With a full-time job and the small matter of day-to-day life to attend to, some brides forget that planning a wedding is like a full-time occupation in itself. So to make your life a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of easily forgotten details to see to before your wedding day.
Weather
No matter how many rainbows you wish on or how many weather forecasts you’ve been paying meticulous attention to, the reality is that if you’re getting married in Ireland, you could experience sun, snow and showers, all in the same afternoon! The key is to always have a plan B. Many people overlook the matter of possible weather difficulties as this could add extra expense to their day, but it’s better to be safe than wet and sorry. Discuss with your chosen venue beforehand their options for guests to shelter if the heavens suddenly open and don’t be afraid of a little rain. It can even be a good thing.
Chair details
It seems a ridiculous detail to consider, but discussing chairs with your venue is quite important. Ensure there are two sets of chairs available so guests are not lugging furniture from the ceremony to the reception. Also, request extra seating for the wedding breakfast for guests who wish to mingle and move around the room, minus the chair they will be expected to drag along with them. You should also remember to think about the chair décor, whether you're adding your own or referring to the venue chair covers.
Photo finish
You’re bound to be far too preoccupied on your big day, what with mingling with guests and taking in the enormity of the day itself to be holding the photographers hand every step of the way. Not that you'll have to with any good photographer, but they won't be psychic so it's a good idea to have a family member or a chief bridesmaid who’s ‘in-the-know’ with the who’s who at your wedding. It will be their job to round up the family members who are required for a quick photo to ensure your photographer’s timing stays on track and no one important misses their moment in front of the lens.
Timing
It is of the utmost importance to meticulously plan the timing of your bridal party. Getting your bridesmaids to the church on time can be far more difficult than you anticipated! With make-up and hair appointments to see to, plus factoring in any last minute emergencies, time can run away with even the most time efficient of brides. Run the morning of your wedding with military precision to ensure you’re not left sitting outside the church, waiting on your bridesmaids. Bear in mind how long it takes to get to the church when booking your cars so that you don't end up forgetting to factor in a second car if necessary.
Wedding website
For even the most computer-illiterate of brides, it’s so important to have a wedding website up and running. There’s absolutely no need to complicate things with fancy headers and logos, your website can simply be an information hub for wedding guests. The most important things to include are the details of the day such as times, directions and nearby hotels with a price list so guests can make a booking if they wish. Of course, we all still like it to be pretty, and we have a few templates for you to choose from in our My Wedding section.
Transport
Assuming people will simply ‘make their own way there’ is a major mis-judgement. Many guests will be looking to enjoy the day, without the hassle of bringing cars and will want to indulge in the alcohol provided, so arranging transport for your VIPs is wise. Remember to appoint a wedding guest to each mode of transport who has a very clear idea of directions to the venue. The last thing you want on your big day is the driver making a wrong turn.
Postage and packaging
Not all wedding invites will be a plain, simple, average letter-size delivery so factor in additional postage charges. The weight and shape of an invite will vary from couple to couple, especially those who wish to make theirs ‘a little different,’ so before you spend a small fortune on hundreds of unique invites with lots of details, consult your local post office first to avoid any nasty surprises.
May contain nuts
Be sure to consult with guests of any food allergies/particular preferences they may have, before the day of the wedding. This way, you can notify your caterers beforehand to avoid any confusion on the actual day and trust us, your caterer will love you for this, not to mention any guests with allergies or dietary requirements.
Keepsake
Delegate someone with the responsibility of keeping your cards and gifts safe on the night. Set aside a particular area that these gifts will be safest and maybe give this particular responsibility to someone who won’t be dancing on the tables at midnight with a bottle of bubbly in each hand. A special box or place for the cards might also be worth investing in.
Prepare to party
Check with the venue and DJ before the wedding if there is a late night option available. Even if you don’t think you will be taking advantage of this offer, paying a small fee in advance will provide you with the opportunity to party on into the small hours on the best night of your life, and being prepared for the extra charge will leave take the headache out of the extra charge the next day.
- Michelle Storey
Image credits: Rain: Flawless Photography | Chair: Bride Box | Couple: Paco and Betty | Invite: Oh So Beautiful Paper | Guest book: Totally Salinda via Etsy