anything crucial in the final stretch.
1. End-of-the-Night Plan: Where Do Your Décor and Personal Items Go?
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the wedding day and forget about the aftermath. When the celebration winds down, you’ll need to know exactly what happens to your décor and personal items. Who is responsible for collecting the wedding favors, signage, floral arrangements, and any other items you want to keep? If you're renting decorations, make sure someone is designated to return them. Have a clear plan for your personal items—like the guestbook or family heirlooms—so they don’t get misplaced.
Pro Tip: Designate a trusted friend or family member (or a wedding coordinator) to take care of collecting your items and getting them to the right place.
2. Marriage License: Timing and Signatures
The marriage license is a crucial document that often gets overlooked until the last minute. Make sure to understand the logistics around signing it. When does it need to be signed? Who will sign it? Typically, the officiant and two witnesses will need to sign the marriage license after the ceremony.
Pro Tip: Keep the license in a safe place until the ceremony and designate someone (like the best man or maid of honor) to take it to the officiant for signing. Don’t forget to have the signed license sent to the correct authorities to ensure your marriage is officially recorded!
3. Leftover Cake: What Happens to the Top Tier?
One of the most charming wedding traditions is saving the top tier of the wedding cake for the couple’s first anniversary. But if you want to preserve it, make sure someone is assigned to package it properly at the end of the night. Additionally, any leftover cake or dessert should be collected, and you’ll want to determine whether it’s going home with you, your caterer, or another person.
Pro Tip: Let your caterer or a family member know ahead of time if you want to save the top tier of your cake. Also, consider donating the remaining cake or desserts to a local charity or sending guests home with slices as party favors.
4. Where Will You Stay the Wedding Night?
After months (or even years) of planning, don’t forget to book a hotel room for your wedding night! It’s easy to assume you'll be swept away to a romantic getaway, but sometimes couples forget to book their accommodations ahead of time. Ensure that your wedding night stays are booked well in advance, and be clear on how your bags will get there. You won’t want to be scrambling to get your clothes or luggage to the hotel after a long day.
Pro Tip: If you're leaving for your honeymoon right after the wedding, consider having a trusted person (like your maid of honor or a family member) pack your bags and deliver them to your hotel room or the location you're staying at after the wedding.
5. Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music
Music sets the tone for your wedding day, and it’s often something couples forget to fully plan.
Ceremony Music: Do you have songs chosen for key moments like the processional, recessional, and any special moments during the ceremony? Whether you’re having a live musician or a pre-recorded playlist, make sure these are planned well in advance. If you're walking down the aisle to a special song, communicate this with your officiant or musician to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Cocktail Hour Music: The cocktail hour is a transition between the ceremony and the reception, so the music should be relaxing and set the right mood. Whether you have a live jazz band, acoustic guitarist, or a playlist, make sure the vibe is cohesive with your overall theme.
Reception Music: The music for the reception is essential to get your guests on the dance floor! Choose songs that everyone will enjoy, but don't forget to plan for specific moments, like your first dance, father-daughter dance, or bouquet toss. It's also a good idea to speak with your DJ or band ahead of time about any "must-play" or "do-not-play" songs.
Pro Tip: Create a detailed music list with your DJ or band so they know exactly what to play and when. Don’t leave things up to chance when it comes to the soundtrack of your day!
With so many exciting things to consider for your wedding day, it’s easy to forget about these small yet important details. By taking the time to think about your end-of-the-night plan, securing your marriage license, and preparing for the wedding night, you'll feel much more organized and confident when the big day arrives.
Bonus Tip: Keep a checklist or a wedding planner handy to jot down any last-minute thoughts or tasks that pop up. That way, nothing will be left to chance.
Happy planning!