Last-minute wedding details that are always forgotten! Don’t miss these last-minute wedding essentials. Details you might forget in the wedding hustle. Check off these last-minute wedding items from your list. Last-Minute Wedding Details You Can’t Forget.
So many little details and moving parts on your wedding day! It’s pretty easy to get overwhelmed!
Not to worry! We’ve rounded up a quick and easy list that you can literally copy and paste so you can keep handy on your phone!
This list is something you check 24-48 hours before your wedding. Definitely the top 10 last-minute wedding details worth remembering!
This list assumes that you have already made all your final payments to your wedding vendors. As a vendor ourselves, our payments are due 20-30 days before the wedding. Or a scheduled pre-authorized payment through a credit card will automatically go through.
Having these pre-authorized payments on specific dates will save you last-minute *worries* and reminders. Clear all your payments 1-2 weeks before the wedding.
Last-minute Wedding Details that are Always Forgotten
Distribute the wedding day timeline
Create a detailed day-of timeline and distribute it to your wedding party, vendors, and any key individuals involved in the ceremony and reception.
We’re including this here as a reminder, but truthfully, you should send these accordingly to all parties involved 1 week before the wedding, so if there are any questions, they can bring them up to you and you have time to address them accordingly and you can go over it with them at the rehearsal dinner.
In this timeline, ensure that you are clear about who’s assigned to what. This will also serve as their checklist.
RELATED: HOW TO MAKE A DAY-OF WEDDING TIMELINE
Marriage Licence
Make sure your marriage license is signed and safely stored after the ceremony. Assign someone responsible to keep track of it, as it’s an essential legal document.
Cash & Credit Card
Having extra cash in your mini purse “just in case” is always helpful. You’ll never know when you’ll need to tip vendors, or there will be a surprise transaction, however big or small, having cash, and a credit card is a “safety net.”
Keep a cute mini, slim cardholder with you to hold your cash and credit card!
PRO TIP: You can purchase a reloadable credit card, where you can load $100-200. This way, you won’t need to carry your “real” credit card and risk losing it or being compromised.
When you purchase a reloadable credit card, you can always use it afterward!
Emergency Kit (last-minute wedding details that are always forgotten)
There is a “full” version of this kit, and also, there is a “mini” version. Your bridal party or coordinator will usually carry the “full kit,” but having a “mini” one with you, whether it be where you are sitting at the reception, will be helpful so you can have access to it right away!
RELATED: WHAT TO PUT IN A WEDDING EMERGENCY KIT
This mostly includes pain relievers and antihistamines. The top 2 things that you need the moment you need them!
If necessary, pack overnight bags for the night of the wedding, including clothes for the next day and any necessary toiletries. If you’re heading to a hotel or another location, make sure the bags are easily accessible.
Save vendor contacts
If you are working with a coordinator, they should have all these in their contact list. Your vendors will also be only calling your coordinator on your wedding day! The weight is off your shoulders if you are working with a coordinator!
But if you are not working with a coordinator, ensure to save the contact details for your vendors on your phone.
If you are working with a photographer, and there is some travel needed for your photos or in-between activities (ceremony & reception), having their phone number on speed dial will be helpful, just in case!
If you can find contacts faster, the less you feel frazzled and stressed!
If you have a person in your bridal party who will be managing your calls on that day, speed dials with clear contact names and details will make it easier for them to know who’s calling and who to call, just in case.
RELATED: WHAT TO DO THE MORNING OF YOUR WEDDING DAY
Personal items and other accessories
Make a list of personal items you need on the wedding day, such as your vows, any sentimental accessories, or special heirlooms.
PRO TIP: This should also be included in your wedding day timeline and is already assigned to someone in your family or bridal party to ensure these won’t be forgotten.
This can include chargers, battery packs, and even a pack of your favorite tissue! There’s nothing worse than using a tissue that you hate on your wedding day!
Another thing to include here is your thank you speech. Sure, they are most likely already on your phone, but if your phone dies, then what? Having a printed version of things is always a great backup.
Are you doing sparklers at the end of the night? Where are the sparklers now? Who’s taking care of them?
