The Ultimate 'Things Most Brides Forget' Checklist
Planning a wedding is an exciting but overwhelming experience. With so many details to consider, even the most organized brides forget a few things. To help you stay stress-free, here’s a must-have checklist of commonly overlooked wedding details so your big day goes off without a hitch!
1. Essential Items for the Wedding Day
Marriage License
Sounds obvious, but many couples forget to bring it with them! Double-check the required documents and local regulations to ensure you can get officially married.
Vows & Speeches
If you’re writing your own, print an extra copy and keep it with a trusted bridesmaid.
Comfortable Shoes
Bring a pair of flats or sneakers to swap out after the ceremony or during dancing time.
Extra Phone Charger or Portable Battery
You’ll need power for all those behind-the-scenes wedding selfies!
2. Details for the Bridal Party & Guests
Bridesmaid Gifts
A thoughtful way to thank your bridal party for their support. This has always been a tradition to thank the people closest to you for their help and contributions towards making your wedding day special for you and your fiancé/e.
Guest Transportation & Parking
Ensure guests as well as those in the wedding party have crystal clear directions and options for parking or shuttles.
Vendor Meals
Your photographers, videographers, and planners will need a meal—include them in the final headcount. This just makes sense!
You don’t want your vendors stopping work for an hour in the middle of your day to get something to eat.
You’re saving time, money, and face by providing meals for vendors that are with you for the day.
You can also ask your venue for special vendor meals which can be less expensive.
Special Dietary Needs
Confirm with caterers about vegetarian, vegan, special dietary, or allergy-friendly meal options for your guests who need them.
Bathroom Baskets
Stock restrooms with essentials like mints, deodorant, and feminine products for guests. Not necessary, but absolutely appreciated!
3. Ceremony & Reception
Signage
Directional signs for parking, seating, and the guest book station. This is a detail many forget!
Walk up to your venue as if you’ve never been there before. Do you know where to go? How? Write it down!
Your wedding day flows much smoother with this detail added into the invitation package.
Marriage Certificate Signing Pen
A small but easy-to-forget detail! Make sure it works before the wedding day begins and bring a backup.
Reception Lighting
Outdoor weddings need extra lighting as the sun sets.
Cocktail Hour Entertainment
Lawn games or live music keep guests engaged while you take photos.
Not 100% necessary to have entertainment for cocktail hour but your guests appreciate it.
Don’t plan for entertainment if there is a short travel window between ceremony and reception (1 hour or less).
If the guests will be idling for a long period of time, planning something for them to do is appreciated.
A ‘Do Not Play’ List for the DJ
Avoid awkward song choices by providing a list of must-play and do-not-play tracks.
4. Photography & Memory Capturing
Shot List for the Photographer
Ensure they capture every special moment, from family portraits to candid laughter.
Extra Touch-Up Kit
Keep lipstick, powder, and bobby pins handy for quick fixes.
Wedding Hashtag
Encourage guests to share their photos with a unique hashtag.
Thank-You Speech or Notes
Take a moment to express gratitude to guests and vendors.
Post-Wedding Plan for the Dress & Bouquet
Arrange for dry cleaning and floral preservation in advance.
5. After the Wedding Essentials
Hotel Room or Home Setup
Make sure your space is set up for a relaxing wedding night.
You don’t want to be going back to a room that has 100 things from getting ready on the bed the night of your wedding!
Delegate someone to clean up the bed so you have a restful night after the wedding is over.
Gift Transportation
Designate someone to collect gifts and cards at the end of the night and let them know where you want them to be brought.
Name Change Paperwork
If you’re changing your name, prepare for the process with necessary documents.
This takes longer than you think but can’t start until you have your marriage certificate.
Your officiant will let you know when they’ve submitted the paperwork so you can go forward with applying for your marriage certificate.
Honeymoon Prep
Leaving for the honeymoon right away? Double-check passports, flight info, and packing lists before the big day to remove any last minute stress.
Vendor Reviews & Thank-You Notes
Show appreciation to vendors who made your day special.
Final Thoughts
Even the most prepared brides miss a few details, but with this checklist, you’ll be ready for anything! Save this list and share it with your bridal party so they can help keep you on track. What’s something you almost forgot for your wedding? Let us know in the comments!
