20 Common Things Couples Forget During Wedding Planning

Your wedding is the biggest day of your life. It has to be fun and memorable. However, planning a wedding is hard work that can be tiring and overwhelming. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail;” that’s a famous saying that has lasted for generations because it is true. You need a good wedding plan to ensure your wedding is indeed a blast.

Regardless of how great you are at organising things, there are still some details that you can forget. They are sometimes so small that even the best couples forget about them. We want your wedding to be beautiful and classy, which is why we’ve helped you put together this list of common things couples forget during wedding planning.

20 Common Things Couples Forget During Wedding Planning

Do you want your wedding to be perfect? Take note of these details.

1. Have a Contact Booklet

You must have a separate booklet to document any vendor’s contacts, including your maid of honour, mother-in-law, or anyone you would want to contact in case of emergency. Having your phone switched off can cause panic if you do not have a backup.

2. Decoration Restrictions

Research your wedding venue to avoid embarrassment where there would be restrictions on using candles, red carpet, or decorating on the walls. Confirm if there are no restrictions placed on the venue you will be using.

3. Have an Emergency Kit

Have a kit that contains your spare makeup, safety pins, plaster, and anything you think you could need on your big day. Give it to someone who is easily accessible and organised.

4. Backup Shoes

It does not matter if you bought expensive shoes for your big day or if you’ve tried it many times. You need comfortable shoes you can quickly wear to relax your feet and avoid discomfort.

5. Have Extra Cash

Make sure you have extra cash at your disposal to make orders in case of an emergency. This way, you can avoid being stranded at the venue, especially when you want to make quick payments.

6. Assign Your Phone To Someone

Keep your phone away on your big day; it is a lifesaving hack. It will cause distractions; instead, assign your phone to someone you trust to capture the moments. You need not worry because it’s likely that all the people you text will be around.

7. Have Breakfast

It is normal to not have an appetite on your big day but make sure you have breakfast on the morning of your wedding. When you eat breakfast, it gives you strength throughout the day and keeps you active.

Of all the things to forget during wedding planning, keep this one at the forefront of your mind – make time to actually eat well on your big day!

8. Transportation

Consider your guests when you’re planning the transportation to and from your venue. If you are arranging their transport or a place to stay before or after the wedding, inform them so they can plan accordingly.

9. Gifts

If there are gifts to give to your guests, make sure it is ready a day before the wedding so that you would not end up forgetting to give them out. You want your guests to leave your venue satisfied and happy with the gift you offer them.

10. Have a Playlist

It is essential to have a playlist so that your band will know what you like. Also, it’s crucial to have a ‘do not play list’ to avoid embarrassing situations.

11. Pack an Extra Outfit

The bride needs an extra outfit that is easy to pull over her head after getting her makeup done. This would save her from smearing her clothes with makeup or messing up her hair.

12. Carry Your Bridesmaid Along

You need to inform your bridesmaid of all your arrangements and ensure the person can handle any situation where you need to reapply your makeup or adjust your dress.

13. Have a Backup Budget

Having a backup budget especially for an emergency will save you a lot of stress. You should have a budget for a contingency plan to handle unexpected situations.

14. Plan For The Weather

Do not depend on the weather forecast, also plan for unfavorable weather conditions because the weather can change anytime. It would be bad for your guests to be soaked on your wedding day, it will surely dampen the mood of things.

15. Inform Your Suppliers If There Will Be Overtime

You need to inform your suppliers if they will work overtime. It may not work out if you tell them on the wedding day. It could be so bad that you might end up not having a band for the last hour. You would have to negotiate with them to avoid being stranded.

16. Designate Someone To Be In Charge Of Your Gifts and Personal Items

You can put anyone who you trust in charge of your gifts and packages. The person will ensure that nothing is missing and that all the items are properly organised.

17. Food

Make sure you consider your guests when planning the food. Some guests have diabetes and would be careful about what to eat. Try to provide different options they can explore without putting their health at risk.

18. Feed Your Suppliers

Do not forget to feed your suppliers, they are part of your guests and you must treat them well. Without these people, your wedding would only be a disaster. Giving them food would keep them motivated and productive throughout your big day. This tip works like magic!

19. Practice Your Vows

Practice your vows by writing and speaking them out. Try to get comfortable with the details of your speech so your delivery can be smooth. You can also assign someone to give a vote of thanks after the wedding or just handle it by yourself. Whatever happens, don’t forget to thank your guests.

20. Arrange Your Chairs and Tables

Label your table and seats appropriately so your friends and relatives would know where to sit. It helps to keep your reception organised.

Create Your Wedding Planning Timeline

One of the most common things people forget when planning a wedding is setting a clear, realistic timeline. With so many details to manage—venues, suppliers, outfits, photography, and guest lists—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed without a structured plan. A well-thought-out timeline ensures nothing gets missed and helps reduce unnecessary stress in the lead-up to your big day.

Start by marking key milestones, such as booking your venue, confirming your photographer, sending invitations and organising fittings. Breaking these into monthly, weekly, and daily tasks keeps everything manageable. A timeline also allows you to spot clashes early, giving you more room to adjust if something changes.
Among the things not to forget when planning a wedding, allowing buffer time for unexpected delays is crucial. Whether it’s alterations, vendor rescheduling or weather-related adjustments, having flexibility built into your plan ensures your day runs smoothly. A structured timeline helps you enjoy the process and focus on celebrating your love.

Use Digital Tools for Wedding Planning

Technology can be a lifesaver when preparing for your big day. In fact, many things people forget when planning a wedding, like vendor deadlines, budget tracking and guest communication, can be simplified with digital tools. Online planners, apps, and cloud-based checklists make it easier to stay organised and keep all your details in one place.

Consider using shared calendars for coordinating schedules with suppliers, and digital guest list trackers to monitor RSVPs and dietary preferences. Budgeting apps also help you keep a close eye on spending and prevent last-minute surprises. Digital reminders ensure you don’t miss small but important details, from confirming playlists to arranging transport.

One of the things not to forget when planning a wedding is making sure your photographer and other key suppliers have access to the schedule. Sharing digital plans allows everyone to stay aligned, creating a smooth experience on the day. By embracing digital tools, couples can reduce stress and feel confident knowing every detail is accounted for.

Conclusion

Of course this isnt an exhaustive list of things to forget when wedding planning, but should help free you from many unexpected incidents. If you are overwhelmed with the planning, you can always get a professional assistant. Make sure to keep a smile on your face throughout the day; it will keep your day bright and fun.