Gift “safe”
Receiving monetary gifts on your wedding day? Pack a “gift safe”! You can’t miss this last-minute wedding detail!
This does not need to be a literal “safe” but a container or bag where you will put all the envelopes.
You can also assign the care of this to someone. But having a designated “safe” for the monetary gifts will make it easier for you to look for and guard it if need be.
Make “just in case” notes for your point person
You probably know what can “possibly” go wrong. Whether these notes are for your point person or wedding coordinator, or even the venue, this will come in handy.
It will save you from receiving questions and inquiries on the day of your wedding!
For example, you know who will most likely drink too much. Have a “just in case” plan for that and relay it to your point person.
For example, if you know someone who might need extra help with something, especially about accessibility, to communicate this to your venue and point person.
Another great example is “just in case” you have kids at your wedding, and they start throwing a fit, have a chat with your venue coordinator, and find a “space” where the parents and this kid can go and calm down without disrupting the wedding.
Back-up shoes (last-minute wedding details that are always forgotten)
Whether it be your dancing shoes or just your “comfy flats,” always have something handy!
One of my faves is the foldable ones from Tieks!
Back-up Outfits
Worst case, you get a spill that won’t come off or something rips; you might want to pack in extra outfits.
This includes your undergarment and a backup dress.
A backup dress doesn’t have to be extravagant, but something good enough to wear at your wedding and can be “re-used” in the future or at other events.
This backup dress can also be your “morning after the wedding” dress!
Meals (couple & vendors)
Don’t forget to arrange meals for your vendors, such as photographers, musicians, and planners. They’ll be working hard all day and will appreciate a meal to keep their energy up.
Often, the bride and groom are so busy they forget to eat. Arrange for a small meal or snacks to be set aside for you to enjoy during the day.
Set up “out of office” and “away” autoresponders
If you have a point person for your wedding, this is a good time to set up your “away” autoresponders to direct all inquiries to them.
If you haven’t, don’t forget to also set up your work email with “out of office.” The sooner you set this up (2-3 days before!), the easier it is for you to detach from other things and focus on enjoying your wedding!
Have a rehearsal dinner (last-minute wedding details that are always forgotten)
Especially if you have a big immediate family, having a rehearsal dinner will help you closely interact with everyone and thank them for being part of your life and wedding journey.
PRO TIP: If you would like them to say a toast or a few things, rehearsal dinner can facilitate this better as everyone in the family can actually relate to the stories and jokes.
RELATED: WEDDING REHEARSAL PLANNING: WHAT IS IT FOR?
Inside jokes and family stories tend to be personal, and when done in a bigger setting with other guests, it might be hard for everyone to relate.
Get some speeches in at your rehearsal dinner and still have them make quick toasts on the wedding day!
SIDE NOTE: Instead of giving gifts to your bridal party or parents or family on the actual wedding day, consider getting this done at the rehearsal dinner. Especially if you are working with a tight schedule on your wedding day.
Do a “final” pow-wow with your point person
Have a final chat with your point person or wedding coordinator.
Double-check that ceremony programs and any necessary signage (such as seating charts or welcome signs) are printed, packed, and ready to be set up at the venue.
Confirm all reception decor details, like centerpieces, table numbers, and place cards. Make sure everything is packed and that someone is responsible for setting them up.
Wedding favors are often forgotten until the last minute. Ensure they’re prepared, organized, and ready for distribution at the reception.
Double-check transportation details for the bridal party, family, and guests, especially if shuttles or hired cars are involved. Make sure everyone knows the schedule and locations.
Ensure all final payments and tips for vendors are prepared and scheduled. Assign someone to handle this on the wedding day to avoid last-minute stress.
From here on, they should have enough information to make decisions and provide directions/guidance/instructions to vendors, guests, and family/relatives.
Once you have “passed the baton” to your point person or wedding coordinator, you also might want to consider “letting go” and start enjoying your wedding day!
PRO TIP: You can also do a “gratitude journaling session” to get all those good vibes through and start feeling extra inspired!
