A list of things couples forget so that you won’t

There are so many details that go into planning a wedding day. Some are pretty and perfect, and others are not so glamorous, but important just the same. But, that makes it understandable that there are things brides forget until the last minute.

For the ceremony

Wedding programs and a guest book are some things people tend to put off until the last minute. A few questions to go over are:

• Have you asked someone to hand out wedding programs?
• Or do you have a basket to put them in or something to put them on?
• Have you decided on a guest book?
• Are the people who will be handing out programs the same as those who will ask guests to sign your guest book?

The end of the ceremony is important to consider also. The photographer will need to know your plans for dismissing quests because it will effect the post ceremony or reception timeline. Have you decided how you’d like guests dismissed? Is this going to be aisle by aisle or a receiving line? Or do you perhaps plan to go table by table at the reception? (<–this is what we did!)

When it’s time to celebrate

Your DJ should ask for all of your songs ahead of time, like your first dance, mother/son and father/daughter dances. As your wedding party is introduced, many couples will pick a song for their announcement. We went “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC.

Make sure you give yourself time to eat in your reception timeline. Take a moment to just enjoy a meal with your new spouse and soak up being married! If you’re going table to table at the reception, make sure to put this into your timeline so you know when to start dances and cake cutting. I also recommend stacking your reception timeline with all your activities back to back instead of clearing the dance floor multiple times throughout the reception.

When it’s time to cut the cake

Your caterer is probably only bringing plates and silverware for dinner. And, unless your baker says they are bringing cakes plates and utensils, I wouldn’t count on it. Speaking of all things cake related, a cake knife and someone to cut the cake up for your guests should be arranged ahead of time. This is one of the things brides forget the most because it is such a small detail. I wouldn’t have thought of it, but my mom sure did.

A plan for your marriage license

After the ceremony, your preacher/minister/reverend/etc. will need to fill out your marriage license. Typically, the maid of honor and best man sign as witnesses. Make sure someone proof reads the license. If you’re feeling like being extra prepared, take a moment to write down all the information that should fill in the blanks on a separate piece of paper. It’s easy to mix up dates or put the wrong county on accident. If the person filling out the certificate has all the information, you’ll know it’s being filled out correctly. In Missouri, you have 15 days after the wedding to turn in your marriage license. Decide if you want to mail it it, take it to the courthouse yourself or see if someone else can turn it in for you.

Want to get in touch?

I hope this list of things brides forget will help you remember them for your wedding day! If you’d like to book your session or wedding, you can contact me at kelsey(at)kelseyalumbaugh(dot)com. Check out my Instagram @kelseyalumbaugh ! And like me on Facebook to see the latest blog posts and wedding updates. 🙂 If you’re curious about the investment, you can check that info out here, but please feel free to reach out so we can better address your photography needs.

Originally published March 9, 2018.