While wedding planning, there are so many things to think about and plan. Just when you feel like you have everything planned and under control. . . You remember something you completely forgot. Trust me, I know, I'm in the last month planning for my own wedding. I figured if I need a reminder as a wedding professional, so do other brides! I'm sharing these so you and I don't forget! These are some things most couples forget when planning their wedding!
Food
I know, I know! Your immediate thought is that you hired a caterer. They're taking care of the food. Yes, but the food for dinner. I'm begging you, please don't forget to eat breakfast or lunch. The last thing anyone wants is for someone to pass out at a wedding for not eating. You can get Chick-Fil-A Chick-n-Minis for breakfast and a Publix Sub Tray for lunch. You can preorder both of those!
Budget for Gratuities
Some vendors include gratuity, some require it and others (like MDB Photography) greatly appreciate it. It's a nice way to say thank you! Check your contracts with each individual vendor to see if it's included. For our wedding, transportation included. Most caterers include it. Tips are not required, but if you loved working with a vendor or you thought they went above and beyond, I recommend giving them a little something to show your appreciation. Be sure to budget for this in the beginning of planning so you avoid any unexpected costs.
Transportation
If you are like me, you took care of your guests before yourself. I booked shuttles to and from the hotel for my guests. I was all set! Nope! How is the wedding party getting from their cottages to the venue? It's something to easily forget! Even if there will be plenty of people with cars, plan ahead that Aunt Sue is going to shuttle people over to the venue. One less thing to stress about on the wedding day!
Feed Your Pros
Some vendors include food into their contract. A good rule of thumb is if your vendors are there when you eat, let them eat. We're humans too! Allow time for them to eat. Even if it's just 15-20 minutes. Lastly, if you want to be an angel, make sure they eat what you eat. Your venue may say they have "vendor meals" but they don't tell you those vendor meals could be two week old food or a moldy sandwich. Yes, those are real stories.
Fun Fact: I've ordered pizza and hid in the storage closet to eat it because the food was that gross and I didn't want my couple to feel bad.
Emergency Kit
While we hope everything goes perfectly, in the event something does happen, be prepared. Have an emergency kit. I even made a kit for the bridesmaids and for the groomsmen! Suit ripped? We have a sewing kit! Need to cut the hanger straps off a dress? We have scissors! Ashley forgot deodorant? We have one in the kit! Check out other blog: Must-Have Wedding Day Kit
Assign Tasks
Wedding planning is a lot. Even for me as a wedding pro with a wedding planner. There's just so much for you and your partner to handle. Josh, my fiancé, was an angel at asking "how can I help?" He booked hotel blocks and transportation all on his own. Oh! He also planned our whole honeymoon.
Even with his help, it was a lot. We decided to ask friends and family to help as well. Whether it was fire wood, taking the gifts at the end of night or taking the left over food. Your friends and family are more than happy to help! Don't be afraid to ask!
We sat down with our wedding planner and she asked, "whose car should we put the gifts in?" I responded, "that's a good question." The next question was what car the leftover food and alcohol should be put in. I gave her the same answer.