What Are the Things Not to Overlook When Planning Your Wedding?

how do you plan a wedding on a small budget

Do you feel like you just can't keep up with everything that has to be done for your wedding? It's not just you. But don't worry; we're here to help by pointing out some key details you shouldn't ignore as you plan your perfect wedding day. We'll assist you in organising a day that your visitors will never forget, from the right amount of illumination to the amenities in the restrooms. If you want your wedding to go off without a hitch and be remembered fondly by all, be sure to take care of these often-overlooked details. Looking for a Wedding Event Planner? Look no further, Vines of the Yarra Valley have you covered.

At times, it may feel like your wedding preparations are an insurmountable mountain to climb, with a seemingly endless list of things that need to be done. But once the fundamentals are in place (a location secured, a theme determined, and a wedding dress in the works), you can turn your attention to the smaller, more minute elements.

Table of Contents

FAQs About Weddings

Many wedding parties have the rehearsal dinner the evening before the wedding, so you may all be dressed up, hair and makeup done, and ready for some fun! Going out for drinks or dessert with just the girls is a great way to spend some quality time together before the wedding ceremony.

It really is entirely up to you. There isn't a rule that says you have to but here's what's most important: that you relax. You'll want to rest up so you're totally prepared for your wedding. You're going to need all your energy for the wedding day (all that smiling and vow exchanging it honestly exhausting!).

Wedding season is almost here, and if you'll be a guest at multiple summer weddings, you might see one or two instances of the wedding garter toss. In this long-standing tradition, the groom reaches under the bride's dress to remove the garter and throws it to the male wedding guests.

Wednesday is the luckiest day to marry and Saturday is the unluckiest. An auspicious rhyme from English folklore rules: "Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday best of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday for no luck at all." Sprinkling the bride with wheat or rice brings fruitfulness.

Generally, the “something new” is a gift from the groom or one of the bride's family members. Perhaps it's a new necklace that perfectly matches her wedding dress.

 

Wedding Planning Tips

So that you can rest assured that you haven't forgotten anything, we've compiled a list of important wedding preparation details not to ignore.

A Contingency Plan for Bad Weather.

Many married pairs fail to make alternate arrangements in case of bad weather. In certain cases, this fails to account for the likelihood of hot, bright weather, strong cold fronts, or even rain. They get so enamoured by the venue's aesthetic that they fail to make preparations for any unforeseen circumstances.

What Time the Sun Will Set.

It's common for photographers to want to take advantage of the beautiful light that occurs just before and after sunset for some wedding images. Knowing when the sun will set allows you to plan accordingly, whether for cake cutting or something else entirely.

Having a Day-Of-Point Person.

Having a reliable first point of contact for your wedding services providers is crucial. It's a common misconception among brides, who often feel they'll have time to answer their phones on their wedding day despite the hectic schedule they've already planned. Adding more work to their plate is unnecessary. Instead, choose a wedding party member, a close friend, or an immediate family member to be the initial point of contact. While you may be pressured into making a choice, it's best to let someone else make the call.

Budget for Gratuity.

Without a budget planner, gratuities are easy to forget while creating a spending plan. For example, while calculating the total cost of catering, keep in mind that a standard tip ranges from 18% to 22% of the total bill. On the big day, you should also follow these guidelines for wedding professionals. Although it's unnecessary, it would be greatly appreciated if you went out of your way to show gratitude. Assign someone the task of handing out envelopes with tips (cash or checks are good) before the event.

Scheduling.

One of the most common blunders engaged couples make is assuming that the day will flow well and according to plan with no effort on their side.

But in reality, there is a lot to plan for on the day of the wedding, from the first look to the photos to the travel time between locations and the time spent socialising with guests during the cocktail hour.

In order to ensure that your suppliers arrive when and where they need to, it is crucial that you prepare a clear calendar and share it with them. Buffer time is essential, as things will always run behind schedule. Working with a wedding planner may be a wonderful choice if you are at a loss as to how to proceed. In addition, a sample wedding timeline is provided for your perusal.

