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Planning

15 Not-So-Obvious Things To Add To Your Wedding Checklist

  |  By Alessia Piccolo
15 Not-So-Obvious Things To Add To Your Wedding Checklist

Prostock-Studio / iStock

The months leading up to your wedding will be filled with making appointments, arrangements, and mind-bending decisions, but it's the last-minute scrambling that can be the most nerve-wracking! Busy with the bigger arrangements like coordinating vendors, decor, and attire, brides tend to overlook smaller details and handy necessities that are often crucial before, during, and after the wedding.

We've compiled a wedding checklist of those not-so-obvious things you'll need to remember to ensure you're completely covered on your big day.

No.
01

Pre-wedding checklist: Prep for your financial future

Set up a joint bank account before your big day, and you'll both face much less hassle down the line. If you have the time, arrange auto-payments for your household expenses, such as your rent or mortgage, utility costs, car payments, groceries, and vacation/leisure. After the honeymoon, you can both relax without worrying about where your money is going, and we'd consider that a major bonus.

Young couple getting advice from financial expert Pekic / iStock

No.
02

Pre-wedding: Confirm, confirm, confirm

Make final confirmations of your appointments with your vendors. Just because you booked the entertainment a month ago, it doesn't mean that something hasn't come up.

The last thing you want is for catering or your florist to not show up on the big day, so make one last round of phone calls and confirm the details down to a tee.

Faceless shot of salesperson in apron surfing laptop standing at working counter with plenty of flowers. primo-piano / iStock

No.
03

Pre-wedding: Pick a cute "getting ready" outfit­

You'll likely be photographed during this time and will want to ditch the ragged old go-to T-shirt. We've seen too many beautiful brides boasting stunning smiles in last weekend's sweatpants, but make it a day to remember with a stylish look while you're getting pampered.

It doesn't have to be fancy, but a chic set, cozy robe, or romantic dress can make all the difference when you look back at the photos.

Bridesmaids helping bride getting dressed for the wedding ceremony FG Trade / Getty Images

No.
04

Pre-wedding: Tip envelopes

Prepare tip envelopes for designated vendors to make your life easier at the end of the wedding night. Since costs and percentages vary widely, you don't want to be scrambling for extra cash at the last moment.

This simple step leaves a positive impression on vendors while ensuring that everyone receives their fair share.

Close-up photo of female hands holding invitation envelope with a wax seal, a gift certificate, a postcard, wedding invitation card Viktoriia Bielik / iStock

No.
05

Pre-wedding: Last-minute love letter

Arrange for a sweet handwritten note to be delivered to your betrothed before the ceremony. Romantic and unexpected, this is what your big day was designed for.

Whether you go into detail or just scribble a few simple words, there's something special about a secret note exchanged between lovers, especially during the hectic moments to come.

Full length shot of young woman sitting on the bedroom floor and writing about her tropical vacation in her diary. Photographs are scattered in front of her. fotostorm / iStock

No.
06

Wedding day checklist: Snacks

Have snacks on hand for your bridal party between the ceremony and reception to keep the stomach rumbles to a minimum. Once things are in order, don't underestimate how difficult it can be to hunt down snacks and beverages for your entire brigade, even with a couple of hours to spare.

Instead of having your BFF chase down the snack cart or dial a delivery service last minute, have an assortment of tasty treats ready to go in the fridge or pre-ordered.

Cropped image of young man holding wooden tray with various vegan food. Male is with healthy meal at social gathering. He is at home. HRAUN / iStock

No.
07

Wedding day: No texting

Ditch the cell phone! Give it to your maid of honour to screen for imperative texts and calls only. Instead, savour the moment for exactly what is—the sights, the sounds, the smells; the last thing you want is distractions!

Too many of us are attached to our phones these days, but if there's ever a time to live in the moment, it's today.

Happy bridesmaid giving a tender hug to bride in hotel room. Asian woman embracing her friend on her wedding day. jacoblund / iStock

No.
08

Wedding day: Fresh breath

Stash some breath mints and tissues in your clutch — these will come in handy throughout the day. They don't take up much space, so they're easy to prepare and have on hand before your wedding arrives.

An added bonus? They act as handy nerve-relievers leading up to those once-in-a-lifetime segments.

A bride poses for a portrait in front of vintage floral pink wallpaper wearing a pair of white sunglasses that match her dress. She blows a large pink bubble with her bubble gum. RyanJLane / iStock

No.
09

Wedding day: Foot feels

Have a pair of comfy flats or flip-flops on hand at your reception venue so you can dance the night away. If you like, get creative and choose a cozy pair that coordinates with your gown, but always prioritize comfort.

After some two-stepping and a conga line, this is one suggestion you'll definitely be thanking us for.

Bride's feet in sneakers on green background. Babayev / iStock

No.
10

Wedding day: Teary touch-ups

Have a makeup re-touching kit handy to keep those tear-streamed cheeks in check and broken nails filed! Complete the kit with safety pins, bobby pins, and bandages. You can pass it off to your MOH, but get it ready.

When the waterworks are overwhelming, this kit will come in handy more than you initially think. Not only that, but pins are one of the most frequently requested items from bridesmaids, and this way, all the girls will be covered.

Beautiful bride in white dress weeps tears of happiness on the wedding day. Emotional woman in wedding gown wipes the tears with tissue paper. jacoblund / iStock

No.
11

Wedding day: Pay it forward

Offer floral arrangements and décor to your guests at the end of the night so they don't go to waste. Don't let these stunning, once-in-a-lifetime items get tossed.

Your guests no doubt put a lot of effort into your wedding and reception, so this is an excellent way to show your appreciation.

Cropped shot of an unrecognizable bride and groom standing together PeopleImages / iStock

No.
12

Wedding day: final assignments

Designate someone to bring all of your stuff home at the reception's end so you can enjoy a relaxing first night with your new husband.

There's a lot to sort through, and this is the last thing you'll want to do as a newlywed. Ensure that you have a reliable person to handle the details so the two of you can savour these early minutes together as Mr. and Mrs.

Bride and Groom Speaking at Wedding Reception. Igor Alecsander / iStock

No.
13

Post-wedding checklist: Return everything

Make sure all items that need to be returned to your vendors have been. From your wedding planner to your photographer and catering staff, ensure that everything is in its place and that every vendor has the returned materials you agreed upon.

Vendors are busy people handling dozens of weddings at a time, so things can easily get lost in the shuffle. Rather than facing late fees or chasing them down post-ceremony, sort these details out in advance.

Shooting a wedding with a vintage oldschool camera maximkabb / iStock

No.
14

Post-wedding: Open cards

Check gift cards for amounts and write on them with a Sharpie, and make a deposit in your joint account before you leave for your honeymoon. We've seen couples forget about this and lose extra cash for their special trip, or, worse still, forget who gave them these generous gifts.

Covering this one simple detail will make writing thank you cards easier and also make a memorable first deposit for you as a couple.

Overhead shot of female hands open mock-up greeting card with blue envelope on table with tea cup and leaves BongkarnThanyakij / iStock

No.
15

Post-wedding: Log your licence

Keep track of your marriage licence. You'll need this in order to obtain your marriage certificate and change your name. If you lose it, you're dealing with a long process.

Keep the document in a safe location so you have an eye on it at all times and can handle the logistics more easily when you return from the honeymoon.

New bride signing paperwork. Hands signing during the wedding Dobrila Vignjevic / iStock
This article was originally published on Jan 16, 2014
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