What Am I Forgetting For My Wedding?

As you are approached your wedding day have you had a moment of panic wondering if you forgot something? I figured it was time I put together a list of the items that are most commonly forgotten at weddings I coordinate.

1. Pens for the guestbook

I can't tell you how many weddings I've done where the pens for signing the guestbook are entirely forgotten. I always have extra pens in my emergency wedding kit, but the pens I have don't always work with the chosen guestbook. For example, if you have a guestbook that has shiny paper then a regular pen may not necessarily work. 

2. Lighters

About 95% of the weddings that I do incorporate candles into the decor. But very rarely are lighters included to light those candles. I'm never concerned as I always have 5-10 lighters in my wedding kit. But what if you didn't hire a coordinator? And what if your coordinator doesn't provide lighters? Definitely make sure to bring a few lighters just in case! 

3. Space to take everything home/someone to take everything home

Most venues require that you take home all decor and personal belongings the night of your wedding. It is pretty rare to find a venue that allows you to store and pickup anything in the days following your wedding. With that in mind, it is important to designate a person to bring your belongings home on your wedding night along with a vehicle that has enough room for everything. Definitely ensure that you have more space coming home than what was needed to bring your decor and rentals to the venue. Why is that? Because at the end of the wedding day not only do you have the decor and rentals that you brought to the venue but there are also often leftover florals, wedding gifts, etc. which require extra space to take home.

What if you don't have someone to take your belongings home? Consider renting a Uhaul van or truck. When I coordinate weddings I'm happy to bring in a team to load decor, rentals, florals, etc. at the end of the night into whichever vehicle, room, or area you designate. 

4. Food and drinks

SO important! It is easy for nerves to take over on your wedding day but that doesn't mean that you should skip breakfast or lunch. Plus your wedding party will need to eat too! Work food breaks into your wedding day or have platters and water bottles available while you are getting ready so that both you and your wedding party have a chance to eat. Bringing a cooler of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks while you do wedding photos is helpful too! Ensuring that you and your wedding party have food and drinks available throughout the day will keep everyone fed, happy and energized! 

5. A cake knife

Wedding cakes and cake cuttings are becoming less common, but when they are present at a wedding it is pretty rare that a cake knife is provided. It isn't a huge deal as I typically just run to the kitchen staff or caterers to get a knife from them. However, this doesn't guarantee the most attractive knife as it is based on what the kitchen or caterers have available. 

6. Vases for the bridal party bouquets

After the ceremony and photos are complete, it's nice to have vases of water setup at the reception to freshen up the bouquets. Bonus: bouquets can then be repurposed as decorations for the head table or around the reception space. 

7. Batteries

This is especially important if you are using a polaroid camera or LED candles at your wedding. I have been at countless events where the polaroid camera for the guestbook has stopped working due to the batteries running out. If you are using anything that requires batteries, be sure to pack a few extra. 

I'm hoping that this list is helpful as you prepare for your wedding day! Am I forgetting something on this list? Comment below and I'll happily add it!