Personalised Touches.

is it worth making your wedding invitations1

It's possible that you've been motivated to plan your wedding after seeing the nuptials of friends and even strangers on Instagram. However, you should make your wedding as unique as possible because it is ultimately about you. You can have a custom drink made with your favourite ingredients or set aside a special area where visitors can share stories about how they came to know the two of you through photos and other memorabilia.

Don't skimp on personal touches that reflect your relationship with your future husband; they'll be what guests remember most about your wedding. Create some breathing room in your wedding budget. There's a good chance you'll have to pay some extra fees or cover some additional out-of-the-blue costs, so be sure you budget for some wiggle room. Put aside roughly five per cent of your budget in case of unforeseen expenses.

Be on the Lookout for an Email Bomb.

Every one of the e-mail updates, follow-ups from bridal shows, messages from distributors, etc., may get rather overwhelming, so you might want to consider having a different email address just for your wedding. Having everything in a single, shared location that you and your fiance can easily access is considerably more convenient than having separate inboxes for each of you.

Time Your Dress Order and Modifications Accordingly.

If you don't want to rush things and end up with a poorly fitting, off-the-rack dress, you should start looking for your wedding dress nine to twelve months before the big day. If you want to be on the safe side, budget at least six to eight months to deliver a bespoke gown. Plan at least three months for your initial dress fitting to allow for modifications.

Never Lose Track of Your Suppliers’ Contact Details.

When you are in a pinch and need to contact your vendors quickly, even when you are on the road, keep a rolling record of their contact information in a place like Google Drive. These documents are stored online, where they can be accessed from any smartphone, tablet, or computer, regardless of where you happen.

Inquire About Decoration Restrictions With the Location

Despite the fact that sparklers appear great in pictures, many locations won't allow them because of the risk of fire. Your wedding in a barn would look great with some freshening up, but you shouldn't assume that you can hang decorations from the ceiling. It's no longer customary to toss rice at weddings due to concerns that the grains could suffocate the birds. There may be inclusion and exclusion clauses in your wedding venue's contract, so it's important to read it thoroughly and discuss your wedding plans with the venue manager.

Create Some Wiggle Room In Your Schedule.

It takes more time than you might think to get ready for a formal photo shoot, what with doing your hair and makeup and gathering your loved ones for a photo. Your wedding day schedule should include some wiggle room in case of unexpected delays.

Create a System to Keep Tabs on Who Has RSVP’d.

There is an issue with maintaining tabs on people who accept invitations. It's possible that some guests won't remember to fill out their RSVP cards. You will only be told that two people are coming and that they are both for the seafood. To avoid this, simply record a discreet guest count behind your RSVP cards to correspond with your own counted guest list. If you want to know who the cards belong to when they are returned, label them.

Keep Your Wedding Website Fresh With Regular Updates.

Sending out save-the-dates is a great first step, but you should get started on your wedding website early to keep guests informed. Take, as an illustration:

  • Connect your gift list once it has been created.
  • Be sure to include the hotel room block details for people to start making reservations.
  • Don't forget to include maps of your location(s) and any local points of interest.
  • Don't forget to add the day's typical weather!

Happy visitors are those who have been well-informed.

Bring Your Maid of Honour to the Final Trying-On.

The person or people responsible for bustling your outfit. Your final fitting will be less of a learning experience and a trial run for them, reducing the time and effort required for the process later that day

Consider the Forecast and the Evening Sky.

You should prepare for terrible weather, but you might not realise how important it is to pay attention when the sun goes down. Inquire about the "golden hour," the time right before sunset when outdoor wedding photos typically turn out the best. It's important enough to work into your schedule.

Assemble a Kit for the Big Day!

In case of any last-minute beauty mishaps on the big day, this compact cosmetics pack contains a wide variety of solutions. Have a throbbing headache in the lead-up to the ceremony? Take an Advil and chill. Are you losing an eyelash at the corner? Get out of the DUO and use it. Did you have a red wine mishap or burst a button? You're lucky that you thought to bring along a little mending kit and some wet wipes. An emergency bag containing double-sided tape and deodorant can come in handy on the big day.

