Planning a wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming process. With so many details to consider, it’s easy for even the most organised couples to forget a few things. From last-minute tasks to self-care, there are several things that many people forget to do before their big day.
Whether it’s forgetting to eat or drink enough water or neglecting to pack an overnight bag, there are several common mistakes that couples make when planning their wedding. Some of these oversights can be minor inconveniences, while others can have a more significant impact on the day itself.
In this article, we will explore 10 things that everybody forgets to do before their wedding. By highlighting these often overlooked tasks, we hope to help couples ensure that their wedding day is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Creating a Wedding Budget
One of the most important aspects of planning a wedding is creating a budget. Without a budget, it’s easy to overspend and end up in debt. Here are some tips on how to create a wedding budget:
1. Determine your Total Budget
The first step in creating a wedding budget is to determine how much money you have to spend. This includes any contributions from family members or other sources. Once you have a total amount, you can start allocating funds to different aspects of the wedding.
2. Prioritise your Expenses
It’s important to prioritise your wedding expenses. Determine what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate more funds to those items. For example, if you want to have a live band, you may need to allocate more money to your entertainment budget.
3. Use a Budget Tool
There are many online tools that can help you create a wedding budget. These tools can help you allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding and keep track of your expenses. WeddingWire’s Budget Tool is a great resource for tracking payments and creating reminders so you can stay on track throughout your planning process.
4. Be Realistic
It’s important to be realistic when creating your wedding budget. Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs such as taxes, tips, and delivery fees. It’s also important to be honest about what you can afford. Don’t try to plan a wedding that is beyond your means.
5. Be Flexible
Wedding budgets can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed. If you overspend in one area, you may need to cut back in another area. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your special day with your loved ones.
Choosing the Right Venue
Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. It sets the tone for your big day and can impact everything from your guest list to your decor choices. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your wedding venue:
Capacity
Make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list. You don’t want your guests to feel cramped or have to squeeze in tightly at tables. On the other hand, you also don’t want a venue that’s too large for your guest count, as it can feel empty and impersonal.
Location
Consider the location of your venue and how easy it is for guests to get there. Is it close to public transportation or major highways? Is there ample parking available? If you’re having your ceremony and reception at different locations, make sure they’re not too far apart to avoid transportation issues for your guests.
Availability
Popular venues can book up quickly, so make sure to start your search early and be flexible with your wedding date if possible. If you have your heart set on a particular venue, it’s best to book it as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
Cost
Wedding venues can be expensive, so make sure to have a clear idea of your budget before you start your search. Keep in mind that the cost of the venue may include more than just the rental fee, such as catering or decor, so make sure to ask about any additional costs upfront.
By considering these factors, you can choose a wedding venue that fits your needs and helps make your big day unforgettable.
Booking Vendors and Services
Booking the right vendors and services for your wedding is crucial to ensure a seamless and stress-free event. However, it can be easy to forget some important details in the process. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Start early: The earlier you begin booking vendors and services, the better. Popular vendors, such as photographers and caterers, can get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Aim to book at least 6-8 months in advance.
- Get recommendations: Ask friends and family for recommendations on vendors they have used in the past. You can also check online reviews and ratings to get a better idea of their reputation.
- Compare prices: Don’t just settle for the first vendor you come across. Shop around and compare prices and packages to ensure you are getting the best deal.
- Read contracts carefully: Make sure you read through vendor contracts carefully before signing. Look out for any hidden fees or clauses that may cause issues down the line.
When it comes to booking vendors and services, it’s important to stay organised. Keep a spreadsheet or planner to track your progress and deadlines. This will help you stay on top of things and ensure you don’t forget any important details.
Remember, booking vendors and services is just one aspect of wedding planning. Don’t forget to take care of other important tasks, such as sending out invitations, booking accommodation for out-of-town guests, and arranging transportation for the wedding party.
Obtaining Necessary Permits and Licenses
One important aspect of planning a wedding that many people forget is obtaining necessary permits and licenses. Depending on the location and type of wedding, there may be various permits and licenses required.
For example, if the wedding is taking place in a public park or beach, a permit may be required from the local council. This may involve filling out an application and paying a fee. It is important to research the specific requirements for the chosen location and obtain the necessary permits well in advance of the wedding date to avoid any last-minute issues.
Another important license to consider is a liquor license. If alcohol will be served at the wedding, a license may be required to comply with local laws and regulations. This may involve obtaining a temporary license or working with a licensed caterer or bartender.
Additionally, if the wedding will involve live music or a DJ, it is important to ensure they have the necessary licenses and permits to perform. This may include a music license from the Performing Rights Society or a license from the local council.
Overall, obtaining necessary permits and licenses is an important step in planning a wedding. It is important to research the specific requirements for the chosen location and type of wedding and obtain the necessary permits and licenses well in advance to ensure a smooth and successful event.
Sending Invitations and RSVPs
Sending wedding invitations and managing RSVPs can be a daunting task, but it’s also one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding. It’s essential to get the invitations out in a timely manner and to make sure that guests RSVP properly so that you can get an accurate headcount for the big day.
