Wedding Forget Me Nots: Things You May Overlook While Wedding Planning
It happens to us all: you get engaged, you are so excited you start planning the venue, dress, photographer, florist….but what about the little things people don’t talk about? The things that creep up without any warning, or just the things that easily get overlooked?
Here’s a list of things you may not think about when leading up to the big day:
COUNT YOURSELVES on your guest list, and the vendors who will be staying for dinner. Yes, that means the bride and groom are 2 people! If you’re eating, you count as a guest number (like the photographers & band or DJ).
OUTSIDE FOOD: If you plan on bringing in outside food, such as a dessert table (or want grandma to bake cookies to put out), ensure this is okay with your venue. A lot of venues won’t allow outside food unless it’s from a certified baker/business.
Schedule your speech timelines: This is a good general rule for the dinner hour, and make sure you put a time frame for speeches (3-5 minutes is typical). If speeches fall behind or run long, it can throw off the rest of the evening.
SOCAN Fees: Okay this one is boring, but necessary. Ask your venue what the fee is to play music there just so you’re aware of the extra fee. This will be included in most public venues, so just be aware while going through the contract.
CLEAN UP: What time do you need to clean out the venue? Can you leave things overnight? Make sure this is communicated with the venue and your party. When there are other weddings happening the next day, leaving gear may not be an option. If the bride and groom are leaving that same evening, who is going to clean up the space? Have a night of cleaning plan!
THE NEXT DAY: Are you hosting a brunch with family and/or friends? Are you going straight home? A post-wedding brunch is always a great idea, especially if people have stayed in the area. Make sure you plan and reserve accordingly. If the space needs to be cleaned up, make sure vendors know to collect their items, and be sure to have the venue keep the extra food in the fridge for you.
Inclusions that come later: Things to include as the wedding day approaches:
Guest Book, Table Favours/Take Home Gifts for Guests, Gifts for possible vendors (musicians, officiant, if doing), Gift Table/Money Box, Signature Cocktails, Specialty Booze (if including), Hotels & Transport (for both you and the guests).BONUS TIP: Plan your food for the wedding morning! Make sure you have a nourishing spread for the bridal party and yourselves as you get ready. It’s a long day and eating is a must.
Hiring a wedding planner can help with all of the above and will help to alleviate the stress that comes with the ‘did I forget something?” part of planning. You venue will typically have a day of coordinator on site, but a wedding planner is there for you. Don’t be afraid to ask your coordinators these questions so you can avoid any wedding planning surprises!
And don’t forget, we have a wedding inspiration page right here to help you visualize and plan your big day!
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