The wedding sparkler exit is a popular and exciting way for the newlyweds to leave their reception.
As a photographer, adding light from sparklers to the dark is a sure-fire way to spice up your end of the night photos, so we really look forward to it whever a couple says they are planning on hosting a wedding sparkler exit!
However, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some tips to make sure your exit is picture-perfect and unforgettable.
Wedding Sparkler Exit Tips
Check with Your Venue
It’s important to note that sparkler exits can (or should) only be done outdoors. This is due to fire regulations and smoke alarms. Before planning your exit, check with your venue to ensure it’s possible. Some wedding venues have banned sparkler exits because of safety concerns, so make sure you get the go-ahead before making any plans.
Beresford estate wedding exit
Display the Sparklers
Make sure to have the sparklers on display during the reception so guests can see what’s going to happen. Also, make sure to have a time written down somewhere so everyone knows when the exit is happening. This will prevent guests from leaving early and minimize the need for reassembling everyone.
What I’ve found to be best is to actually stage your exit earlier in the night so that everyone can be involved – not all of your guests are going to stay until you leave at 11:30pm (or later!) This allows for the elderly in your guestlist to join in, and everyone shouldnt be (too) drunk too!
First dance with sparklers
Have Enough Efficient Lighters
Sparklers burn quickly, so make sure to have plenty of lighters available. The more lighters, the faster everyone can be lit and the smoother the exit will be.
The best lighters aren’t just a smoker’s lighter, but rather butane torches that are readily available from Bunnings or any hardware store. These torches last forever, and emit a short, powerful flame that will light sparklers quickly and easily.
Use Long Sparklers
To ensure a successful exit, use long sparklers, not short ones. Long sparklers are sold specifically and marketed for a wedding sparkler exit,. and gives you enough time to get through the guests and make a statement. Short, regular sparklers you would buy from a supermarket burn too quickly and will be out before you’ve even made it past the first few guests.
Have Enough Sparklers for Each Guest
Even if some guests don’t participate, it’s still important to have enough sparklers for everyone – and I’m sure some of the more boisterous amongst your guets would be keen on having more than one! Younger guests may take a couple of sparklers and light them early, so having a full number of sparklers will ensure that everyone has one.
Sparkler exit at Chateau yaladara wedding
Make an Announcement and be ready!
Your MC should take charge of organizing the exit and instructing guests. They should make an announcement reminding everyone to form two lines and wait until everyone is outside to light the sparklers. This will prevent half the guests from lighting the sparklers immediately and having them burn out before the exit line is formed.
Make sure the couple is ready to leave before lighting the sparklers. Say your goodbyes to your family first and then light the sparklers. Avoid getting stuck talking to relatives or friends as this will result in a tunnel of smoke. This is another reason why you might opt to mock exit earlier in the night.
MC doing his thing on dancefloor
Create a Wide Tunnel
Instruct guests to hold the sparklers up high and have a wide enough tunnel for the couple to walk down. Walking down a path of fire and sparks is dangerous, especially if the bride is wearing a flammable dress and has a lot of hair spray. A wide gap will ensure everyone’s safety.
Be Safe and don’t run!
Don’t light a bunch of sparklers together. Doing so can cause a mini explosion and embers can fly everywhere, potentially burning someone. Also, your time walking through the tunnel. It’s better to walk, stop for a kiss, say goodbye to friends, and look at each other. Running will make the moment feel over too quickly, and running around flames isn’t smart!
It’s also smart to organise multiple buckets of water, and have the venue spread them out where you’re plannig on doing your exit – that way no random sparks from otherise dead sparklers won’t get anyone into any trouble.
First dance with fireworks at Adelaide Hilton Hotel
Think about who’s at the end of the wedding sparkler exit
Some might have your parents at the end of the tunnel so they can be the last people you say goodbye to, or whomever really – could be your dog? That’d be cute! Give them a farewell hug and kiss, it’s just a nice way to end your night.
Have Fun
Enjoy the exit! Dance, jump, sing, and kiss. Be in the moment with your family and friends and do whatever you want. Don’t worry about the camera or posing, just have fun and soak it in!
