The Most Forgotten Things on a Wedding Day: Essentials You Don’t Want to Overlook
Weddings are filled with details. Add in a couple of excited and (understandably) stressed-out people; sometimes, small essentials get left behind. As a destination wedding photographer, I do far more than just capture beautiful moments—I’ve sewn bridal dresses and fixed bouquets, and I’m the go-to person for pinning boutonnieres for groomsmen about 90% of the time! Some friends even joke that I should be a wedding planner, but for me, capturing memories will always come first.
After years of working having a front-row seat to all that happens at weddings, and also after becoming a bride this past year, I’ve noticed a few common things that tend to be forgotten.
So, here’s my list of the things not to forget on your wedding day, along with some often-overlooked items that every couple will want to have at their wedding. Feel free to bookmark this post; I constantly add new insights as my experiences (and anecdotes) pile up!
Versión en español aquí.
Wedding Day Transportation Plans
It sounds simple, but wedding day transportation is one of those small details that can be overlooked in the rush of wedding day excitement. If you’re moving between venues, double-check your transportation arrangements to ensure there’s enough room for everyone, including your wedding party.
Also, if you’re leaving for your honeymoon straight from the reception, make sure your luggage also has a ride to the airport or hotel!
THE BRIDAL VEIL
The veil is one of the most forgotten wedding accessories! Brides often leave it at home or with their family, only to realize it’s missing just before the ceremony.
To avoid last-minute stress, store your veil alongside your dress so that both items make it to the wedding venue together. And don’t forget to let your hair and makeup artist know if you’ll be wearing a veil—they can help secure it beautifully before they leave.
Comfortable Shoes for Dancing
Brides often focus on finding the perfect bridal heels but overlook the need for comfortable flats or sandals for dancing. After standing, walking, and posing for hours, you’ll be glad to have a change of shoes ready.
After 15 years of watching bridal shoe wins and fails, for my own wedding, I ended up buying these professional ballroom dance shoes, and let me tell you, they were an epic hit! They didn't irritate my feet, were very comfortable, felt very safe, and most importantly, I didn't need to take them off on the entire evening!
A Rain Backup Plan
For weddings in the Caribbean, having a rain backup plan is essential.
Outdoor weddings are dreamy, but Caribbean weather can be unpredictable, especially during rainy season. Even if you’d rather not think about rain, having a backup plan can prevent stress if you need to make a quick change.
A Master Wedding Day Timeline, Printed and Distributed with Key People
A master wedding day timeline keeps all the little details running smoothly. Include every event and vendor, from hair and makeup start times to transportation and reception details.
It’s a good idea to provide your wedding party and family members with a printed copy of the day’s schedule, especially if it includes key moments like the ceremony, family photos, and speeches. This will keep everyone organized and help avoid missed moments.
Sharing this with your entire wedding team before the wedding day can ensure no one is left in the dark about when and where to be, and will make sure you have enough time for everything, including your wedding photography.
I’ve seen delays in hair and makeup that cut into photo time or even missed champagne toasts because flutes weren’t filled.
Trust me—having a well-organized timeline makes everything smoother, even if it is a small wedding!
A Decorative Wedding Dress Hanger
Bringing a decorative hanger for your wedding dress is one of those forgotten essentials that can make a big difference in your photos. Most dresses come with a simple plastic or wire hanger that doesn’t do justice to the gown’s elegance. A decorative bridal hanger will elevate those getting-ready shots!
Groom and Groomsmen Accessories
Grooms and groomsmen often forget the little details. Here are some most forgotten wedding details for them:
- Boutonnieres: These are usually handed out with bouquets. If everyone is getting ready at the same location, assign someone to place the boutonnieres early on.
- Cufflinks and Ties: Be prepared with backup clip-on ties or bowties, especially if someone is nervous about tying one.
- Undershirts: Outdoor weddings can get hot! Make sure the groom and groomsmen have undershirts to prevent sweat showing through.
- Socks and Shoes: Don’t let the men forget their socks! Many rental packages don’t include them, so ensure everyone brings their own.
An Emergency Kit with Wedding Day Essentials
A wedding emergency kit is a lifesaver for handling unexpected mishaps. Here’s a list of things to remember for your wedding:
- Deodorant
- Scissors
- Nail clippers and file
- Stain remover
- Feminine hygiene products
- Sewing kit (with thread to match wedding party colors)
- Pain relievers and medications for upset stomach
You can buy pre-made kits, but check to make sure they include everything you might need!
WRITING YOUR WEDDING VOWS IN PAPER
On your wedding day, your phone will be flooded with notifications, and it’s easy to overlook your vows amidst the excitement. A physical copy ensures you’re prepared if your phone battery dies or you cannot retrieve it quickly. A cute vow book adds a beautiful touch to your wedding photos!
Definitely have a backup of your vows on your cellphone, but have them written on paper, or a cute vow book, along with any details you may need to retrieve from your smartphone throughout the day (example: vendor phone numbers, wedding itinerary, etc.).
A Phone Charger or Portable Battery
Between all the candid photos, emotional texts from friends, and music, your phone battery might drain quickly. Keeping a portable charger in your essentials bag is one of those forgotten wedding day details that can make all the difference.
The Wedding Cake Knife and Server Set
Believe it or not, most wedding venues don’t provide a cake-cutting knife and spatula! Always check with your cake vendor, venue, or caterer to see if they’ll give this or if you need to bring one yourself.
A Designated Person for Gathering Gifts and Keepsakes
It’s easy to get swept away by the celebration and overlook forgotten wedding essentials like keeping track of gifts, cards, and small keepsakes. Assign someone you trust to gather these items and make sure nothing important gets left behind at the venue.
Breakfast Arrangements, Snacks and Hydration for You and Your Wedding Party
With nerves, excitement, and a busy schedule, it's common for couples to forget to eat before the ceremony. Pack some protein bars, nuts, or fruit and have water bottles on hand. Not only will this keep your energy up, but it will also help you avoid feeling faint during the vows.
On our wedding day, we had the groom and groomsmen in charge of breakfast runs for us. Other options would be putting an order with room service, or arranging a caterer.
Refreshments and Comforts for Guests
Puerto Rico’s warm climate makes it an ideal wedding destination, but it’s important to keep your guests comfortable. Along with a rain backup plan, consider having refreshments like lemonade or water stations and providing fans or cool hand towels.
These small wedding day things will go a long way in ensuring your guests are as comfortable as possible.
Post-Wedding Exit Essentials and Wedding Teardown Team
After an unforgettable day, many couples forget to plan their post-wedding exit. Whether you’re heading straight to your honeymoon or taking a ride back to your hotel, make sure you’ve arranged transportation, packed any overnight bags, and gathered any personal items you’ll need.
You will also want a TTT, a pre-designated Teardown Tactical Team who will stay sober enough to incur in the responsability of helping the planning and venue team to collect and transport all leftover items and belongings from the couple.
On our wedding, my mom had to enlist a group of tired groomsmen to transport dozens of leftover bottles of alcohol, the leftover cake, and apparel and overnight bags. We made it out alive, but please don't leave this out to chance!
Planning your wedding is a journey full of excitement and decision-making. With these most forgotten things on a wedding day in mind, you’re set to create a celebration that flows smoothly, letting you and your guests focus on what matters most: celebrating love.
xo,
Cami
