5 Things Most Couples Forget to Plan For (But Really Should) The Wedding Day

It’s always the little things that catch you off guard.

Planning a wedding is one of those things where you think you’ve got everything sorted… until you're two weeks out and realise no one’s thought about where Uncle Dave’s taxi is coming from or who’s packing up the leftover cake.

It’s normal — no matter how organised you are, there are always a few sneaky details that slip through the cracks. So here are five things couples often forget to plan for, plus a few tips on how to stay one step ahead.

1. The Morning of the Wedding

You’ve planned the big day to perfection, but what about the morning of? It’s the calm before the storm — and it needs planning too.

What to think about:

• Who’s bringing breakfast/snacks while you're getting ready?

• Do you have a steamer for last-minute creases?

• Are there mirrors, plugs, chairs, and good lighting where you’re getting ready?

• Have you got a playlist ready for those “getting ready” vibes?

Pro tip: Put one person in charge of keeping the room tidy so your photographer doesn’t have to dodge empty coffee cups in every shot.

2. Travel Time (and Traffic)

You know the schedule. Your guests don’t. Things like driving between the ceremony and reception, parking, or even just finding the venue can add stress if they’re not well thought out.

Plan for:

• Guest travel time between locations

• Signage for rural or hard-to-find venues

• Maps or info in your invitations or wedding website

• A buffer in the schedule for delays

Bonus tip: Make sure your suppliers have parking sorted — photographers, florists, musicians… they all need to unload somewhere.

3. Who’s in Charge When You’re Not

On your wedding day, you shouldn’t be the one answering questions about table plans or chasing down the DJ.

Have someone who knows:

• The running order of the day

• Key contact numbers (venue, suppliers, etc.)

• What to do in case of emergencies

This could be your wedding coordinator, a trusted friend, or a professional planner. Just make sure someone’s in charge who isn’t you.

4. The Pack-Down Plan

Weddings don’t magically tidy themselves up.

Think about:

• Who’s collecting decor, signs, leftover alcohol, etc.?

• Who’s taking home gifts and cards?

• If you’ve hired items, when are they being picked up?

• Does the venue store anything overnight?

Tip: Bring spare boxes and bags — there’s always more stuff than you expect at the end of the night (especially if your guests love gifting wine).

5. Feeding Your Suppliers

It’s easy to forget that your photographer, videographer, DJ, or band might be with you for 10+ hours — and they’ll need to eat too.

What to do:

• Check your contract — some suppliers require a hot meal.

• Let your caterer know how many supplier meals you need.

• Feed them at a similar time to guests (so no one misses key moments while queuing for dinner).

It’s a small gesture, but it keeps the people working hard on your big day energised and happy.

Final Thought

Planning a wedding isn’t just about the big-ticket moments. Sometimes it’s the tiny, practical details that make the day feel effortless — or chaotic.

So take a few minutes to walk through your day from start to finish, and ask yourself: what’s happening when, and who’s making it happen?

That little bit of foresight? It’ll save you stress — and make your celebration feel even more seamless.