Bride and groom kissing at end of sparkler run
These tips will help you plan an awesome wedding sparkler exit. With a little planning and preparation, you can make this moment unforgettable.
Unfortunately one of the worst things that can happen to a creative sole trading business like SvenStudios happened last week, where all of our accounts related and linked to Facebook came under attack by a malicious third party.
I woke up to my mother in law frantically texting about inappropriate images appearing on my personal Facebook wall which in turn caused my accounts to all become disabled due to facebook policy. Looking at my emails it seems as though someone gained access to my business page and 6 minutes later all my accounts were disabled.
On the surface this seems like a reasonable thing for Facebook to do in order to protect users from horrible images that should not exist, and it’s pretty amazing it only took 6 minutes of them being posted to take them down. So well done to them.
However this takedown has also caused an automatic ban of all accounts linked to my personal account. This means my business Facebook page – which had 2.5k followers. My SvenStudios Instagram, which had 14k followers and also my other project pages and instagrams relating to StevenDuncanART.
Facebook disabled
Impossible to reactivate Facebook disabled accounts due to Policy
You’d think surely an organisation like Facebook would be caught up in this sort of thing rather often right? Should be an easy fix – their automated takedown of illicit material was needed, so all they need to do is reverse it while removing the material yeah? Wrong.
It turns out that Facebook, and Meta do not believe in customer service and would rather outsource all customer relations to Artificial Intelligence – ‘AI’. Any thing and everything you interact with when you seek out help direct from Facebook is AI.
There is a review process in place in order to keep the AI in check for any inevitible blunders which is – or used to be staffed by real people. However when trying to make use of the review service one is merely greeted with ‘We can’t Rewview the Decision to disable your account’
unable to review
New SvenStudios Social Media Accounts
Doing research around the web, and Reddit, the chances of having my accounts restored seems pretty bleak and pretty impossible to achieve. The only success stories for people in my situation have been people who know someone who works directly for Facebook. One example is handxmade who kind of got thier acocunts back, but not eithout firends help.
I have reported the hack and use of my accounts and posting of illigal images to the Police which I hope maybe in their contacts can achieve something positive, but Facebook has already done everything in their power to protect the innocent from their view, the disabling of my acocunts is simply collateral damage which is none of their concern.
if Facebook and INstagram werent as important for a photography business to operate, I would not have bothered with recreating my acocunts – however they most certainly are important, so you will find my new SvenStudios facebook page at https://facebook.com/svenstudiosphotography/ and my new instagram page at https://instagram.com/svenstudiosweddings/ Eventually once the original pages are taken down (as my onl Facebook page is still visible) I should be able to reclaim the original URLs.
There may be a slim chance for my Facebook Disabled accounts to be returned to me – but at the moment by the looks of the finality of any correspondance I have with Facebook – chances are slim. I’ll of course update this if anything changes.
Congratulations on your engagement! You have finally taken that big step, and now the fun begins. The months ahead will bring lots of excitement as you plan every detail of your wedding day. But with so much to do leading up to the big event, it’s no wonder many couples feel overwhelmed at times!
From the typical questions like “When should we send out our save-the-dates?” and “What kind of flowers will I need for my centerpieces?”, to the not-so-typical ones like “Who should pay for what when it comes to the rehearsal dinner?” – there’s a lot to think about, so I’ve put together this lovely organised wedding planning checklist to help you out!
While you can always ask your wedding planner or Google whatever is on your mind, I’ve rounded up all – or a lot of the questions you might have in one place so that throughout your planning process, you can refer back to this wedding planning checklist and feel confident that you’re on track.
So, whether you’re just getting started or are in the thick of things, here’s everything you need to bring your dream wedding to life.
Bride and groom surrounded by yellow foliage
12 Months Out Wedding Planning Checklist
Have A Realistic Budget
While it’s true that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, it’s also true that it will cost you a lot to host a wedding. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead and set a budget.
The first thing to do is to determine how much money you’re willing to spend on your dream wedding. It can be tough, especially if you’ve only been dating for a few months, but try to envision how you’d like your special day to look and feel and then try to estimate how much money that would cost.
