Even as someone who works in weddings all the time, I’ll be the first to admit that planning a wedding is no small feat. Between vendors, timelines, and family opinions, it’s easy to miss the small but important details.

After capturing countless weddings here in Orange County and planning my own wedding, I’ve seen the things couples tend to overlook, not because they don’t care, but because there’s simply so much to think about.

So, to help make your planning smoother (and your wedding day more enjoyable), here’s my list of 31 things couples often forget while wedding planning in 2026.

1. Prepare for Unexpected Weather

Yes, Southern California is known for sunshine, but it’s not foolproof. Rain, wind, or even wildfire smoke can appear out of nowhere. Always have a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, whether that’s a covered patio, tent, or indoor space. Check with your wedding venue about their contingency options before booking. If they don’t have one, make sure you’re comfortable renting a tent or reconfiguring your setup last-minute.

2. Proper Lighting

Lighting completely changes the vibes and your photos. Decide early if you want soft romantic light, bistro strands, candles, or uplighting. Then talk with your photographer and videographer about timing and placement. Natural light is beautiful but fleeting; adding strategic lighting ensures your venue glows beautifully once the sun goes down (and keeps your photos looking stunning all night long).

3. Extra Ceremony Seating (and Reserved Rows)

Guests rarely sit exactly where they’re supposed to. Always plan for at least 10–20 more chairs than your guest count to avoid crowding. Also, remember to reserve the first few rows for parents, grandparents, and special guests, and make sure someone knows to politely handle seat mix-ups before the ceremony begins.

4. Cake Knife & Server

It’s such a small thing until you’re standing at the cake table, ready for your big moment, and realize you forgot the knife. So pack your cake knife and server in your décor box a week before the wedding (or ask your planner to include one). You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not cutting your cake with a butter knife from the caterer.

5. Guestbook Pens

If you’re having a guestbook, make sure there are plenty of working pens or permanent markers nearby, especially if your sign-in item is wood, acrylic, or something nontraditional. Test your writing tools ahead of time and bring extras, because somehow they always disappear.

6. Your Marriage License

This one’s a biggie. You can’t make it legal without it! Designate someone trustworthy (best man, maid of honor, or parent) to keep track of your marriage license on the wedding day. Sign it immediately after your ceremony while everyone’s still together. That way, it’s handled before you head to cocktail hour or photos.

7. Cash & ID

It sounds simple, but don’t forget to bring cash and your IDs. Whether you’re checking into a hotel, paying for last-minute tips, or heading straight to your honeymoon, you’ll need both. A hotel or TSA agent won’t care that you’re newly married without identification.

8. Music Planning

Even if you’ve hired a DJ or live band, take time to review your playlist and do-not-play list. If you’re doing a DIY setup, map out exactly when to play certain songs like ceremony cues, cocktail hour, first dance, and cake cutting. You don’t want to walk down the aisle to AC/DC (unless you know, that’s your vibe).

9. A Note to Your Partner

One of the sweetest forgotten traditions is a handwritten note or small gift for your soon-to-be spouse. Have it delivered while you’re getting ready. It’s a simple way to calm nerves, remind them how much you love them, and create a beautiful moment for your photographer to capture.

In areas of responsibilities:

10. A Point Person

If you don’t have a planner, assign a go-to person for questions, deliveries, and emergencies. This should not be you or someone in your wedding party. Whether it’s a close friend or relative, give them a copy of your timeline and vendor contacts so you can enjoy your day stress-free.

11. Delivery & Setup Team

From flowers to rentals, someone has to get everything where it belongs. Make sure you’ve confirmed who’s setting up décor, signage, and tables, and when they’ll arrive. If you’re DIY-ing your wedding, gather a small crew to handle setup and teardown so you can focus on enjoying the day, not directing traffic.

12. Photo Wranglers

Your photographer will know how to manage the shots, but not who’s who. Choose one person from each family to help gather relatives for formal portraits. It keeps things organized, saves time, and prevents Grandma from wandering off during family photos.

13. Clean-Up Crew

After all the dancing and celebrating, someone needs to handle cleanup. Assign a small team or hire your venue’s staff to handle trash removal, décor pickup, and rentals. The last thing you want after your grand exit is a phone call about unreturned candle holders.

14. Gift Coordinator

You’ll likely receive cards, envelopes, and gifts at your reception. Have a trusted family member or friend collect them and store them safely. Never leave gifts overnight at a venue or in your car.

15. Attire Logistics

Once you’ve changed out of your dress or tux, make sure someone takes care of your wedding attire. Assign a person to return rental suits or safely transport your dress home for preservation. Trust me, you don’t want to find your gown crumpled in a corner of the bridal suite.