Bring Along Your Rings and Marriage License.

On the big day, many couples forget either of these. Your wedding will be a good time, but the real reason for the celebration is to tie the knot finally. Remember to bring your rings and marriage licence to the ceremony and a pen to sign the licence.

Do Not Overlook Bringing a Reliable Hanger for Your Dress.

Before you ever put it on, your wedding dress will likely be photographed by your photographer in a lovely environment. Try not to reuse the wire and plastic hanger from the tailor.

Think of Having an "Unplugged" wedding.

In no way do you want 20+ iPhones to distract from the focus of your wedding photos taken by a professional photographer. You should ask your guests to keep their smartphones, iPads, and large cameras at home, or at least underneath their chairs, so that your photographer can get the best possible shot of you going down the aisle and declaring, "I do." Make sure everyone knows to turn off their cell phones and other electrical devices even before the event begins.

When Your Veil or Hem Needs Adjusting, Have Your MOH Do It.

Ensure that the veil (if you're wearing one) and the train of your dress is neatly arranged so that you may be photographed like a Kardashian on the red carpet. Have your Maid of Honor keep an eye out for these details and make any necessary adjustments during the ceremony.

For the Sake of Your First Kiss, You May Want to Ask the Officiant to Step Out of the Photo.

In the event that your officiant isn't a seasoned pro, they may linger awkwardly in the middle of the photograph after they've given the "You may now kiss the bride/groom" command, making for some crowded photos. If you want the photographer to capture the perfect "first kiss" moment, remind the officiant to step out of the frame as soon as possible.

Appoint someone to compile all of the wedding photos. A trusted family member or a friend rounding up the important people who need to be in your formal portraits is a great idea.

Estimate Gratuities and Tips in Advance.

You've calculated every dime of your wedding budget. You may have overlooked a pricey but essential expenditure in your calculations. Before the wedding, withdraw cash from the bank and divide it into envelopes for tips. The most reliable member of your bridal party can then be tasked with distributing them at strategic points throughout the ceremony.

Ask About Vendor Meals.

Remember to feed your vendors; they aren't superhuman and won't be able to pull an all-nighter without some sustenance throughout your wedding's eight hours of festivities. Find out what your caterer offers for vendor meals, and provide them with the final "vendor meal" figure when you confirm the final guest count. Looking for a Wedding Event Planner? Look no further, Vines of the Yarra Valley have you covered.

Bring Shoes That Will Be Comfortable for Walking In.

Sure, those stilettos are gorgeous. However, they are not conducive to a night on the dance floor. Pack a pair of stylish but comfortable wedges or converse so that you can enjoy the night's dancing without getting blisters.

Assign a Helper to Pack Up Your Items After the Reception

Examples of such mementoes include a guest book, champagne flutes, and a knife to cut the wedding cake. Remember to save the top layer of the cake for your first wedding anniversary!

Prepare for Guests Who Wish to Extend the Celebration.

Even if the ceremony and reception end earlier than planned, several of your attendees will undoubtedly want to continue the party. If you want your wedding guests to have somewhere to go after the reception ends, but they aren't quite ready to call it a night, it's a good idea to research local dive bars and late-night hotspots in the area. Remember to bring your ID with you when you leave.

Don't Neglect Honeymoon Prep.

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of your wedding day and forget to plan for the practicalities of getting to your honeymoon destination afterwards. If you rented a tuxedo or other items for the wedding, including tablecloths or centrepieces, have your maid of honour or best man take care of returning them. Have your suitcases packed and ready to leave well in advance of your honeymoon.

Event Lighting.

How Important Are The Wedding Photoshoots 2

The atmosphere of a wedding can be greatly affected by the lighting. After all the planning and effort have been put into every last detail, the most important thing left to do is to set the mood with the right lighting.