Then think about what parts of the wedding are truly non-negotiable—your dress, the food, the venue—and add some extra money just in case. You’ll want a little wiggle room when it comes time to send out those save-the-date cards!
You may be surprised at how much some wedding vendors cost, after all did you know the AVERAGE wedding in Australia hovers around the $35-40k mark? Thats a lot of money! As a wedding photographer I know that many people an=llocate up to 30% of their entire budget on wedding photography costs.
Make a Guest List
This will be determined by a number of factors—your budget, your venue’s capacity, and how many people you’re willing to have in your wedding party. Once you’ve figured out those basics, then it’s time to start making some tough decisions about who gets an invite and who doesn’t. Family members can be tricky (you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings!) but try to remember that at the end of the day this is YOUR day, and you should invite the people that mean the most to you.
Moreover, be reminded that wedding venues often have minimums, so if you’re planning on inviting 50 people, it doesn’t make sense to pay for the 100-person venue. Make sure everyone who’s really important to you and your fiancé will be invited before adding in anyone else— it’s all about prioritizing!
Have a Professional Wedding Planner
This isn’t for everyone, but if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of planning your own wedding (or don’t have anyone else to help out), it might be worth considering hiring a professional. Wedding planners can often get discounts at vendors and venues, which means they could save you money in the long run. They’ll also handle all the nitty-gritty details on your big day so that you can relax and enjoy yourself! After all, your wedding is a celebration of your love, not another stressful to-do list!
Decide on the Formality and Overall Theme
Ahh, the fun part. This is often one of the first things couples think about when they start wedding planning, but it’s actually not that important in the grand scheme of things. Whether you want a formal or informal affair should be based on what will make YOU and YOUR GUESTS most comfortable. If everyone would have more fun at a backyard BBQ than a stuffy ballroom reception, then go for the relaxed vibe!
The same goes for your overall theme – if you’re not into “theme” weddings, don’t force it just because someone told you it would be cute (trust me, I’ve seen some cringe-worthy results).
The important thing is that you’ll be married at the end of the day, so focus on what will make that happen as seamlessly and stress-free as possible. From a logistics standpoint, it’s usually easier to go with a more formal wedding since there are fewer variables to worry about (food/drink, music, decorations, etc.). But if you have your heart set on a certain type of ceremony or reception, then by all means go for it! It’s YOUR wedding after all. 🙂
Select the Venue & Caterer
Once you’ve got a good idea of what kind of wedding you want, it’s time to start thinking about where it will take place. If you’re having a formal affair, then chances are you’ll need to rent out a banquet hall or similar type of venue. For more casual weddings, there are tons of great outdoor locations that can save you money on rental fees (just make sure to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate!).
And don’t forget about the food! Whether you opt for full-service catering or just some finger foods and drinks, be sure to choose something that fits both your budget and your guest list.
The most important thing is not to stress too much over the details – at the end of the day, as long as you’re married to the love of your life, everything else is just icing on the cake.
Bride and groom on old Adelaide Police Barracks
11 Months Out Wedding Planning Checklist
Choose a Color Theme and Start Thinking of Overall Design
Once you’ve figured out your date, location, and guest list, it’s time to start thinking about the overall design of your wedding. Your color palette is one of the first elements you’ll want to decide on – this will also help you pick bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and other decorations that fit both your personality and your budget. Keep in mind that darker colors can actually make spaces feel more intimate (and less expensive!), while lighter colors tend to make spaces feel airy and open.
If you’re not sure where to start with color, consider bringing a few photos of locations or Pinterest boards with you when meeting with vendors – they may have some suggestions based on their experience working in similar venues.
Consider Staffing Quick-Booking Vendors, Such as the Photographer, Orchestra, DJ and the Videographer
While you may be tempted to save money by hiring vendors who are still looking for bookings, keep in mind that these professionals are usually popular for a reason – they’re good at what they do! Not only will booking early ensure that you get the best possible price from these professional services, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your vendor team is already locked in and ready to help make your wedding day perfect.
