Oops! Things real couples actually forgot to do when planning their wedding

Ahh, wedding planning: the great juggle. With so many balls in the air, even the most organised, forward-planning of couples can let things slip through the cracks. We polled our amazing newlywed couples to ask them: “What are the things you forgot for your wedding day?”

Catering

“We forgot to organise catering for our vendors on the night. We felt so bad when we had realised. Luckily, our caterer rustled up a few meals for our photographer, DJ, etc and invoiced us later.”

“We completely forgot water glasses for our dry hire venue. We had bottled beer, champagne flutes, and wine glasses, but totally forgot to get tumblers for water and soft drink. The best man saved the day with a last-minute Kmart run.”

“To eat on the day! We completely forgot to enjoy the catering we had spent so much time picking out. Now, at every wedding we attend, we go out of our way to make sure the wedding couple eats — it’s our thing.”

When planning your wedding catering, make sure you remember:

• Dietary Requirements. Be sure to include a request for dietary requirements on your invitation. That way, people can let you know when they RSVP. Then, make sure you don’t delay in sending a list of all dietary requirements to your caterer, including where they are on your seating chart if applicable.
• Menu Tasting. Schedule a tasting session with your caterer to finalise the menu and make any necessary adjustments. Don’t be afraid to give your two cents!
• Portion Sizes. Confirm portion sizes with your caterer to ensure there’s enough food for all guests, including those who might want seconds. Ask your caterer to give you their honest opinion on whether you’re over or under catering.
• Beverage Selection. Don’t forget to consider the beverage options, including alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks, and special requests like signature cocktails.
• Vendor Meals. Your vendors need to eat too! Arrange meals for your vendors, like the photographer and DJ, and confirm this with your caterer.
• Timing of Service. Ensure the timing of food service aligns with your wedding day schedule, including any speeches or events. Your venue’s catering team should have a copy of your runsheet, so they send out food at the appropriate times.
• Child-Friendly Options. If children are attending, consider offering a separate, child-friendly menu to keep the little ones happy. Some parents might also prefer to bring their own snacks for picky eaters.
• Late-Night Feed. If your reception will go late into the night, consider planning for late-night snacks to keep energy levels up. We love a late night tray of sliders to keep the party well fuelled!
• Leftovers. Plan for what will happen to any leftover food—whether it’s packed up for you to take home, donated, or disposed of. Make sure your venue is well aware of your plans for the wedding cake also. You don’t want to arrive to collect it the next day only to find it’s been thrown out or eaten.

Photographer

“Shot list! We neglected to put together a list of specific family photos that we wanted. We ended up missing some precious photos with loved ones who had flown from overseas. It keeps me up at night.”

“A second shooter. I really wanted lots of photos of both wedding parties getting ready for the ceremony, but didn’t consider that both of these processes would be happening simultaneously. I wish we had paid for a second shooter for a few hours.”

“To make it clear that we didn’t want any cheesy couples shots. Our photographer kept wanting us to pose for classic wedding portraits — we just wanted photos of us having a great time with our guests.”

When planning your wedding photography, make sure you remember:

• Shot List. Your photographer isn’t a mind-reader! Create a detailed shot list of must-have photos or moments to ensure your photographer or videographer captures everything important to you.
• First Look or No First Look. Have this chat with your partner well before the big day. Make sure your photographer and videographer are aware of whether or not they’ll be required to capture this moment.
• Photo/Videography Style. Every couple has their unique photography and videography preferences. This is one time that you don’t want to just “go with the flow.” Ideally you would have discussed the style you like with your partner and chosen a creative based on that preference.
• Lighting Considerations. Consider the lighting at your venue during different times of the day. Chat about this with your photographer to ensure the best shots.
• Permission and Permits. If you’re planning to shoot in certain public or private locations, make sure to obtain any necessary permits or permissions in advance.
• Unplugged Ceremony. If you want an ‘unplugged’ ceremony (no phones or cameras from guests), inform your guests and make sure your photographer is aware. You might also want to ask your celebrant to announce — and enforce! — this request.
• Guest Photos. Decide whether you want to provide disposable cameras, set up a photo booth, or have an area for guests to take their own photos and communicate this plan.

Wedding dress

“I forgot to change into my second outfit. I was just having so much fun at the reception that I totally forgot about getting changed. No problem though — I’ve worn it since.”

“I forgot to bring Hollywood tape. My dress wasn’t at all bra-friendly, so Hollywood tape should have been at the top of my list.”

“I forgot to figure out how to learn to attach a veil to loose hair. I really wanted my hair out and flowing. My hair stylist only knew how to attach it to an updo, so that’s what I ended up getting.”

