10 Things Brides Tend to Forget
1. Making post-wedding plans:
I’m not talking about the honeymoon, who could forget the honeymoon? That is probably one of the first plans that you and your future husband think about. I’m talking about what you will do right after you wedding. If you don’t want the fun to end after the last dance, make plans at your hotel or somewhere local to move the party to. On the other hand if you do have an early morning I suggest that you make your room as private as possible.
2. Bring your overnight bag:
If you’re allowed to check into your room early, pick someone to drop your overnight bag at your hotel. A guest will be more than happy to do this for you since they will be checking in there anyway! If your things can’t arrive sooner then you, ask a bridesmaid to be responsible for bringing your bag to the wedding and finding a safe spot for it in the bridal suite.
3. Picking someone to take your things home after the reception:
Your gifts, mementos, and any leftover food or cake need to be moved from the reception area. Choose a person and let them know about their responsibility a few weeks ahead of time. If you are changing out of your gown before you head to your hotel room, make sure it arrives to your home safely. Even if you don’t have any plans to get it professionally preserved, you don’t want to leave it behind! Make sure there’s a hanger and a garment bag on hand (the one that your dress came in will do) so your dress stays in tip-top shape.
4. Deciding where everything goes:
Besides planning where all of your guests are going to sit, you need to figure out where you’ll put programs, place cards, and menus (if you are having them). Once you’ve picked who’s going to set these out, your wedding coordinator, bridesmaid and banquet managers are all good choices, give them clear instructions on where they should, and what their duties are.
5. Decorating the other areas:
Of course, no guest will walk out of your wedding if the bathroom and cocktail bar are left bare. But with all the energy that’s put into dressing up the reception and ceremony spaces, you might want to put in the small extra effort to give these spots the decor they deserve. A few candles will work.
6. Buying gifts for the wedding party:
When gifts are constantly coming to your door, it’s hard to remember that you also need to give gifts also! So who makes it on the gifts list? Everyone who plays a role in your day! Yes, this includes your parents and in-laws too. You don’t need to make a big presentation.
7. Choosing how to gather the gifts:
There are three times when guests are likely to thrust gifts at you: while they are in the receiving line, during your table visit, and when they leave for the night. Make sure this doesn’t happen! Designate a person to collect envelopes, and have them keep an eye open for guest with gifts, this way they can point the guest in the right direction as to where to put the gifts. This person will also be in charge of bringing the gifts back to your house.
8. Figure out your day-after plans:
If you are leaving for your honeymoon straight from your hotel, make advance arrangement for transportation. Also, be sure you bring any luggage with you (and your passport if you need it). If you’re not going on your honeymoon right away, then you need to know where you’re going the morning after your wedding and how you are going to get there. Park your car at the hotel if they allow, or ask a friend to come pick you up and bring you where you want to go the next day. Don’t schedule your ride too early, with any luck, you’ll be exhausted! J
9. Bring the legal documents:
Signing your marriage certificate after the wedding ceremony is one of the most important aspects of your day; after all, it makes your wedding official! After all the hours of planning, you’re probably more focused on the party afterwards. Without the paperwork, all the stress and money spent will be for nothing.
10. Making and confirming itineraries:
Check in with every single supplier, from the limo driver to the liner rental company, one week before your wedding. Many of your pros will beat you to it, so be ready to go over times and locations whenever you get a call. Send out agendas to your bridesmaids and groomsmen, too, how else will they know what time you’re talking photos? If someone in the bridal party is notorious for being late, start their schedule half an hour early just in case.
Hopefully with these helpful reminders your wedding day will go as perfect as you have imagined!
- Hannah H.
Have a great weekend!