Wedding cake on display at Hilton Adelaide
10 Months Out To Do List
Start Shopping for Your Wedding Dress
The Hunt Begins! Yes, it’s finally time to start shopping for your wedding dress! If you don’t already have a good idea of what style you want, schedule some appointments with different bridal boutiques and try on as many dresses as possible. It can be helpful to bring along a few photos of dresses you like (or even better, links to specific gowns online) so that the salespeople can get an idea of your taste. Also, be sure to ask about alteration fees when trying on gowns – this will help you budget for any necessary changes down the road.
Reservation of Hotel Room Blocks for All Your Wedding Guests
If you’re having a destination wedding or your guests are coming from out of town, it’s a nice gesture to book hotel-room blocks at one or more local hotels. Not only will this help ensure that your guests have a place to stay, but blocking rooms usually comes with perks like discounted rates and sometimes even complimentary breakfast! You can typically reserve room blocks by contacting the hotel directly – just be sure to do so well in advance (at least 6 months), as popular wedding dates often fill up quickly.
Take Engagement Photos
This is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day – and it’s also a fun activity that you can do together! Be sure to pick a photographer whose style you love and try to schedule your session for a time when you know the lighting at your venue will be similar. This will help make sure that your photos match the overall feel of your wedding.
Start Looking at Invitations
Traditionally, invitations go out six to eight weeks before the wedding, so now’s a good time to start browsing stationery. If you’re not big on DIY projects, there are plenty of great sites that offer beautiful (and customizable) pre-made Invitations suites that will save you both time and money in the long run. Plus, if you’ve already got your heart set on a particular design or style, getting started early will give you ample time to track down those hard-to-find elements.
Carrying her in front of sunset
9 Months Out
Buy Your Wedding Dress
Wedding dresses can take up to six months to be produced, so it’s best to start shopping early. When you go to your first appointment, bring a few photos of styles you like and a friend (or two) whose opinion you trust. Once you find the one, you’ll need to leave a deposit and schedule fittings. If your dress needs a lot of alterations, plan on making at least three trips to the tailor before your big day.
Send Save the Dates
This matters because the sooner you let your guests know about the date of your wedding, the better. This way, they can save the date and make sure that they are available to attend. Send out your save-the dates as soon as possible so that your guests have plenty of time to plan accordingly.
bridesmaids helping sort out wedding dress
8 Months Out
Register for Gifts
Be sure to register for gifts at least 7 to 8 months in advance of your wedding date. This will give your guests plenty of time to shop and ensure that you get the items you really want. Most couples register for household items like dishes, towels, and small appliances, but feel free to include anything else you think you might need or want, like camping gear or a new set of golf clubs. And don’t forget to take advantage of any registry completion discounts offered by stores – these can help offset the cost of purchasing the remaining items on your own.
Choose the Bridesmaids’ Attire and Arrange Fittings for the Following Month
Once you have your venue and date booked, it’s time to start thinking about what your bridesmaids will wear. It can take some time to find the right style and color for each of your girls, so start early and allow at least two months for the ordering process. Be sure to schedule fittings well in advance of the big day so that any necessary alterations can be made long before the wedding.
Meet With Potential Florists
Your wedding flowers will play a big role in setting the overall tone and style of your big day, so it’s important to find a florist you click with early on in the planning process. Schedule consultations with a few different vendors – they’ll each have their own unique vision for your wedding, and you can start narrowing down which floral designs fit best with the rest of your plans.
And be sure to ask about things like delivery fees, set-up costs, and whether or not they offer discounts for ordering certain types or quantities of flowers.
bridal bouquet
7 Months Out Wedding Planning Checklist
Book the Rehearsal-Dinner Venue
Depending on your wedding venue, you may have to book a separate location for the rehearsal dinner. In that case, this is a good time to start looking into options in your area. If you’re not sure where you want to have the dinner, ask some friends and family members who live in town if they have any recommendations. You can often score great deals by booking venues during the off-season since they won’t be as busy.
Hire the Ceremony Musicians
If you’re having a religious ceremony, you’ll need to hire musicians for the ceremony. This includes an organist and/or other musicians depending on the type of service and your personal preferences. If it’s not a religious ceremony, consider hiring a string quartet or solo musician to play during the prelude, processional, interludes and recessional.