When planning your wedding dress, make sure you remember:

• Start Early. Give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect dress. Shopping early means you won’t feel rushed and can handle any necessary alterations without stress.
• Budget Wisely. Remember to factor in all the costs—alterations, accessories, and even dry cleaning after the big day—not just the price tag on the dress.
• Comfort. While you want to look stunning, make sure your dress is comfortable enough to move, dance, and enjoy your day without any pinching or poking.
• Weather Ready. Think about the season and location of your wedding. Lightweight fabrics are great for summer, while heavier materials work better for winter weddings.
• Try Sitting Down. When you’re trying on dresses, don’t forget to sit down, bend, and move around a bit. This will help you see how the dress feels in real life.
• Backup Plan. Consider having a backup dress or a second, more comfortable outfit for the reception, especially if your main dress is elaborate or heavy.
• Dress Code for the Wedding Party. If you’re going for a specific vibe, make sure your bridesmaids’ dresses complement your gown but don’t overshadow it.
• Veil and Accessories. Don’t forget about your veil and other accessories when trying on dresses. Bring them to your fittings to see how they all work together.
• Final Fitting Timing. Schedule your final fitting as close to the wedding as possible to ensure the dress fits perfectly, especially if your body changes a bit in the lead-up.

Wedding Venue

“We forgot to double-check the bump out time of our venue. We realised a couple of days before that all of our things needed to be out as soon as the reception was finished. It turned out the space doubled as a yoga hall and they had a class at 6:00 am the next day!”

“We would have forgotten to check the power situation if our DJ hadn’t reminded us. We just assumed that all they would need was a power socket! Luckily, our DJ offered to do a site visit.”

“We forgot to check the local noise restrictions. Our guests weren’t able to use the outside area after 10:00pm because they were being too loud.”

When planning your wedding venue, make sure you remember:

• Parking and Transportation. Ensure there’s ample parking for guests and consider transportation options for those who may need it, like shuttles or rideshares.
• Restroom Facilities. Check the number and condition of restrooms, especially if you have a large guest list or if the venue is spread out.
• Sound and Acoustics. Pay attention to the venue’s acoustics and sound restrictions, especially if you’re planning to have live music or a DJ.
• Power Supply. Make sure the venue has adequate power supply for lighting, entertainment, and catering needs. This is especially important for outdoor or non-traditional venues.
• Decoration Restrictions. Some venues have restrictions on decor, like limitations on open flames, hanging items, or use of confetti. Make sure your vision aligns with what’s allowed.
• Vendor Access. Confirm when vendors can access the venue for setup and breakdown, and whether there are any restrictions on the timing.
• Overnight Accommodations. If the venue is remote, check for nearby accommodations for guests and possibly yourself, or consider venues that offer on-site lodging.
• Weather Considerations. Even if there’s a backup plan, consider how weather might impact things like outdoor photos, transportation between ceremony and reception spaces, or comfort during the event.
• Hidden Costs. Be on the lookout for hidden costs like service fees, corkage fees, or overtime charges that might not be included in the initial quote.

Make-up

“I wish I had remembered to assign someone to look out for my makeup in photos. I was having such a good time that I was definitely due for a touch-up by the time it finished.”

“I forgot to ask my mother-in-law if she wanted to be included with the makeup artist. I feel awful about it now because I made sure I had asked my mum and bridesmaids. I don’t know how I forgot.”

“I forgot to check my foundation for white cast in photos. Luckily my makeup artist knew to check.”

When planning your wedding makeup, make sure you remember:

• Longevity of Makeup. Ensure your makeup artist uses long-lasting, waterproof products to keep your look fresh throughout the day, from the ceremony to the reception.
• Touch-Up Kit. Prepare a small touch-up kit with essentials like lipstick, powder, and blotting papers to handle any shine or smudges during the day.
• Makeup for Different Lighting. Consider how your makeup will look under different lighting conditions—natural light for the ceremony versus artificial light for the reception—and discuss this with your makeup artist.
• Skin Preparation. Start a consistent skincare routine well before the wedding day to ensure your skin is in the best possible condition for makeup application.
• Allergy Awareness. If you or any of your bridal party members have allergies or sensitive skin, inform your makeup artist so they can choose appropriate products.
• Trial Run. Schedule a makeup trial to test out your look and ensure you’re happy with the style and products before the big day. Don’t forget to take photos in different lighting!
• Temperature and Humidity. If your wedding is in a hot or humid climate, make sure your makeup artist uses products that can withstand the weather and prevent melting or fading.
• Coverage for Tattoos or Scars. If you want to cover tattoos, scars, or other marks, discuss this with your makeup artist so they can use the right techniques and products.
• Coordinating with Hair. Make sure your hair and makeup styles complement each other and that there’s enough time in the schedule for both to be done without rushing.
• Post-Ceremony Freshen Up. Plan for a quick freshen-up session after the ceremony or before photos to ensure your makeup looks its best for the rest of the day.

The best way to ensure you don’t forget something important for your wedding is to enlist the help of experienced vendors and lean on their expertise. Great vendors have seen it all and can anticipate needs you might not have thought of, helping you cover all the bases. Whether it’s your planner, photographer, or makeup artist, trust their guidance—they’ll help you navigate the details and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. By working closely with professionals, you can relax knowing your big day is in expert hands.