Wedding Planning Checklists are HUGE and very personal but it’s easy to overlook some crucial details.
To ensure your big day goes off without a hitch, here’s a list of the top 20 most forgotten things when organising a wedding – plus a few useful FAQs at the end to help things be absolutely spectacular.
1. Vendor Meals
Don’t forget to arrange meals for your vendors or suppliers. They work hard to make your day special and need fuel too.
2. Marriage Licence
You don’t need to ‘get’ a marriage licence in the UK but you do need to give a “Notice of Marriage” in the county you live in, even if you are getting married elsewhere. If this isn’t on your wedding planning checklist, you won’t be legally married!
3. Backup Plans
Always have a Plan B for outdoor weddings. Weather can be unpredictable, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are not having a marquee wedding and just using the outdoor space, sometimes a Stretch Tent can be a great in-between sort of canopy just in case the weather turns or gets too hot.
4. Wedding Day Timeline
Create a detailed timeline for the wedding day. This will help keep things organised and ensure everyone is on the same page.
5. Transportation
Consider transportation for the wedding party and guests, especially if the ceremony and reception are in different locations.
6. Guest Comfort
Provide essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, and even blankets for outdoor weddings, ensuring your guests are comfortable.
7. Photography Shot List
Don’t forget to compile a list of must-have photos for your photographer. This ensures you capture all the special moments.
8. Meal Preferences
Account for dietary restrictions and preferences when planning the menu. You want all your guests to enjoy the meal. For recommended caterers, turn to trusted people in the industry for a list of suppliers they would vouch for.
9. Children’s Entertainment
If you’re expecting little ones, have a plan for their entertainment to keep them engaged during the festivities.
10. Gift Table and Card Box
Set up a designated area for gifts and cards, preventing any potential mix-ups or losses.
11. Post-Wedding Transportation
Arrange transportation for yourselves after the celebration. You don’t want to be stranded at the end of the night.
12. Apparel for Unpredictable Weather
Have a backup plan for unexpected weather changes, like a shawl for a chilly evening or sunscreen for a sunny day.
13. Speeches and Toasts
Confirm with your speakers in advance and provide them with a timeline, ensuring smooth and heartfelt speeches.
14. Bathroom Amenities
Stock the restrooms with essentials like tissues, hand sanitiser, and breath mints.
15. Cake Cutting Tools
Don’t forget the cake cutting set. It’s a small detail but an essential one. And a cake table is a must, alongside other finishing touches!
16. Music Playlist
Create a playlist for every part of the day, from pre-ceremony to the dance floor. Ensure your favourite tunes are ready to roll. And our extra tip is don’t let ANYONE crash your playlist or ‘helpfully’ play what they want. That’s when the atmosphere can disappear.
17. Seating Arrangements for Vendors
Plan seating arrangements for vendors during the reception to ensure they are comfortable during their breaks.
18. Thank-You Gifts
Prepare small tokens of appreciation for those who helped make your day special, from the bridal party to the vendors.
19. Guestbook and Pen
Set up a visible and accessible guestbook, complete with a pen for well-wishes and memories.
20. Wedding Insurance
While no one likes to think about it, having wedding insurance can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected circumstances.
This wedding planning checklist is NOT supposed to make you panic. Far from it. Relax, enjoy the organisation and at the end of the day, don’t worry, everyone will have fun if you are!
And at the end of the day if you would rather someone else do the heavy lifting of all the organisation, employing a Wedding Planner is a great idea. They work furiously towards the big day, and on the day itself to take the stress away from you and your family and are worth their weight in gold. Whilst our team at Events Under Canvas are experts on marquees and everything inside them, we can also recommend great Wedding Planners who we can vouch for! See them on our Recommended Suppliers list.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that people also ask when planning their own wedding, and are useful for your Wedding Planning Checklist:
How do I give legal notice of our intention to marry?
In the UK you must give legal notice of your intention to marry, which is slightly different than ‘getting a marriage licence‘. You need to get in touch with your local council, and apply for an appointment. In Suffolk, where we are based, you can do this at a maximum of one year and a minimum of 29 days before your ceremony. Suffolk County Council’s website is really useful for further information.
What are hidden costs of a wedding that people don’t expect?
Beware of these costs that often catch people out when planning their own wedding.
1. Service Charge or Tips for the caterers and other vendors
2. Meals and drinks for the DJ, Entertainers or Photographer – after all they are with you for HOURS!
3. Mail costs for heavy or large invitations that you post out
4. Alternations of your wedding dress or suit – nothing fits perfectly and alterations can often run into the hundreds.
What are some of the smaller things to remember on my wedding day?
Some of the smaller things to remember that make all the difference are:
1. Have a ‘Pack Down Plan’. You can’t just leave a wedding at the end as most things will need tidying up or putting away. The best thing is to allocated a team of helpful friends or relatives that will do this for you but they need to be aware they are doing it and when.
2. Know when your ‘Golden Hour’ is as this is perfect for photos. You don’t want to be inside eating whilst the sun is setting.
3. Break in your shoes! You are going to be wearing them all day and you don’t want sore feet or bleeding heels. Not a good look.
4. Schedule some ‘Alone Time’. It’s easy for the day to rush away but you two need a moment to soak in the whole thing together. Do this immediately after the ceremony, or just after the meal. Don’t leave it too late in the day, and even better reconnect alone together at various points throughout the day and evening. As before you know it, the day will be over and you don’t want to be saying ‘I haven’t seen my husband/wife all day’.
Get in touch with our team if you’d like help hiring the perfect marquee for your wedding. We’ve been in the business for over 10 years and can advise on what marquee works best.
Why do marquees make such great wedding venues?