Hire an Celebrant
Hiring an officiant is one of the most important parts of wedding planning, yet it’s often overlooked. Make sure to find someone who is not only licensed to perform marriages in your state, but also somebody you feel comfortable with and who shares your vision for the perfect ceremony. Once you’ve found the right person, schedule a meeting to discuss all the details and finalize things like readings, vows, and any special traditions you want to include.
Celebrant running things
6 Months Out
Hire a Lighting Technician
Having a professional manage your lighting can really make a difference in the overall look and feel of your event. Up lighting can transform any room into something truly magical, while carefully positioned lights can help to create an intimate atmosphere. If you’re working with a tight budget, ask your venue if they have any in-house lighting technicians that you could use for the evening. Otherwise, there are plenty of great freelance options out there who would be more than happy to work with you to create your perfect vision.
bride and groom under blue lights and smoke
5 Months Out
Book Transportation for Guests, If Needed
If you’re getting married somewhere where guests will need to travel, like a destination wedding or at a venue out of town for many of your guests, consider booking a shuttle bus to transport people from the airport or their hotels to the venue and back again. It’s best if you can offer this service for free, but if you can’t pay for it yourself, ask if any of your friends and family would be willing to chip in. Then all they’ll have to worry about is showing up on time!
Book the Newlyweds’ Transportation (Limo, Specialty Car, etc.) In Advance
While the bride and groom should be the only two people to arrive at the ceremony in a limo or fancy car, it is often customary for the newlyweds to leave together in style. This can be anything from a sports car to a horse-drawn carriage, depending on your budget and personal style. If you’re thinking of going this route, make sure you book your mode of transportation early – otherwise, someone else may beat you to it!
Buy or Rent the Groom’s Tuxedo
It’s never too early to start shopping for wedding outfits, especially if you’re getting married in a high-demand season. However, most people don’t even think about the groom until much later on in the planning process. If you see something you like, snap it up! That way you’ll have time to get your tuxedo fitted so that it looks great on the big day. Of course, if budget is an issue for you and your guy, you can always rent the tux instead.
If that’s the case, make sure to reserve yours and your groomsmen’s tuxes as quickly as possible so that they have time to do any tailoring and alterations necessary.
Groom and page boy suit
4 Months Out
Choose Your Cake
You’ll probably want to choose a wedding cake that fits your venue and theme, but don’t forget about the most important part – the taste! Whether you decide to go with a traditional white cake or something more exotic (like chocolate or carrot), make sure you do a tasting first. This will allow you to talk with different bakers and see what their specialty is.
If you’re having trouble finding someone in your budget who can make exactly what you want, consider getting an approximate replica made by one bakery and adding small touches like flowers or other decorations from another bakery.
Hair and Makeup Trial
A hair and makeup trial can be a great way to test out different looks for your wedding day. The best thing about this is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home! If you’re not sure what style you want, try going online and looking at some pictures of brides. You might even find one whose hairstyle or makeup look like yours.
Wedding cake set up at Krystal Function centre
3 Months Out
Order the Invitations and Hire a Calligrapher
Once you have the details of the wedding nailed down, you can send out the invitations! Don’t wait too long to order them, though, or else you’ll have to pay for expedited shipping. Also be sure to order extra: You’ll want at least one for your own keepsake box and another for any guests that don’t RSVP.
Create or Plan Your Menu
Your menu should be created with your venue in mind. You will want to take into account the time of day, whether or not people will be sitting down, and what type of atmosphere you are trying to create. If you are having a formal sit-down dinner, you will need to choose between a plated meal or buffet style. Plated meals are more expensive but can often be seen as more elegant. Buffets are less expensive and give your guests the opportunity to mingle more during the event.
For smaller weddings or those held at lunchtime, hors d’oeuvres may suffice instead of a full meal. Your menu will also need to be appropriate for the season, as well as your venue. A catered event in Australia in July is not well-suited to a heavy stew and mashed potatoes, and an outdoor wedding in Melbourne in November can benefit from a hot cocoa bar instead of ice cream sundaes.
