10 Things Brides Forget Before Wedding Day (And How to Avoid Them)
Tips from a South Florida Wedding Coordinator
You’ve planned the big things; the venue, the dress, the guest list, the vendors, but as your wedding day approaches, it’s often the small, behind-the-scenes details that get overlooked… and those are usually the ones that cause brides the most stress.
After years of planning and coordinating events and weddings, here are ten (10) things we see brides commonly forget before their wedding day and simple ways we suggest you can avoid them. Designed for the conscious brides.
01 | Building in Buffer Time
Most wedding day timelines are way too tight. Hair and makeup run late. Dresses take longer to bustle. Family members wander off. Something always happens and it is recommended to always be prepared.
How to avoid it:
Add 10–15 minute buffers between every major moment. A relaxed timeline is the secret to a seamless and stress-free wedding day.
02 | Assigning Someone for Personal Items
Your vows, lipstick, invitation suite, marriage license and maybe your cellphone, these items always need a handler.
How to avoid it:
Designate a trusted person (or your coordinator) to be in charge of your personal items, so nothing goes missing during the events or gets left behind when it’s time to clear the venue.
03 | Eating (and Drinking Water)
This is a common one. Between excitement and nerves, many couples forget to eat and it shows by cocktail hour.
How to avoid it:
Have snacks and water in the getting-ready suites, and plan a few private bites during cocktail hour if needed.
This happens way too often and as a wedding coordinator, I like to take initiative and put together a small plate of appetizers for the couple to enjoy. Fuel = energy for that first dance!
04 | Vendor Arrival & Access Details
Vendors need to know where to park, how to load in, and who to contact when they arrive.
How to avoid it:
Share your master wedding timeline with arrival times, parking instructions, and key contacts. This is one of the most important roles your day-of coordinator plays behind the scenes.
05 | Who’s Holding the Rings
It sounds obvious… until no one knows where they are.
How to avoid it:
The ring boy/girl? The grandparents? The MOB? Decide prior to your wedding day, who exactly is responsible for the rings and when or where they get handed off before the ceremony. You may also want to communicate this information with your coordinator.
06 | The Marriage License Plan
You’d be surprised how often this is forgotten or even left at home.
How to avoid it:
Confirm who is bringing it, where it will be kept, and who is responsible for returning it after the wedding.
07 | A Plan for Family Dynamics
Family emotions run high on wedding days, and unresolved dynamics can sneak up fast.
How to avoid it:
Let your coordinator know about any sensitive situations in advance so they can quietly manage seating arrangements, photos, and seamless event transitions.
08 | Weather Backup Details
Weather contingency doesn’t just apply to outdoor wedding arrangements; even indoor weddings are affected by weather, hair, photos, timelines, and guest comfort.
How to avoid it:
Have a clear rain or heat plan and ensure all vendors and key people know it before the day arrives.
09 | Post-Ceremony Logistics
What happens to decor, gifts, florals, and personal items at the end of the night?
How to avoid it:
Assign someone to collect items or confirm if your venue or coordinator will be handling breakdown and packing.
10 | Giving Yourself Permission to Let Go
This might be the most important one. Brides often feel like they still need to “manage” things on the wedding day, answering questions, making decisions, fixing details, etc.
How to avoid it:
Trust your vendor team. Trust your plan. And allow yourself to be fully present. The magic happens when you stop checking in and start experiencing.
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The difference between a stressful wedding day and a seamless one usually isn’t the budget, it’s preparation, communication, and having the right team or support in place. When the details are handled, you get to just… be the bride.
If you have any questions or would like help creating a calm, well-organized event or wedding day experience, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Planning your wedding is one thing, but enjoying it is another.
At Urbanica Luxury Events, our wedding coordination service is designed to take the pressure off so you can stay present, and fully immersed in your day. Curious if wedding coordination is right for you? Let’s talk through your day and see how we can support you.
South Florida Event Planner & Wedding Coordinator
Fort Lauderdale | Palm Beach | Miami | Key West