It's one of our most-loved pieces of advice for the big day! Your guests will have trouble seeing, and your photographer must resort to every trick in the book to get decent photographs if you skimp too much on the lighting. The right lighting can make a space feel more intimate and draw attention to its most noteworthy characteristics.

If you're having a reception in a ballroom or outside, you might want to instal some string lights for ambience. Is the church where you're getting married dark? See if you can add some ambient lighting by seeing if that's allowed. Ideas for the Big Day

Extra Seats for the Ceremony.

Keep in mind that people tend to avoid sitting next to one another. Because of this, you should always have about 20 extra chairs than there are guests.

Designating a Photo Wrangler.

Select a relative to act as the "picture wrangler," such as a sibling, cousin, aunt, or uncle. Your photo wrangler can quickly round up your essential relatives when the photographer calls for the "picture of the bride with aunts and uncles," allowing everyone to keep their schedules on track.

Building a Website Before Mailing Save-The-Dates.

The site can be unfinished so long as it has a URL that can be printed on the invitations and basic information like venue and hotel details. In their haste to send out the save-the-dates, many couples forget that their out-of-town guests won't have much time to arrange travel arrangements between six and eight weeks before the wedding.

Post-Reception Transportation for the Newlyweds.

Even though it's obvious that the bride and her guests will need to get to and from the ceremony and reception, people often neglect to make transportation arrangements for the return trip. Guests should not be expected to call an Uber in their finery if the bride and groom haven't arranged for a car to transport them on the wedding day.

Correct Invitation Postage.

There is a direct correlation between the weight and size of your invitations. There may be a surcharge for using a square envelope or a personalised inclosure. People often miss the deadline because they either neglect to ask the post office about it or they are unfamiliar with its peculiar regulations.

Asking Guests About Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions.

Take careful note of any guests who are vegetarian, vegan, or have other dietary restrictions. Your caterer will appreciate it if you provide them a list of names and seat assignments.

Potential Overtime for Vendors.

Preemptively asking your suppliers if they can remain late to help you out could pay off in the long run. You can't predict how you'll feel on any given night, so it's best to be prepared just in case. Get a quote for overtime from your DJ and bartender in advance, and let them know they may be paid more.

Factoring Yourselves Into the Guest Count.

All too often, one or both members of a couple fails to include themselves in the headcount. When presenting the final headcount to the caterer, make sure to include yourself and anyone with special dietary needs.

Ordering Vendor Meals.

Vendor meals are easy to overlook without a wedding planner to keep track of details like catering. Contract contracts often stipulate a designated break area for vendors like bands. Communicate with the venue and caterer to ensure you have fulfilled your responsibilities.

Bringing a Change of Clothing.

Bring a small bag and ask a friend or family member to help you transport it.

Assigning Someone to Take Your Wedding Dress.

The bridal dress and the groom's tuxedo are often forgotten until the last minute. Have a trusted friend or family member pick up your dress or return your rental tuxedo the morning after the wedding so you can start your honeymoon immediately.

Booking a Hotel Room Block.

You should reserve a block of hotel rooms if you expect out-of-town guests. They can get at least five rooms at most hotels. Your guests can save money (at no extra cost to you) and be assured of a hotel room by booking in blocks.

Welcome Bags for Out-Of-Town Guests.

In the midst of all that needs to be done, it's easy to overlook the fact that your guests' wedding experience begins the moment they check into their hotel room. Out-of-town visitors should be provided with a welcome bag containing important information about the wedding weekend.

Asking Someone to Gather Gifts, Decor, and Personal Items.

Assign someone the duty of clearing up their overnight belongings. The assignment of a helper is crucial to preventing the loss of these objects. Quite a few wedding groups, it turns out, don't have a backup plan for the bride and groom's possessions when the party's over.

Leaving Enough Time (and Budget) for Alterations.

You may think the hard part is done once you've found your wedding dress, but once it arrives, you'll probably need to have it changed. Sometimes, even if the dress is a perfect fit, you'll need to pay extra to have it altered so that you can tie it into a bustle for the big day. Ask the dress shop in advance to obtain an idea of the cost so you can plan accordingly.