Brainstorm Guest Favors and Gift Bags
After you’ve decided on the menu, it’s time to start thinking about guest favors and gift bags. These are optional, of course, but they can be a nice way to thank your guests for coming and give them a little something to remember the day by. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try looking online or even in party stores for inspiration.
Book a Photo-Booth Rental
Photo booths are a fun and popular way to get your guests involved in your wedding and create memories that last. What better way to have pictures of all the people at your wedding than to send them home with instant photos they can keep? They also make great gifts for parents, grandparents or anyone else who couldn’t make it to the wedding.
Write Your Vows
This is probably the most important part of the whole wedding (besides actually getting married, obviously). You can have a beautiful venue, gorgeous decorations and delicious food, but none of that will matter if you don’t spend some time on what you’re actually saying to your future spouse. Start by thinking about how you want to feel during the ceremony – romantic? Funny? Comfortable? Once you get an idea of what kind of tone you want to set for your day, it should be easy to come up with something that fits both your personalities.
Have the Wedding Officiant Invited to the Rehearsal Dinner
Once you’ve decided on the type of ceremony you’d like and booked your officiant, it’s time to invite him or her to the rehearsal dinner. This is not only a nice gesture but will also give you a chance to go over any final details for the big day. If your officiant is comfortable with it, ask if they wouldn’t mind saying a few words at the dinner – this can be a great way to get everyone even more excited for the wedding!
Photobooth users
2 Months Out Wedding Planning Checklist
Send the Wedding Invitations
The guest list is finished, the wedding invitations are printed, and you’re ready to start sending them out. When should you send your wedding invitations? Most experts would suggest that you should mail them out about three months before the big day. After all, finalizing the guest list and mailing out invitations is a lot of work.
Pick Up Your Marriage License
Believe it or not, you can’t just show up to your ceremony and expect to be legally married – you need to pick up a marriage license first! Each state has different requirements for obtaining a license, so be sure to do some research ahead of time. In most cases, you’ll need to apply in person at the county clerk’s office (Sometimes this can even be done online). You may also need things like proof of identity, proof of residency, and sometimes even blood tests. Once you have your license in hand, all that’s left is the big day!
Buy Wedding-Party Gifts
The next step is to buy wedding-party gifts. This includes the bridal party, groomsmen, parents, and anyone else who played a major role in your big day. Gifts can be anything from jewelry to personalized keepsakes. Thank them for their help and support with something that will make them smile every time they think of you on your special day.
Buy All Small Items
You have a lot of small items that you will need to buy for your wedding and that’s why having an organized wedding supply checklist is so important. If it is not included in the venue, you will need to rent or buy chairs, dishes, table linens and decorations. These things can add up very quickly. Many couples try to save money by purchasing these items from discount stores, but this can be risky.
Wedding favour in small plastic box
1 Month Out
Assemble Gift Bags
While not mandatory, gift bags are a great way to make your guests feel welcome. Fill the bags with plenty of useful items such as sunscreen, Advil and bottled water. You can also include some fun stuff like local snacks, candies or souvenirs. Our guests really appreciated the extra effort.
Pay Your Vendors in Full
Remember that you’ll have to pay your vendors in full before the wedding, so be sure to take that into account when figuring out your budget. If you’re unsure of how much you’ll need to spend, it’s a good idea to set aside at least half of the total amount due when planning for this expense. For example – if you’re planning an elaborate wedding with lots of flowers, you’ll probably want to set aside around $600-$700 for florists and designers. Keep in mind that these are just estimates based on average prices.
You Can Order or Customize Your Place & Escort Cards
Your guests may not realize it, but escort cards are a huge help for them. Not only do they let you know where to sit, but they also tell you what table to head to so you can meet up with your friends and family. Place cards take that one step further, letting each guest know exactly where to sit at the table.
