17 Commonly Left Out Wedding Details

Ever forget your phone somewhere?

We know

the feels

like your world is in free fall…

In the back of your mind, there is a little voice telling you that you are missing a super important phone call!

Similarly, it can be easy to forget some wedding details. As if the wedding proposal was not stressful enough, now you need to factor in things.

these (17) tips you are about to read are worth it

Everything seems like a giant blur when planning your wedding. However, this excitement can also make other things fade from your memory (like bringing some essentials on the big day).

Cushion & Gratuity Budget

Your wedding budget will have so many details and expenses. You don’t want to be caught off guard, chances are you will be confronted with some hidden fees.

Yeah we know, this doesn’t sound so pleasant. It can be frustrating if you are not prepared in advance. Avoid this like a pro by simply creating some cushion space in your budget.

we recommend setting aside 5% of the overall sum to cover any unpredicted fees.

When working with your wedding professionals, it is a super thoughtful gesture to tip them. Often this courtesy gets neglected during the planning process.

If you intend on tipping vendors, don’t forget to plan. Most wedding pros have the mindset that tips are earned and not expected. Just remember that a little kindness goes a long way.

Creating a Day of Timeline

The wedding timeline is your game plan for the big day. There are two important aspects you should also include when making your wedding schedule. First, leave enough cushion time for events to flow without being late.

remember things might not go according to schedule… that’s okay

For example, plan an extra 30 minutes and get ready in peace without rushing. Secondly, don’t forget to give the timeline to your vendors, venue, wedding coordinator & anyone else involved.

Meals for Vendors

You will have wedding professionals working your reception on their feet for extended periods. They might not have the luxury to leave and take a break.

This is can be very unpleasant if the venue has planned an exact number of meals for guests without considering your vendors staying during the event. Don’t forget to count them in your meals.

Read our article on how to plan vendor meals

We think that getting asked about feeding vendors is one of our most commonly asked questions. This topic is so important that we have an entire article dedicated to wedding vendor meals.

Feel free to check out the link for more information. Get questions on how to best handle food with your hired wedding professionals.

Golden Hour Magic

The golden hour is the last hour of sunset. This is referred to as the best time for photos because this creates ideal lighting conditions. Have you ever seen a beautiful purple sunset?

That is because the light reflects off particles close to the ground as the sun is setting on the horizon. The more particles it passes the more beautiful the sunset can be!

want golden hour magic… include it in your planning asap!

We bet that you are already looking forward to this part of the wedding photo session, and you keep visualizing it over and over in your head. Ahh, the romance! Remembering to research when the sun sets on your day and creating extra time for this can be challenging.

Request photos during the golden hour from your photographer, chances are they are already planning on shooting pictures during this time.

Wedding Party Transportation

If there is one thing you can predict with people is how they can be unpredictable. The larger your bridal party, the more likely you will be running behind schedule.

You have to coordinate with your guests and everyone in your bridal party. How do you make sure everyone is on time?

tell everyone to be ready a half hour before they are needed so you have a buffer

If your budget allows it, wedding day transportation like a limo or party bus will keep you on time. It prevents problems caused by directions & vehicle issues. These situations can lead to your bridal party & guests running behind schedule.

Another bonus is that you will all be together in the limo. This adds to the fun and memories you will create while in the limo.

Wedding Signage

Your main priority will be the wedding invitations. This is one of the main reasons your signage and other stationery may get left out. We’re talking about your welcoming sign, table numbers, signature drink menu & wedding seating chart.

Wedding signage helps direct guests where to go & what to do. This is especially important if your venue has multiple rooms or you have special elements planned that need to be shared.

Wedding Lighting

The lighting will set the mood for your whole event. You will spend so much time giving attention to every detail. There are so many options, especially when it comes to DIY uplighting.

Your ambiance will be perfect when illuminated properly. This helps to bring everything together. Browse available options like wireless uplighting, centerpiece pinspots, wedding monogram lighting & more.

