Common Wedding Planning Details That Couples Forget
From the time you begin planning your wedding, to the day it arrives, you will have to sort through countless details and organize them to create your perfect day. With so many things to consider, it’s not uncommon for important items to be completely overlooked or forgotten. Be 100% ready for your big day by being prepared for the most common wedding planning details that couples forget.
Venue Restrictions
Have you been scouring Pinterest for the best ways to decorate your wedding? Before you put those ideas into practice you’ll need to verify with your venue (before booking) that all your grand plans for décor are allowed. Double-check your contract for restrictions on prohibited items as well as inquiring as to where, how and when you can decorate the venue. Be sure the location you decide upon is right for you by knowing the right questions to ask before you book your venue.
Vendor Provisions
Since some of your vendors will be spending the entire day working your wedding, it may be required in their contracts that you provide them with meals, space, equipment, or other specific obligations. Read each contract carefully so you are aware of any stipulations ahead of time and can provide any necessary details to your venue and caterer.
Including Tips and Fees in Your Budget
Since many vendors don’t require full payment until the day of your wedding, it can be easy to forget about gratuity. While tipping is optional, it’s customary for specific services such as those of your stylists, waitstaff, bartenders, officiant, etc. Gratuity can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your total cost, which will need to be factored in from the beginning if you hope to stay within your budget. Since unexpected fees like this can arise, it’s a good idea to incorporate a buffer of around 5% of the total cost into your total budget.
Designate A Point of Contact
From the moment you wake up on your wedding day, it’s non-stop action. With your time stretched thin and multiple vendors making their way to the venue, they will need a person to reach out to for questions. Provide someone you trust with your vendor contact information and have them serve as your point of contact to take calls and answer questions.
Wedding Invitation Postage
If you have a specific budget for your wedding invitations, it’s important to know that the overall weight of your postage can increase the total cost, especially with a large guest list. Regardless of cost, invitations returned for improper postage can cause delays that affect your RSVP deadline. Before making your final order, take a sample into the post office to verify the proper postage. If you think you may need to slim down your invitation suite, check out what to include and exclude in your wedding invitations!
Food Allergies and Restrictions
If you are planning a standard meal for your reception that you hope your guests to enjoy, make sure to inquire about any food allergies or restrictions ahead of time, preferably with your RSVP’s. Your caterer will need this information, and since food allergies can be deadly this is not a step you want to skip.
Day of Wedding Kit
With so many events packed into a tight schedule, you won’t have time to run home or replace items you may have forgotten. Prepare a day-of wedding kit a few days before your wedding with things such as a change of clothes, phone chargers, snacks, and other useful items. The contents of your ideal day-of wedding kit are worthy of its own blog, so click here for some great ideas on what to pack!
Just Married (But Not Really)
A wedding ceremony is just that; a ceremony. Until your paperwork is processed at your local municipal office, and you receive your marriage license, you won’t be legally married. This can take weeks to receive so if being married on your actual wedding day is important to you, or you are planning on booking a trip with your new last name, remember to take care of this.
Planned to a T
Planning your wedding can be a complex web of details, but by preparing for the common things that couples forget, you’ll be more confident when your big day arrives. If you’re looking for additional resources to ensure your wedding goes as planned, check out our step by step checklist for planning your wedding or consider consulting with an experienced wedding planner or day-of coordinator to share the responsibility.
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