One common mistake that people make when sending out invitations is forgetting to include RSVP instructions. It’s important to make it clear to guests how they should RSVP and by what date. According to Brides, you should include an “RSVP by” date on your RSVP cards and give guests three to four weeks to respond.
Another important consideration is how to collect RSVPs. Some couples choose to include a pre-addressed and stamped RSVP card with their invitations, while others opt for online RSVPs. Whichever method you choose, make sure to clearly communicate to guests how they should RSVP and by what date.
It’s also a good idea to send out reminders to guests who haven’t RSVP’d close to the deadline. According to Yeah Weddings, sending reminders can be helpful as many guests simply forget and miss the deadline due to their own busy schedules. Make sure to include clear instructions on how to RSVP in your reminder message.
Finally, it’s important to keep track of all RSVPs and to follow up with guests who haven’t responded. This will help ensure that you have an accurate headcount for your wedding day and can avoid any last-minute surprises.
Planning the Menu and Beverages
When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most important aspects is the food and drinks that will be served. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the big day and forget some important details. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your wedding menu and beverages:
- Consider dietary restrictions: It’s important to take into account any dietary restrictions that your guests may have, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free diets. Make sure to include options that cater to all of your guests’ needs.
- Choose a variety of options: When selecting your menu items, try to offer a range of options to suit different tastes. This could include a mix of meat, vegetarian, and seafood dishes, as well as a variety of sides and salads.
- Don’t forget about beverages: In addition to the food, you’ll also need to plan for drinks. This could include a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options like soda, juice, and water.
It’s also important to consider the presentation of your food and drinks. You may want to work with your caterer or venue to create a beautiful display that complements your wedding theme and decor. This could include a grazing table, dessert bar, or signature cocktail station.
Finally, don’t forget about the logistics of serving food and drinks. You’ll need to coordinate with your caterer or venue to ensure that everything is served on time and that there are enough staff to handle the catering. You may also want to consider hiring a bartender or two to help serve drinks and keep the bar area tidy.
Preparing for the Wedding Ceremony
Preparing for the wedding ceremony is an essential part of the wedding planning process. There are several things that couples might forget to do before the big day. Here are some important things to consider:
- Make sure the wedding dress and suit are properly fitted and comfortable. It is essential to have a dress rehearsal to ensure everything fits correctly.
- Choose the right hairstyle and makeup that complements the wedding dress and the overall theme of the wedding.
- Consider hiring a professional photographer and videographer to capture the special moments of the wedding ceremony.
- Prepare the wedding vows in advance and practice them several times to ensure they are perfect.
- Choose the right music for the wedding ceremony. Consider hiring a live band or a DJ to provide music during the ceremony.
It is also essential to consider the logistics of the wedding ceremony. Couples should ensure that they have the necessary permits and permissions for the wedding ceremony location. They should also consider the seating arrangements for the guests and ensure that there is enough space for everyone.
Couples should also consider hiring a wedding planner to help with the logistics of the wedding ceremony. A wedding planner can help with everything from choosing the right location to arranging the seating and decorations. They can also help with any last-minute emergencies that may arise on the day of the wedding.
Organising Transportation and Accommodation
Transportation and accommodation are important aspects of any wedding. It is important to make sure that guests arrive at the wedding venue on time and have a comfortable place to stay. Here are a few things to keep in mind when organising transportation and accommodation for your wedding:
- Consider the location of the venue and where most of your guests will be coming from. If many of your guests are coming from out of town, consider arranging transportation from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the wedding venue.
- Make sure to provide guests with clear directions to the venue and information about parking. If parking is limited, consider arranging a shuttle service from the hotel to the venue.
- If you have guests staying overnight, make sure to reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel. Provide guests with the hotel information and any booking codes they may need to receive a discount.
- Consider providing guests with a welcome bag when they arrive at the hotel. This can include items like snacks, water bottles, and a map of the local area.
- Make sure to arrange transportation for the wedding party as well. This can include a limousine or other luxury vehicle.
By taking the time to organise transportation and accommodation, you can ensure that your guests have a comfortable and stress-free experience on your wedding day.
Finalising the Details and Timeline
As the big day approaches, it’s important to make sure all the details are finalised and the timeline is set. Here are some things that couples often forget to do:
- Confirm with all vendors: One week before the wedding, confirm all the details with your vendors, including the time they will arrive, what they will be doing, and any special requests you have.
- Assign tasks to wedding party: Make sure your wedding party knows what they need to do and when. Assign tasks like handing out programs, helping guests find their seats, and making sure everyone is ready for the ceremony.
- Finalise the timeline: Work with your wedding planner or coordinator to finalise the timeline for the day. Make sure everyone knows when they need to be where and that there is enough time for everything.
- Double-check the guest list: Make sure you have a final headcount and that everyone on the guest list has RSVP’d. Provide the caterer with the final number of guests.
It’s also important to make sure you have all the necessary items for the wedding day:
- Wedding rings
- Marriage license
- Programs
- Escort cards or seating chart
- Gifts for the wedding party
- Emergency kit (with items like safety pins, stain remover, and pain reliever)
By taking the time to finalise the details and timeline, couples can ensure that their wedding day runs smoothly and that everyone knows what they need to do. With everything in place, the couple can relax and enjoy their special day.
