Don’t forget to… 30 last-minute things for your wedding checklist

You’ve read all the wedding checklist advice, got all the big stuff covered and planned your day perfectly. However, trust us, there are always one or two small things that get overlooked. Will they spoil your day if you forget them? No. However, to make sure you have the most stress-free day possible, here are some of the most commonly forgotten wedding checklist items, according to wed2b brides…

1. Double check all your suppliers are confirmed

Make sure the deposits are paid and you know all their arrival times

2. Also, are you feeding your suppliers?

They will probably need to eat on the day, so check if you should arrange this.

3. Confirm allergies or dietary restrictions

Double check that the relevant suppliers know about any allergies or dietary restriction your guests might have.

4. Create a Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Read the full blog here for the perfect kit that will get any wardrobe malfunctions or minor mishaps sorted in a jiffy.

5. Buy some sunglasses

A pair of stylish or heart-shaped shades can look amazing in your photos. Why not get matching pairs for your maids too?

6. Choose nice PJs

Make sure you have something nice to wear for the ‘getting ready’ photographs, such as an elegant silk slip, robe or floral PJs in the wedding colours. It’s great if your maids are wearing something complimentary too. Check out some lovely ideas here.

7. A gift for the groom

It’s traditional to buy each other a gift for the morning of the big day. For the groom this could be something like a watch, engraved with the date, or some smart cufflinks to wear on the day. It doesn’t need to be expensive though. A beautiful framed photo of a special moment and a simple card with a heartfelt message is also magical.

8. Include yourself in the guest count

It seems obvious but lots of couples forget to include themselves in the head count for the big day. Don’t be that person!

9. Create a playlist and a ‘Do Not’ play list

You've probably already thought about your favourite tunes but what about the ones you hate? Most wedding DJs have a few tried and tested favourites, so if you don’t want to end the night with ‘New York, New York’ or a Queen medley, let them know.

10. Have a final chat with your photographer

Save time on the day with a quick run through of your absolute must-have photographs.

11. Plan for Golden Hour 

Golden Hour is just before sunset, when natural light is at its softest and most flattering. From Sep to Nov it generally falls between 3pm and 8pm, so if you’re marrying then make sure you speak to your photographer about making the most of it.

12. Choose a ‘point person’ for your photos 

On the day, your photographer will need to find various family members but won’t know who they are. Ask a trusted friend to be in change of rounding up the right people at the right time.

13. Gifts for loved ones

Make sure your gifts and flowers for loved ones are ready to go and give someone the job of looking after them at the wedding.

14. Ensure nothing is left behind

At the end of the night you’ll be exhausted (or already on the way to your first night hotel), so ask your wedding planner or a friend to be in charge of doing a quick sweep to make sure nothing has been forgotten. 

15. Plan some pre-wedding food 

Make sure you’ve organised some food for the bridal party and groomsmen before the ceremony, whether that’s breakfast pastries or a selection of lunch items. Even if you don’t feel like eating, it will be a while before the wedding breakfast is served, so try your best.

16. Get a steamer

A steamer (and extension lead) is a wedding checklist essential for all those last-minute creases. Plus, make sure someone else knows how to use it, so you don't have to!

17. Hangers for your dress or suit

Most photographers will take pictures of your outfits hanging up, so pack a couple of nice hangers just for this.

18. Try on your wedding dress again

The week before the wedding try on your full outfit again, just in case. There’s still time to fix any last-minute issues if need be.

19. Wear your shoes

You’ll be wearing them for a full day, so make sure you’ve worn them in a much as possible.

20: Practise your bustle

If you’re having one, practise doing your bustle at the same time with one of your bridesmaids. Read our bustle tips here.

21: Pack some extra clothing 

Have a back-up shirt etc for the groom and spare items for yourself, especially if it’s hot, just in case. Also, remember to pack some nice flat shoes for when you’re ready to kick those heels off.

22. Something old, borrowed and blue

Don’t forget your ‘something blue’ on your wedding checklist. Absolutely not essential, but it’s a nice tradition and, trust us, lots of people will still ask you about it!

23. Assign a phone buddy

Ask someone in the bridal party to look after your phone on the day, so it’s on hand whenever you need it. Also, don’t forget your charger (see Wedding Day Emergency Kit).

24. Plan how you’ll walk down the aisle

Discuss with the bridal party how you want to walk down the aisle and in what order, so everyone knows exactly where to be.

25: Don’t forget any medications

If there is any medication you need to take on a daily basis make sure you have it close to hand in your emergency kit or you’ve asked someone to look after it for you.

26. Save seats for family at the ceremony

Give someone the job of reserving a few seats for immediate family at the ceremony and print out some ‘Reserved’ signs for them to place on seats.

27. Arrange a wedding guest book

Don't skip the wedding guest book. It's a lovely thing to look back on in years to come, so make sure you organise one and ask your best man to encourage guests to sign it.

28. How will you be announced?

Have a quick chat about how you want to be announced at the reception after you’re married. The bride and groom? Mr and Mrs? Or do you just want to sneak in quietly, no announcement needed?

29. Discuss the first kiss

It might seem silly but have a quick chat with your groom about the first kiss. It’s not often couples kiss in front of all their nearest and dearest, so it can be a little strange. Don’t overthink it, but check that you and groom are on the same page about this hopefully picture perfect moment!

30. Lastly, practise your vows

A few days before, read through what you’re planning to say again. That way it will trip off your tongue easily at the key moment. Good luck!

And that’s it for our last-minute wedding checklist. Well, apart from one final instruction… forget about all of these on the day! From the moment you wake up, all this is for someone else to worry about. What’s more, if lots of them don’t happen you’ll still have a fabulous time. The only thing you need to remember on the actual day is to relax, be present and enjoy yourself to the full with your new husband. Have fun!

Click here for lots more wedding planning tips from our brilliant real life brides and here for our expert guides and full wedding checklist. Also, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.