What NOT to Forget When Planning Your Wedding Day!

There are so many things to think about and organise when planning your own wedding. So much so, that sometimes not only the smaller things but also the much bigger things can be forgotten!

Here are my top 5 things that can easily be overlooked and a little tip on how to resolve each of them…

Tip 1 – Weather!

Some people may think this is the most obvious tip to mention, and you may be right! But, if you are planning an outdoor wedding it is really important to have considered a back-up plan. With the good old British weather being so unreliable, sadly we can’t assume the sun will be shining even in August (how wonderful it would be if we could!). So, depending on your wedding location and set up, you may only need to provide lots of brollies or maybe even wellies... this would make a great wedding photo!

Just make sure you have covered yourself for any eventuality come rain or shine!

Tip 2 – Lighting

When planning your wedding there are lots of different types of lighting to think about…the daytime lighting, the fairy-lights, the candle light, the party lighting and the list goes on!

If you are getting married in an indoor venue, then this should be easier as lighting options are likely to already be in place (although never assume!). But, for outdoor weddings you need to ensure you have spoken with a venue lighting specialist who can advise and guide you through every step with regards to setting up your lighting and the safety implications.

You may also have planned to have your ceremony room twinkling with fairy lights and candles lit to light up your wedding breakfast. If so, make sure you have organised for someone to do this for you beforehand.

The last thing you want is for your guests to walk into a dark room!

Tip 3 – The Tunes!

So, everyone writes a playlist of what they want played at their wedding but sadly not everyone writes a ‘WHAT NOT TO PLAY’ list! You may have particular songs that you really cannot stand, so you need to make sure the DJ knows what they are. There is nothing worse than having everyone up on the dance-floor having a good time when ‘THAT SONG’ comes on and everyone leaves the dance-floor.

My advice is to jot down those ‘NO-NO’ songs and make sure someone checks the DJ has it on the night to avoid this happening!

Tip 4 – Cards & Gifts

As the guests arrive you will be spoilt with the amount of cards and gifts they bring to congratulate you. You need to make sure they end up somewhere safe at the end of the night, especially with an outdoor wedding as security will be very limited when everyone has gone home.

Of course this is your wedding day so you don’t want to be worrying about what happens to your gifts when your wedding night has come to an end (especially after drinking lots of bubbly stuff!). My advice is to pre-arrange with someone before your wedding day so they will take charge of your cards and gifts (maybe someone who is tee-total and won’t forget!).

This last minute predicament can quite often be overlooked so make sure you have made your arrangements before your big day. This way you can relax knowing you can creep off to your bridal suite in peace without having to cart all your gifts with you!

And finally…Tip 5 - The Rings!

Whatever you do, do not let the best man or whoever is in charge of the rings forget them!

It sounds obvious but with all the excitement and nerves that will be flying around it is easy to walk out the door without the smallest but most important ingredient needed to get married. It is a good idea to ask someone reliable to prompt the ring-minder to check they have the rings before they are due to leave for the ceremony. You could also go the extra mile and ask another trusted source to nudge the person who is reminding the ring-minder (now there’s a tongue-twister for you!). Kind of like a domino effect to ensure those rings make it to the altar!

To make sure all these last minute things come together it is a great idea to hire an ‘on the day’ wedding co-ordinator. Having a co-ordinator means you don’t have to bother your friends and family in asking for their help and you can all enjoy yourselves together. It is also reassuring to know that someone is there to make sure everyone and everything is in the right place at the right time meaning you don’t have to worry about a thing (the perfect solution!).

With all these reminders and tips in place all you need to do now is enjoy yourself!

Remember this is YOUR day that you have worked so hard towards, so relax, stay calm and make happy memories that you can look back on in the years ahead.