Directions and Signage.

In intimate wedding settings, guests may see the ceremony site and the bar during cocktail hour. A small amount of signage can go a long way towards ensuring that your guests don't get lost in the midst of a large vineyard or ranch where your wedding will be held.

Be sure to make signs pointing guests to the restrooms and the ceremony site and some more lighthearted signage to keep the mood light and fun.

Don't Forget About the Kids.

Inviting children to your wedding requires careful planning to keep them occupied and out of trouble during the ceremony and reception. Simple things like colouring pages may keep kids occupied during the ceremony, and setting up a special area during the reception for games and other activities is a surefire way to earn your parents' approval. Too busy with life to plan your wedding in detail? Have someone else do it for you, and check out our list of Wedding Planners in Melbourne to help take the stress away.

Eating the Day-Of.

Finally, eating is sometimes overlooked by newlyweds. The day of your wedding will be incredibly stressful and busy. Get some rest and healthy breakfast. Also, don't forget to include in time for snacks as you plan out your wedding day preparations.

Conclusion

Make sure these often-overlooked elements are taken care of so that your wedding goes off without a hitch. Establishing a solid point of contact with the vendors providing wedding services is important. If you want to cut a cake or do something else at a specific time, you'll need to know when the sun will set. The majority of married couples don't plan ahead for poor weather. In general, you should expect to leave between 18% and 22% of the final amount as a tip for the wedding experts you hire.

Before the event, designate a person to distribute tip envelopes (checks or cash are OK). Due to inevitable delays, a safety nett of extra time is required. It's possible that you'll have to fork out some unexpected funds to cover supplementary charges. Nine to twelve months before to the wedding is the ideal time to begin searching for the perfect dress. Make sure to give yourself at least three months before your big day to schedule your first fitting for your dress.

The contract for your wedding location may have provisions specifying what is and is not included. The practice of tossing rice at weddings has fallen out of favour because of fears that the grains could smother birds. Some guests may forget to respond to the wedding invitations with an RSVP. To prevent this from happening, a simple guest count can be recorded incognito behind each RSVP card. You never know when you might need some deodorant or double-sided tape on the big day, so have some in an emergency kit just in case.

The greatest time to take photographs of an outdoor wedding is during the "golden hour," the hour before sunset. Don't forget to bring a pen to sign the marriage licence and your rings to the ceremony. Get out early so that everyone must switch off their phones and other electronic gadgets. To ensure that the photographer gets the perfect "first kiss" shot, asking the officiant to leave the frame is important. Get cash out of the bank and put it in envelopes for tips before the wedding day.

A trusted bridal party member can then be assigned to deliver them at appropriate moments during the service. Don't risk blisters by dancing all night in your heels; bring a pair of cute yet comfy wedges or converse. After the reception, delegate a helping hand to pack away your belongings. The proper lighting can soften the mood of a room and highlight its best features. Ballroom or outdoor celebration string lights are a great way to set the mood.

Your invitations' weight and size are proportional to one another. Get in touch with your vendors and see if they can stay late to assist you. Be mindful of visitors who may have vegetarian, vegan, or other special dietary needs. If out-of-town guests will be joining you, it's a good idea to book a block of hotel rooms. Someone needs to be responsible for picking up the nightly clutter.

Finding your wedding dress may seem like the hardest part, but you'll likely need to have it altered after it arrives. You should call the dress shop ahead to get an estimate of the price. Guests of a big vineyard or ranch will appreciate even minimal signs to help them find their way around.