Extra Stationery Items

keep extra stationery copies & scrapbook them as a wedding keepsake

While you are getting ready, the photographer will take some lovely wedding detail photos. It is important to bring extra copies and samples of your stationery (invitations, rsvp, save the dates, etc). This will also look great in your wedding video highlights as b-roll footage.

Wedding Day Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal on the wedding day. So then why do so many couples skip it? We understand there is so much going on you might not be hungry.

serve mimosas as fun getting ready drinks early in your day

Skipping breakfast can make you feel fatigued once 3 pm rolls around. You will need your energy to get through the duration of your celebration. This is especially true during your ceremony when you have to stand for long periods.

Bridal Emergency Kit

This is something you should seriously consider organizing now. Also, set a reminder on your phone to bring it with you – YES, it is that important. You will need a comb, small mirror, lipstick, tweezers, sewing kit, safety pins, water & energy bars.

Think of where your wedding is being held (indoors/outdoors) and the weather you might experience. We feel this is so important that we included this in our article on (8) things every bride must have.

These are just some of the things that shouldn’t be left behind. Tailor a kit that aligns with your needs.

Extra Copies of Speeches

Don’t rely on a speech that is typed into your phone. Also, make sure there are copies for the maid of honor & best man speech.

Often both the couple and their guests come to the reception without their notes. If you are doing a thank you speech, then print out several copies for you and your partner.

remind those speaking to bring extra copies of their speech

I am sure you can already picture a situation where the phone dies halfway through the speech. Save the embarrassment by having backup copies ready.

Phones have smaller font sizes and can be hard to read under pressure. Also, what happens if you misplace your phone or leave it in the limo?

Getting Ready Cloths

Your dress or suit will be on display in every photo you take. Also, there will be photos during the getting-ready period. You will want to consider attire for this as well. Bring your robe or stylish t-shirts.

take it a step further and have matching sneakers or funky striped socks

We suggest you do anything to have some fun with your bridal party! Coordinate the look with all those who will be in pictures. This can even be one of your detail shots with your wedding photographer.

Wedding Rings & Marriage License

Okay, you’re getting married, so you need rings and a license right? I (the editor of this article) will be transparent with you… My fiance and I forgot our marriage license & his wedding ring on the day of our wedding!

sometimes we are just too excited to notice the basic stuff

We had to run to the county clerk’s office and a local jeweler hours before our ceremony! Prepare a list of things that you need to bring, the wedding rings and marriage license being a priority.

ID & Cash

These are just (2) more things that you might forget on the day of your wedding. Make sure you have your wallet and ID before you go to your wedding. You just never know when you will need it.

Have you ever left your house before and remembered your phone was on the counter? That is the same way you will feel if you leave your wallet and ID behind on your wedding day.

Family Heirlooms & Meaningful Details

You might want to include a locket of your grandmother in your bouquet or wear a family heirloom. If they are of great meaning to you, then set a reminder to bring them.

something old something new something borrowed something blue

Besides physically wearing an item you can create a remembrance table with family photos and important items in your life.

Assign People to Help

This one is vital if you aren’t working with a planner. You might hire friends to work your wedding by assigning them different roles a week before the day. Those tasks can be someone taking care of the dress, another being in charge of collecting the gifts in one place, someone rounding up the guests for photos, etc.

this saves you money since most of your wedding planning cost will be labor

This is also a great way to multitask if you are planning a do-it-yourself wedding. You will be able to accomplish more with fewer vendors by utilizing your family & friends as a resource.

Another Pair of Shoes

Walking in heels the whole day will eventually get exhausting and that’s a fact. Remember to bring an extra pair of shoes that are comfortable.

Plus, they will be excellent for dancing the night away! As a bonus have a basket of personalized flip flops by your dance floor for guests to change into once the dance floor opens.

what do you feel is another commonly forgotten detail, share it in the comments

It might seem unlikely to forget some of these wedding details. Trust us, we have seen it happen countless times. The key is to be prepared.

Keep this checklist close and be sure nothing gets left out. Do you love this post? Then browse through our expert wedding blog for more handy tips & DIY inspirations!