Bridal “Don’t Forgets”

Almost everyone has a dream wedding plan or idea in their head. White dress, smart tuxedoes and glossy cars fill many wedding dreams.

However, there's a lot of little things that people may not consider when preparing for a wedding.

There are small things - ranging from a repair kit to the white car ribbon, that you need to remember. The details make the day!

The following is a checklist to help you make sure that you've organized every part of your wedding - from flower girl earrings to ribbons for your car.

Some items also have recommended places to source them. Hopefully, this guide and checklist will help you have a happy wedding day!

Printed Items

♥ Invitations.

♥ Place Cards.

♥ Thank You Notes.

♥ Cake Bags.

Reception & Wedding Venue Choices

When choosing the location for your wedding & reception you need to take quite a few things into consideration. Here are some things you should ask when choosing a wedding or reception venue:

♥ Disabled Access - If you have elderly relatives or friends with walkers or wheelchairs.

♥ Maximum Number - You'll probably book the wedding & reception venue before deciding on final numbers. Check that they can accommodate those numbers.

♥ Safety Measures - Find out if there's any special liability insurance or fire evacuation information you need to know.

♥ Liabilities - It's important to know what you'll be liable for when it comes to any mess or damage.

♥ Alcohol & Bar - Most venues allow you to pay a flat rate fee for a bartender then either put a small tab on for guests or allow them to buy alcohol themselves.

♥ Meal Choices - Make sure that if your guests have any special needs (allergies or vegetarian) they'll be catered for.

Bride & Bridesmaids

Like any female outfit, there's more than meets the eye when dressing up several ladies for the big day. Here are some things you should make sure not to forget.

♥ Dresses - Some people prefer that the dresses, including the brides, all share a similar theme while other bridesmaids are allowed to choose dresses in similar colors that match their body types and comfort level.

♥ Shoes - If you aren't too picky you can ask that bridesmaids bring their own shoes, just specify the type and color such as silver stilettos.

♥ Garter - For the bride. 

♥ Earrings - Remember to check whether all bridesmaids have their ears pierced before purchasing the required amount.

♥ Necklaces.

♥ Hair.

♥ Make Up.

Groom & Groomsmen

It's important to send along a woman when choosing the suits - otherwise most men will simply think that just any old suit will do! Here are some things to check for:

♥ Hiring or buying - sometimes it can cost nearly as much to hire as to buy a suit.

♥ Cummerbunds - If you're hiring suits you'll need to either have them made to match or hire them.

Flowers

When picking flowers there is a lot to take into consideration, including colors, size and price. Here are some things to remember:

♥ Flowers - For bride and bridesmaids.

♥ Corsages and posies - For groom, groomsmen, mother of the bride.

♥ Arrangements - For church or reception decoration.

♥ Flower Disposal - If you are using fresh flowers you may wish to have them pressed and framed.

The Wedding

When preparing the church, hall, garden or other location for the wedding you need to make sure everything's organized and suitable.

♥ Chairs - If you plan to wed outdoors or in a hall you may need to hire seats.

♥ Front Flowers - Decorations at the front of the venue.

♥ Chair Decorations - Either on the pews or on the backs of chairs.

♥ Cushions - If the bride and groom will be kneeling at any stage.

The Reception

Once you've chosen and paid for the reception venue you'll need to make sure everything's arranged and ready:

♥ Table Decorations.

♥ Tablecloth & chair covers - often supplied by venue.

♥ Music - Either personal music from home or a juke box or band. Don't forget to choose a special song for the first wedding dance.

♥ Cake - Some venues will charge an extra fee for storing the cake before the wedding as well as cutting and bagging it after the official "bride and groom cutting".

Cars & Transport

♥ Bridal Car - For transporting bride and father of the bride, then the bride and groom.

♥ Bridesmaids Car - For transporting bridesmaids and flower girls.

♥ Groom Transport - For taking the groom & groomsmen to the wedding before the start of the ceremony.

♥ Honeymoon Car - Usually the couple or man's car. Remember that its traditional in many places to decorate this in various ways including "Just Married" on the back windscreen.

♥ Guests Without Transport - Elderly relatives or those without transport may need transport and/or accommodation arranged.

♥ Car Ribbon - These can be sourced from sewing shops or bridal shops or even online.

Important People

♥ Celebrant or Priest - This is one person you better not forget! You should check with them first, some will wish to join you at the reception while others consider it more professional not to.

♥ The Emcee - The Master of Ceremonies plays an important role in most weddings. His or her job is to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day (you'll be too busy!) and introduce the couple and wedding party at the reception, as well as introducing guest speakers and telling a few anecdotes.

♥ The Photographer - You'll have choices when you choose what photographer and what price you pay for wedding photos. You can start out with basic photos or buy a wedding package with certain items in it. Depending on how much you wish to pay, you can have the photographer take photos during wedding preparation, at the wedding, reception and when leaving for the honeymoon as well as a wedding video. If you wish to go the cheapest way possible, simply arrange for one set of wedding photos at a park or nice location.

The Cake

The cake is the centerpiece of the reception. But like everything else it requires some work!

♥ Type - Decide if you want the whole cake the same or each tier different. A three tier cake with chocolate, fruit and carrot cake caters for all guests.

♥ Knives - For cutting the cake. You can use just any knife or you can buy specific wedding knives for the occasion and photos.

Other Things To Remember

♥ Wishing Well - For guests to place money or cards.

♥ Present Table - For guests presents.

♥ Wedding Rings - Keep them in their original boxes so they're harder to lose or smudge.

♥ Ring Cushion.

The Bridal Bag

On the special day chances are you'll need all sorts of little things. Pack a small bag that contains all the little extras just in case. Give the bag to someone who'll be nearby most of the day and carry it discreetly. Here's an idea of what to put in it:

♥ Mobile phones and purses for members of the bridal party.

♥ White chalk - Great for covering up stains on white dresses.

♥ Needle and thread - for little mishaps.

♥ Coloured and white ribbon - for patching up, covering and fixing any hair problems.

♥ Tampons.

MDK Pro tip - I carry all of this and a TON more. My “Mary Poppins” box is legendary.