10 biggest things brides forget on their wedding day I Salt Lake City Wedding Photographer

[intro]You’ve been planning for months (Or let’s be real here: more like since you were 5 years old!) and the BIGGEST and HAPPIEST day of your life has finally arrived! You’re going to the chapel and you’re gonna get m-a-a-arried. . . but have your remembered all the last minute details? Let’s hope you see this post before it’s too late![/intro]

In all our years of shooting weddings here are the top 10 things we see brides forget on their wedding day:

1. Letters or gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen . . .

These people have had your back during the entire process of planning your wedding. Not only that, but most of them have probably had your back your entire life! Even though you are the center of attention for this special time in your life, don’t forget them! Be a giver, not just a taker. A small sweet gift, or a heartfelt handwritten letter goes a long way!

2. To eat

Seems fairly standard, you eat when you’re hungry. EXECPT, on your wedding day when you get up super early to start getting everything ready. . . and you’re stomach is in knots from the excitement. . .and you’re being rushed from place to place. . . Sometimes you get too busy to remember that you’re hungry. That is, until you’re fainting at the alter or during family pictures. I’m pretty sure AFV has enough of these sorts of submissions. Let’s not make this your claim to fame!

Invite your bridesmaids over for a fun breakfast the morning of the wedding and eat up. (You’ve worked hard enough to look as good as you do in that gown! Today is the day to celebrate!) Also make sure that your cater makes you and your new hubby a box of all the delicious reception food and has it ready for you as you walk out for your grand exit. Something to munch on at the hotel after the wedding is always  nice!

3. To bring or sign the wedding license

Ok this is really the groom’s responsibility, right? (Well honey, let me tell you that you’re probably going to be gently reminding your sweetheart not to forget stuff for the rest of your lives. . . so you may as well start now.) But seriously- that little piece of paper is all too often forgotten and guess what- you can’t legally get married without it. I’ve been to a few weddings that started hours late because the groom had to leave to get it and come back, and also to weddings where they forgot to sign it in all the rush of the day. Let’s make the married legit and not be late to our receptions! Stick it in your fiancé ‘s tux jacket pocket the day before. He’ll be thanking you the next day when he arrives at the ceremony!

4. Extra bobbi pins

There is ALWAYS that stray hair that comes loose right before you’re ready to go. Have you seen the hair spray trick? Genius!

5. Clear Nail Polish

This goes hand in hand with number 4. Your nylons will run right before you’re ready to go. Murphy’s not going to put a snag in this day. . . just be prepared.

6. Figuring out what to do with envelopes in the line, or while greeting

Every couple loves getting load of cash & checks at their wedding, right? Way better than receiving those 4 blenders that you didn’t even register for! The thing is, if you don’t have a set place for all those lovely envelopes, most bestowers are going to hand them to you in your receiving  line.  Rather than having the groom’s pockets overflowing with cards, think of a secure decorative thing that they can be put in. We’ve seen all sorts of great ideas, ranging from vintage birdcages, to satin-wrapped boxes with a slit in the top.

7. Comfortable shoes for the reception

Those Jimmy Choo’s look killer, but if you wear them all night your feet are going kill as well! We’re constantly seeing those gorgeous shoes tossed aside as soon as the reception begins, and brides leaving with blackened feet.  Lot’s of brides opt for cute flip flops or Toms. Just think ahead and pack something that’s super comfy for an evening of dancing the night away!

8. To  choose someone to take your things back home and organize gifts while you’re away

I personally forgot this one on my wedding day. Dropped the ball, and was asking my mom at the last second to pack everything up for me. Think ahead and ask someone you trust to take care of this task for you. Be sure they have a sharpie and mark the gift with the name of the giver if at all possible. Envelopes are often separated from the gift in transit. Makes it hard when it comes time to write all the thank you’s. (Don’t get me started on the thank you’s. Seriously- start writing those babies ASAP. That is such a HUGE task.)

9. Your overnight bag

Who wants to make another stop on the way to your honeymoon or hotel for your overnighter prior to your flight the next day. Brides often forget to pack their jewelry, or shoes that go with their getaway outfit. Grooms often forget to pack toothbrushes, deodorant, pajamas. . . (probably on purpose.) JK- but seriously, think of anything you might need and make a checklist. List’s are a bride’s best friend!

10. Day after plans

Of course you’ve planned your honeymoon, but what do you do until the flight leaves? Do you have a nice brunch set up? Car arrangements? Passports? You’ve had enough choices and stress to deal with, set it all up ahead of time so you can relax!

Hope this little list gets you thinking and as prepared as possible for your big day! What are some things that you, or your friends have forgotten on wedding days? Add to the list and help us all out!

Photos taken: Provo, Utah

Moxie Photography, a Utah wedding photographer, serving the Salt Lake City Metro Area. In the Fall in Utah.