With so much happening before a wedding, it’s easy to let little things and even big tasks fall by the proverbial wayside. If you’re paranoid about forgetting something, or a bunch of things, check out the following checklist of “big and small” tasks to remind yourself of what still needs handling!
Printed Items
Aside from you Save-the-Dates and Invitations, as there is no celebration without them, don’t forget your other printed items as well. Thank you cards are important and so easy to forget in all of the hustle and bustle of wedding planning.
Don’t forget these printed items leading up to the big day:
- Save-the-Dates
- Invitations
- Programs
- Menus
- Place cards
- Cake bags
- Thank-you notes
Venue Info:
There are some important bits and pieces that you’ll need to find out before you plan your seating arrangements and set-up for the reception. And that includes:
- Disabled access–for friends and family in wheelchairs, etc.
- Maximum number–find out the maximum amount of people the venue can accommodate
- Safety–learn where the fire exits are and any other safety precautions you should know about at your chosen venue
- Liabilities–know what you’ll be liable for should anything at the venue get damaged
- Flowers–decorations for the front of the venue
Ceremony
There are certain questions you’re going to want answered before you plan your ceremony as well. From candle lighting to remembering the VIP seating decor, here’s what you need to make note of and not forget:
- Does the venue allow candles?
- VIP seating decor
- Other Chair decorations–either on the pews, or back of the chairs
- Flower girl petals
- Cushions–if bride and groom plan on kneeling at anytime
- Rings and ring cushion
Reception
The reception is the core of the entire party, so it’s essential that you don’t miss a detail or any piece of the celebration. You’ll be sorry if you don’t make note of these musts:
- Table decorations
- Tablecloth and chair covers
- Music and dance floor (DJ or live band)
- Cake table
- Favors
- Wedding photo album–want it available for guests to sign?
- Gifts table
- Table plans
- Place cards–so guests can find their seats without issue
- Centerpieces
- Photobooth / Photo backdrop
Bridal Party
It’s also really easy to forget some of the essentials that go along with the people actually involved in the big day. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered here too:
Bride & Bridesmaids
- Hair and Makeup–do a trial run or two with your chosen hairstylist/makeup artist, and ensure the person knows where to go on your big day
- Dresses–whatever you decide on for yourself and your bridesmaids, it’s best to go with options that flatter everyone’s figure, even if it means different dresses in the same hue
- Underwear–make certain no one’s underwear peeks out if dresses are low-cut!
- Shoes–if you aren’t picky about shoes, ask your bridesmaids to buy what they want in the same color
- Garter–you’ll need this!
- Earrings–check which bridesmaids have their ears pierced before ordering
- Necklaces–don’t forget them!
Bridal Bag
- Bridal party mobile phones/purses
- White chalk–for covering white dress stains
- Needle and thread
- White and colored ribbon–for any hair issues
- Double-sided tape
- Safety pins
- Tampons
- Hairspray
- Extra makeup
- Antihistamines
- Breath mints/dental floss
- Bobby pins
- Wet wipes
- Perfume
- Deodorant
Groom & Groomsmen
- Rent or buy–sometimes it costs just as much to rent them, so decide what you want early on
- Cummerbunds–have them made if renting the suits
- Cufflinks
- Shoes-some may want to rent these too