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Here’s What You Can Easily Forget When Planning for a Wedding (with Videos!)
While planning a wedding is exciting, it demands meticulous attention. A successful wedding has several moving parts that couples and those involved in the planning should consider. Most people only think of and prioritize the décor, wedding venue, and attire for their big day. While these determine the aesthetic appeal and ambiance of the event, you should look beyond them.
It is not uncommon for couples to unintentionally overlook other important aspects that contribute to the day’s success. Below are a few things you can easily forget when planning a wedding.
1. Budgeting for Miscellaneous Expenses
Creating a budget is obviously the first step in planning for a wedding. You should budget for must-have items like venue costs, reception, wedding attire, photography services, and more. Budget for some couples also includes the cost of purchasing wedding rings, especially if you prefer costly options, such as vintage engagement rings. Unfortunately, most couples forget or don’t allocate funds for miscellaneous expenses, which can quickly accumulate and take up a good amount from your wedding budget.
Miscellaneous expenses include various items, ranging from changes in wedding attire to last-minute adjustments and any other unexpected charges. Most couples also forget transport costs, especially if wedding guests have to move to another venue for the reception. You should also reserve some amount for vendor gratuities. Though not mandatory, tipping vendors is a simple way of showing appreciation for their services.
Couples should have a contingency fund in their budgets to avoid such financial surprises. As a rule of thumb, setting aside 10% to 15% of the total wedding budget can cover these costs. Budgeting for miscellaneous gives you peace of mind, as you can easily cover unexpected costs.
If you want to plan a wedding for less than 10K – watch this video:
2. Backup Plan for Outdoor Events
Outdoor weddings are certainly enchanting. Unfortunately, nature is unpredictable, and you should have a backup plan. Most couples ignore this, assuming the weather will cooperate with their day plans, only to be disappointed. If you intend to hold your wedding outside, ensure you have a backup plan in case of adverse weather changes.
Before committing to a venue, ensure it has indoor alternatives that can easily be set up. You can alternatively hire tents and marquees for an outdoor venue. The tent should have solid flooring, especially if the ground is muddy or soggy.
Watch this video to learn more about outdoor wedding issues that can happen:
3. Marriage License and Legal Requirements
Some couples also unknowingly overlook the importance of complying with legal requirements, such as having a marriage license before their big day. Not obtaining these legal requirements before your wedding can attract legal hurdles and stress during the wedding.
You should research the deadlines and other specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license in your state. Most jurisdictions require couples to visit local government offices or sign up through official websites. For this, you should have proper identification documents and fees.
Similarly, you should inquire about the legal obligations, especially if you are planning a destination wedding. Ensure you understand and meet the legal requirements of your preferred wedding location.
For instance, some countries have residency requirements for couples planning a wedding. You should also apply for an official marriage certificate, as it is the only recognized legal proof of your marriage. You should consult a wedding planner and seek legal help from knowledgeable attorneys.
4. Timelines and Itineraries
Indicating specific timelines and itineraries for various wedding activities is also often overlooked. Having an organized schedule ensures that all events flow according to schedule. You should start by indicating various event timelines, from early morning to reception.
Your itinerary should have specific times for various activities, such as makeup, photography sessions, speeches, cocktails, dancing, and other wedding activities. For smooth operations, these timelines should be shared with wedding organizers, immediate family members, and vendors. You can also include the itinerary and timelines in your wedding invitations or distribute printed copies to guests.
You should communicate any changes to the schedule with the relevant parties. For instance, sharing the timelines with the hired catering team ensures that food is served promptly. Ideally, you should appoint a wedding coordinator to oversee the day’s events.
Watch this video to learn how to build the best wedding timeline:
5. Wedding Gifts and Thank You Notes
Couples can also easily get caught up with the planning bustle, forgetting the importance of appreciating the wedding parties and key contributors. Gifts and thank you notes are a simple way of appreciating those who took their time to ensure your big day succeeds. Showing appreciation is also a cherished tradition that you shouldn’t ignore.
The wedding party, which consists of the groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearers, provides unmatched support during the wedding. While their involvement might be due to friendship or family relations, gifting them is a way of acknowledging their efforts and thanking them for being part of your important day.
That said, you should consider personalized gifts for this team. Planning for these gifts early means you’ll have enough time to customize jewelry and other items related to individual hobbies and interests. You should also write personalized thank-you notes to accompany these gifts.
Watch this to learn more:
6. Marriage Certificate and Name Change
Newlyweds can also easily forget they should pick their wedding certificate and have their names changed after the wedding. These are important administrative matters that legalize the wedding and ensure a smooth transition into marriage life. Changing your name and obtaining a marriage certificate varies depending on your state or country.
However, you should submit your marriage license application and identification documents to local government offices. You should find out about the procedure and deadlines to avoid delays. Different jurisdictions also have varying guidelines for changing names. This might be extensive, as it involves updating the driver’s license, passport, social security card, and official documents. Starting this process earlier is prudent.
Endnote
There’s a lot that comes with planning a wedding. The excitement of getting married often makes it difficult for couples to attend to everything. While it is natural to overlook some aspects, not budgeting for miscellaneous or planning a backup venue can spoil your big day.
