Everything is checked off the list and the time to say "I Do" is nearing quickly. With all of the excitement, it's easy to forget common tasks. So we thought we would share this great article from the
Huffington Post about the most common ones which brides either forget entirely or handle at the last minute and might have to settle with what they can find. Don't be too hard on yourself if something gets forgotten...because the important part is that you become Mr. & Mrs. everything else is just icing on the cake!
1. Bring your marriage license: An important part of making it ‘Official!’ According to the
Nashville Clerk, t
he marriage license is valid for thirty (30) days from issuance and is good for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee. If you are having your ceremony in another state or even country, check with the jurisdiction where it's taking place to check on deadlines for applying for your marriage license well in advance of your wedding date and also whether a blood test or special documentation is required to complete your application. Gather your documents early so when it comes time to get your license, you have everything you need and can make the process as efficient as possible.
2. Vendor meals: Be sure you remember to feed the people who are working nonstop to make your day flawless! Most caterers need your final guest count within two weeks of your day. Don't forget to include the number of vendors you'll have so the caterer can prepare a meal for them. Often caterers offer a "Vendor" meal which is usually less expensive and simpler than the meal you are serving your guests. So be sure to include your band members or DJ, photographer, videographer (and any second shooters), as well as your planner and their assistants. Although vendors don't usually expect you are feeding them, they definitely appreciate it.
3. Favors: If you plan to give your guests favors, don't make them an after thought especially if you plan to DIY or order them. Figure out what you would like to give your guests as a "thank-you" for coming at least two months in advance of your wedding date. (Check out these favor ideas on our
Wedding Favors Pinterest board)
4. Guestbook and pens: The Guestbook is a fun way to be creative and can also double as décor in your new home. Here are a few
Guest Book Ideas to get your creative juices flowing. We love this wooden monogram one of our bride's used last fall. It is now hanging in their home. Also, don’t forget the pens!"
5. Invitation suite: Everyone who's attending the wedding already has an invitation so why do you need to bring your invitation suite? This allows your photographer to capture your stationery (i.e. invitations, save the dates, escort cards, rsvp's, etc) for you, your stationer and calligrapher. Remember to pack at least one full
invitation suite and any other stationery details (rehearsal dinner invites, shower invites, save-the-dates) that were mailed out during the engagement to bring with them in the bridal suite the day of the wedding. We recommend bringing two sets which allows the photographer to capture the front and back in the same frame!
6. Cake knife and toasting flutes: Whether you received these as a gift, purchased them yourself, or are using a family heirloom, don't forget to include them with your reception items. Also, keep them in their original packages to avoid breakage!
7. Tech chargers: When you're getting ready with all of your girls in your bridal suite on the day of your wedding, the last thing you want is a dead phone! Have your electronics charged and ready to capture all of the fun moments. Also if you plan on using you're iPod for any part of the ceremony or reception music, (i.e. your favorite recording for the first dance you and your groom will dance to), make sure you have the right charger and the correct connection to your band’s or DJ’s sound system. Also, keep your phone charged overnight do it's ready to go as soon as you leave for the honeymoon."
8. Passport and identification: Speaking of the honeymoon, be sure your passport and driver’s license are up to date and packed safely in your
carry-on luggage. Yes, it's ok that these documents will be in your maiden name. Airport Security will not let you get on the plane with expired identification so check to be sure they are both up to date at least 2 months before your honeymoon. Passports can take up to two months to receive.
After the Wedding
9. Thank-you notes: It's easy to let things fall by the wayside in the aftermath of your big day as the dust begins to settle, but according to
Emily Post contrary to popular myth, there is not have a year’s grace period in which to write thank you notes. All thank-you notes should be written within three months of the receipt of the gift. Ideally, a response should be written on the day you receive a wedding gift. If that’s not possible, set a daily goal. It’s a lot easier to write three or four notes a day than to have to write a hundred notes in a month after the wedding!
10. Online reviews: The people that have worked so hard to make your wedding day dreams come to fruition are often forgotten once the big day has passed. The best thank-you you can give your vendors is an honest review online and an email follow up. If there is something you were less than pleased with, they will appreciate the courtesy of emailing or calling them before you post it all over Facebook and Instagram. Most vendors would love the opportunity to make things right with you even if you still need to tell the world. A review from you is the only way your vendors can continue to improve the level of service they provide to future brides, so your feedback is very important! Be sure to carve out time to review your vendors within six months of the big day.
Tell us: What did you forget to do before your wedding?