Content Summary

  • Take care of these often-overlooked elements if you want your wedding to go off without a hitch and be remembered warmly by all.
  • The seemingly unending to-do list that comes with planning a wedding can make it feel like an insurmountable obstacle.
  • To ensure that no crucial element of the wedding is overlooked, we have developed a list of things to keep in mind.
  • Establishing a solid point of contact with the vendors providing wedding services is important.
  • It's easy to overlook gratuities while making a spending plan if you don't use a budget planner.
  • However, there is a lot to organise for the wedding day itself, from the first look to the photographs to the time spent travelling to and from venues to the time spent mingling with guests during the cocktail hour.
  • If you are at a loss for what steps to take, a wedding planner may be a great option.
  • Still, since the day commemorates your special day, you should personalise it as much as possible.
  • Make some room in the wedding budget so that you can breathe.
  • It's a good idea to have a dedicated wedding email address in case you find yourself inundated with invitations, RSVP requests, and other wedding-related correspondence.
  • It is recommended to start looking for a wedding dress nine to twelve months prior to the big day to avoid the stress of rushing and the disappointment of a poorly fitting ready-made dress.
  • Make sure to give yourself at least three months before your big day to schedule your first fitting for your dress.
  • You should keep a running record of your vendors' contact information in a location like Google Drive in case you ever need to get in touch with them fast, even when you're on the road.
  • It's crucial to read the contract for your wedding venue carefully and talk to the management about your preparations for the big day because there may be inclusion and exclusion restrictions.
  • Put a secret guest count on the back of your RSVP cards to match the number of people on your own counted guest list, and you won't have to worry about this.
  • Although sending out save-the-date cards is a good initial step, you should also start working on your wedding website as soon as possible so that you can keep guests updated.
  • This handy makeup kit has everything you need to fix your final-minute beauty blunders on the big day.
  • Don't forget to bring a pen to sign the marriage licence and your rings to the ceremony.
  • Your photographer in a beautiful setting will likely capture your wedding dress before you ever put it on.
  • In order to seem as flawless as a Kardashian in your red carpet photos, you should make sure your veil (if you're wearing one) and dress train are properly positioned.
  • Instruct your Maid of Honor to monitor these aspects of the ceremony and make any required adjustments as they arise.
  • Remind the officiant to leave the frame quickly so the photographer can get the perfect "first kiss" moment.
  • A guest book, champagne flutes, and a knife to slice the wedding cake are all great examples of such keepsakes.
  • You should investigate local dive bars and late-night hotspots if you want your wedding guests to have somewhere to go after the reception concludes, but they aren't quite ready to call it a night.
  • In all the merriment of your wedding day, you may neglect to give any thought to the logistics of getting to your honeymoon spot.
  • Have the maid of honour or best man handle returning any leased tuxedos, wedding attire, table linens, or decorations.
  • Get ready to travel on your honeymoon with plenty of time to spare.
  • Inadequate lighting will make it difficult for your guests to see and force your photographer to use every trick in the book to capture usable photos.
  • The proper lighting can soften the mood of a room and highlight its best features.
  • When planning a wedding, many couples rush to send out save-the-dates without giving out-of-town guests enough time to book flights and hotels.
  • It's common knowledge that the bride and her guests need a way to travel to and from the ceremony and the reception, but few think ahead to arrange transportation after the festivities have ended.
  • Your invitations' weight and size are proportional to one another.
  • Be mindful of visitors who may have vegetarian, vegan, or other special dietary needs.
  • Make sure you include yourself and anyone else who may have dietary restrictions in the final headcount you provide to the caterer.
  • Without a wedding planner keeping tabs on aspects like catering, it's easy to forget about providing meals for the vendors.
  • Get in touch with the hall and the food provider to make sure you've covered everything.
  • Make a reservation for a group of hotel rooms.
  • If out-of-town guests will be joining you, it's a good idea to book a block of hotel rooms.
  • Finding your wedding dress may seem like the hardest part, but you'll likely need to have it altered after it arrives.
  • Even if the dress fits perfectly, it may require additional tailoring to accommodate a bustle for the wedding.
  • You should call the dress shop ahead to get an estimate of the price.
  • Guests will appreciate signs directing them to the facilities and the ceremony location; other, more humorous banners can help keep the mood light and celebratory.
  • If you're inviting kids to your wedding, make sure they have something to do during the ceremony and reception.
  • When making plans for your wedding day, don't forget to factor in some time for refreshments.

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