For out-of-town guests:

16. Out-of-Town Guest Welcome Bags

If guests are traveling to attend, make them feel extra appreciated. Create small welcome bags with snacks, water, a thank-you note, and local recommendations (especially for Orange County’s beaches and restaurants). Coordinate hotel drop-offs ahead of time so they’re waiting when guests arrive.

For your wedding vendors:

17. Vendor Overtime Policies

Before signing contracts, clarify what happens if the event runs late. Some vendors charge hourly overtime rates; others don’t stay past their contracted time. Discuss this early so you’re not surprised with last-minute fees when the dance floor is still packed at 10 p.m.

18. Feed Your Vendors

Your team, from your photographer to your DJ, will be with you all day. Make sure they’re included in your final headcount for meals. Well-fed vendors = happy, energetic vendors. And don’t forget water! Especially for summer weddings!

19. Gratuities & Thank-You Envelopes

Whether or not tips are required, preparing thank-you envelopes with gratuities shows appreciation for the people who made your day possible. Label each one clearly and have your coordinator distribute them before vendors leave.

In areas of catering and food safety:

20. Guest Allergies & Food Restrictions

Double-check dietary needs with your caterer for gluten-free, vegan, nut allergies, etc. Label buffet items clearly or note them on your menu cards. It’s a small detail that goes a long way in making guests feel considered and safe.

21. Don’t Forget Yourselves in the Headcount

It sounds silly, but couples sometimes forget to count themselves. When giving your final numbers to the caterer, remember to include the bride, groom, and all vendors being served.

22. Ice, Ice, and More Ice

This might sound funny, but running out of ice mid-reception is chaos. Plan roughly one pound of ice per guest (1.5 if it’s outdoors or hot). Check whether your venue or caterer provides it, otherwise, add it to your rental list. If you are also planning on having a boba bar being served, remember the ice!

In areas of transporation:

23. Bridal Party Transportation

Coordinate how your bridal party is arriving and leaving. Will they ride together? Are there designated drivers? Make sure no one’s stranded after the party ends. This also applies to grandparents or relatives without transportation.

24. Couple’s Exit Plan

You’ve made your grand exit, now what? Who’s taking your car home? How are you getting to your hotel or honeymoon suite? These details can slip through the cracks. Arrange your transportation (and luggage) ahead of time.

In areas of your wedding attires:

25. Dress Alterations

Brides: schedule your final fitting at least a few weeks before the wedding. Allow enough time for last-minute tweaks. Grooms: don’t wait until the night before to check your suit. Try everything on early to avoid surprises.

26. Emergency Kit

Every wedding needs one! Pack safety pins, hairspray, bobby pins, lip balm, tissues, bandages, pain reliever, and a sewing kit. Your maid of honor or coordinator can keep it handy for quick fixes. Read our blog on What Not To Forget In Your Purse On Wedding Day for more on this!

27. Overnight Bag

If you’re staying at a hotel after your reception, pack a small overnight bag with comfy clothes, toiletries, chargers, medication, and anything you’ll need the next morning. You’ll thank yourself when you can just crash and relax.

28. Change of Clothes (and Shoes!)

After hours of dancing, heels can feel like torture. Bring flats, sneakers, or even barefoot sandals for comfort. Some brides also change into a second dress, something lighter and easier to move in.

29. Eat & Hydrate

Wedding days fly by and it’s shockingly easy to forget to eat. Have your planner or a friend bring snacks and water throughout the day. Staying fueled keeps your energy (and mood) high from ceremony to send-off.

30. Schedule Time to Be Alone Together

Amid the excitement, it’s easy to spend your entire wedding day surrounded by people yet barely see each other. Between photos, family, and the dance floor, couples often realize they’ve shared only fleeting moments together.

Set aside 5–10 minutes just for the two of you after the ceremony or before the reception. Step away from the crowd, breathe, and soak in what just happened. Those quiet minutes when it’s just you, the person you love, and the realization that you’re finally married, often end up being one of the most meaningful memories of the day.

31. Lastly, Remember It’s Your Wedding

You’ll get a lot of opinions, from parents, friends, and even vendors. But at the end of the day, this is your wedding. Choose what feels authentic to you both. Take a deep breath, soak it in, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Your wedding is one chapter of a much bigger story one filled with love, laughter, and life together.

I hope this list of the 31 Items You’re Probably Forgetting while Wedding Planning in 2025 is a helpful tool for you in your wedding planning process, and helps you to feel a little more stress-free! Let us know in the comments if you’ve discovered any more items that you think we need to add to the list! Also, check out some other helpful tips for your wedding day here! Best of luck to you in all of your wedding planning!