Wedding days go by in a flash. They’re full of excitement, hustle and bustle (get it, bustle?) so it’s not uncommon for a few items or otherwise to be forgotten. If you plan ahead with these items to remember on your wedding day, you’ll be able to be fully present and relish in all of its glory! (Even the wet kisses from Aunt Margaret). Let’s get started!

• 1) Your marriage license. On the list of things to remember on your wedding day, this one isn’t oft forgotten. Most couples know to bring this item, but don’t think about it requiring a waiting period. For most states it only takes a few days, but you want to make sure to handle this well ahead of time to alleviate stress. Remember, timelines differ from state to state, so be sure to check with your local county courthouse for information! If you’re getting married out of state, or out of the country, definitely make sure to speak to someone early on to fully understand the processes and procedures.

• 2) A game plan for the kids. This is often overlooked or thought of last minute. Usually a family member or someone in the bridal party will be happy to set this up before the festivities begin. This doesn’t have to be costly or elaborate. Just some simple coloring sheets with crayons will keep the little ones occupied, while wedding word searches or crossword puzzles are sufficient for the older ones. Keeping the kids settled, especially during the ceremony, benefits everyone!

• 3) A family formals assistant. This is typically handled by a wedding planner or coordinator, but should you not have one, usually a bridesmaid or friend will suffice. We make a list of family shots the couple would like ahead of time, but sometimes corralling Uncle Albert who’s teetered off to grab a cocktail makes formals a bit difficult. Having someone from each side gathering those in the next photo will make things run smoothly.

• 4) TO EAT. This seems straightforward and unnecessary right? Except it’s not. There’s a reason I put this item to remember on your wedding day in all caps. It’s often put off, but it’s incredibly important to monitor!
  
  Waking up with nervous excitement paired with an early start time pushes most brides into skipping a meal, if not all meals. I’m sure we’ve all watched the fainting-at-the alter videos on America’s Funniest Home Videos, but it’s not so funny when it’s your own wedding.
  
  I attended a wedding years ago where the MOH/sister of the bride was nervous and didn’t eat during the day. She fainted and knocked down all of the decor, including the candles, and a half wall partition that was on the alter. It was absolutely terrifying. Make sure it’s not just you that eats. Excitement runs rampant on a wedding day, but your body needs fuel. It’s that simple.
  
  How can you remember to eat without having to stress over it? Pre-plan an easy breakfast, like a fruit and cheese platter to give you good energy and soothe your stomach. If you’re like me and have a sensitive tummy anyway, ginger ale is great to sip on to put a little sugar in your system while keeping your belly calm. Easy going foods like bagels or muffins are great too.
  
  Consider using helpful apps like UBER Eats or GrubHub to alleviate the bridal party being put in charge of the food. If you’re getting ready in a hotel, room service is perfect.
  
  You also want to make sure you also eat at your reception! I can’t tell you how many couples don’t eat a bite of the awesome food they planned for! Between all the congrats and hugs, the night moves on, and the cake cutting is the closest they got to a bite to eat.
  
  I also want to take a second and mention to consider providing a meal to your vendors that will work through the evening. Some of your vendors may even require it in their contract. These people are making your day happen, so be sure to include a table for them at the reception. It would include any event planners/coordinators, photographers, videographers, musicians, etc.

• 5) Your vows. You’d be surprised at how often these are forgotten. Be sure to write them down, don’t rely on memory. If you want to try to deliver them from memory, at least give a written copy to the MOH so she can quickly hand them over should you draw a blank. This will also be one less item you have to worry about keeping up with.

• 6) Comfy shoes. Those Jimmy Choo’s, Manolo’s, or Louboutin’s may look killer, but you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t pack a pair of comfy shoes too. After potentially 8 hours on your feet, those 4-6 inch stunners will be off to the side of the dance floor when the music starts pumping. Flats or pretty sandals are common go-to’s for comfy options to remember on your wedding day. They’re easy to pack in a “Day-of” bag, and slip on when you’re ready to bust a move!

• 7) Guest book and sharpies. Guest books are one of the most forgotten items on a wedding day. You can buy a book, or have one made of your engagement photos (we’d be happy to make one for you!). If you in fact use an engagement session type of guest book, make sure you buy some sharpies. Regular markers won’t work on that type of coated paper. Store the book and the markers together so they’re easy to find.

• 8) Hair and makeup touch-ups. While your wedding hair and makeup may look stellar when freshly done, it might move, fall, or fade as the day progresses. This is especially true if the elements are working against you i.e. it’s hot, rainy, or windy.
  
  Have your artist pack a small touch up kit that you can use throughout the day. Some concealer, your lipstick, and even a travel size hairspray can be lifesavers. This should go without saying, but make sure you have waterproof mascara on because you never know when those happy tears might catch you off guard!

• 9) Emergency kit. You never know what might come upon a wedding day, so have an emergency kit will get you through most any bridal emergency. Things to consider putting in your kit are bandaids, tissues, bobby pins, Advil/Tylenol, deodorant, a tide pen, a sewing kit, or anything else you think might come in handy. Companies like Sephora even make custom kits for you. 

• 10) Online Reviews. Once the wedding is over, relish in the stress relief and in the arms of your new spouse. Also set a reminder to leave reviews for all of your vendors. This is how they can improve their service, and your feedback is valued. It doesn’t have to be immediate, but try to have this done within 3 months of your wedding.

• 11) Tech Chargers. Today’s world revolves around our devices, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to see this on the list of things to remember on your wedding day. This is especially important if you plan to run a slideshow or play music from the device no matter if it’s an iPod, phone, or laptop. If your device is going to play music at the reception, be sure to give the venue or the DJ the device with a charger!

• 12) Cake Knife and Champagne Flutes. In my experience, this set of classic wedding staples is misplaced or forgotten frequently. Is it the end of the world if they’re missing? Not at all, but they are certainly sentimental and fun to finally use! Hand these off to a bridesmaid if you don’t have a planner. They can set them up before the reception begins usually. If you have access to the reception area the day before the event, even better. It’ll be one less thing on your list!

• 13) Take some time with your new spouse! Like I said earlier, wedding days go by fast. Be sure to set aside even 10 minutes to soak in all of the joy. You’re finally married, it’s important to stay present and enjoy it while it’s happening! You’ll be glad to take a breather and just be before the rest of the festivities continue. 

• 14) The right underwear. A common misconception is that you should wear your sexy little number under your wedding dress. However, comfort is key. I recommend something nude and seamless to help avoid any lines or bumps showing. You can always sneak off and quickly change into that special lingerie before you go back to your room.

• 15) Favors. This isn’t required, but it’s popular to provide wedding favors to all of your guests as a “thank you”. Try to pre-pack or purchase items that are already made so you don’t have to do any prep the day of. These items can be as elaborate or as simple as you’d like.

• 16) Heirlooms and Invitations. If you have something special you’d like to incorporate, be sure it’s safely packaged for travel. You’ll have to have someone very responsible in charge of these items. Have them place the item or items near the wedding dress the morning of so they’re easy for the photographer to capture all of these items together. This also goes for your invitations. It is very popular right now to have the whole suite photographed as part of the details, and it is one of the most easily forgotten items.

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I hope you found this post helpful, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out! Happy planning!

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