Break in Your Wedding Shoes
So, the big day is finally here, and you’ve got your wedding all planned out. Your dress has been fitted, the guest list has been finalized and seating arrangements have been made. You’re feeling good and ready to take on whatever challenges might come your way—but wait! There’s one problem: You haven’t broken in your shoes yet. Now, don’t panic—we know that’s a lot of information at once! But if you’re worried about being uncomfortable while walking down the aisle or dancing with friends later on in evening then there are ways to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Bridal shoes
Hopefully our wedding planning checklist has given you a better idea of what needs to be done and when. Just remember to take things one step at a time, and enjoy the ride!
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.
First dance at Krystal Function Center wedding reception
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.
National wine center wedding Exit under sparklers
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.
Wedding shoes lined up
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.
bride and groom with bridal party and cars
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.
Lightning
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!
Mollydooker wines food
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.
Do you want to take some good-looking wedding photos? Well, of course you do! Weddings are one of the most precious days for all couples, and if you’re a wedding photographer, it’s your job to capture all the best moments on that day. Thus, it’ll be your responsibility to create an album that couples will love and cherish for the rest of their lives!
And in this article, you can read the best tips for taking the perfect wedding photo.
5 Tips For Taking The Perfect Wedding Photo
Research The Venue
From the time the couple has called you to become their official wedding photographer, you should start doing your work by researching the venue. Check out the location and see how you can utilize it to take some stunning shots.
You should visit the venue at least once before the big day to see if the outdoor space of the venue can be used for capturing some post-wedding shots. It also allows you to scout the venue and list the different shooting scenarios that might need to deal with. Also, don’t forget to check how the lighting conditions change in the venue day and night.
Drone shot of Glanville Hall
Get To Know The Couple
You should spend time getting to know your clients during your initial meetings. Ask them a couple of questions like how they met or how long they’ve been together. You can use their answers as inspiration for covering their wedding.
If possible, ask them to hire you as their prenup photographer as well. It can provide an opportunity for the couple to be comfortable with you and vice versa, which is crucial as the big day comes. Additionally, it also allows you to figure out their best angles for taking pictures that are photo frame-worthy.
You might also want to use this opportunity to give them some insights and information on how they should preserve their wedding photos by putting them on picture frames. Give them recommendations and ask them to use this link to get high-quality and good-looking picture frames.
Laughing bride and groom amongst ivy
Test Your Gear In Advance
It’s also important that you test your gear in advance to ensure that they are in good working condition before you go to the venue and take great wedding photos.
Don’t forget to pack all the gear you need for the task, such as a tripod, several camera lenses, external flashes, spare batteries, memory cards, etc. If the photo is taken indoors, you might want to bring some lighting equipment. I personally just take everything I have to every wedding! I even have a submersable drone if anyone ever wants to go swimming?
And if you’ve done your research and scouted the venue beforehand, you can be better prepared to deal with different shooting scenarios you might encounter throughout the day. For that reason, it’s always a good idea to bring all the necessary equipment you’ll need for the job.
Waterfall wedding photographer Hobart
Consider Bringing An Assistant With You
Depending on the wedding. capturing every detail of a wedding might be impossible if you don’t have someone to assist you. You may be covering a wedding with lots of dancing, movement, and excitement, so you’ll also need another professional photographer to help you with managing the lights and capturing other wedding scenes that you’d miss if you’re alone.
It’s a good idea to get an assistant photographer with you. You can either have them carry around your gear or ask him to capture other parts of the wedding while you focus on the main events. Or you can do what I do and ask them to focus on creating video.
Darwin’s Pride rock
Create A Shot List
Couples these days prefer hiring professional photographers who can document their entire wedding. Every couple wishes to look back at their wedding photos after a couple of years and be reminded of how everything was perfect on that day.
Creating a shot list can work against the whole natural flow of a wedding – but it can help ensure that you capture all the most important shots ou may forget, such as:
The groom’s first look as her bride enters the venue
Be sure to ask the couple, their family, friends, and guests for any specific shots they want and list them all down.
A photographer who prepares in advance knows the best camera settings and has a creative mind to come up with unique wedding photoshoot ideas that can capture the best wedding photos that couples will surely cherish for their entire lives. We hope you can use these tips in taking the perfect wedding photos and help you with your next photography shoot.
