There’s a lot going on when it comes to weddings. A lot. We’re not going to go through all the different bits ‘cos that list would surpass the word count of all the Harry Potter books combined but, basically, there are a thousand and one different things you need to decide on and remember, which is why every bride and groom is given a couple of free-passes when it comes to being a tad forgetful. It’s called “wedding brain” and, trust us, the struggle is real.
You’ve got big decisions fizzing about at the front of your thoughts like out of control Catherine wheels and small details dancing around at the back of your mind like world-class tap-performers - loads of them - and then there’s the small matter of your emotions going wild as you close in on getting hitched to the love of your life. The point is: it’s no wonder brides and grooms can never remember everything.
That’s why we’ve been busy pulling together a list of commonly overlooked wedding details you really don’t want to miss because, well, you’ll be pretty gutted if you do. Sure, they’re not absolute wedding essentials, but that’s because even the most clumsy and disorganised couple can’t forget to pick a gorgeous venue, think about sit-down meal options, book a yummy cake baker or go gown shopping. Instead, these little forget-me-not details are those little extras that have the power to make your big day even more special.
So, without further ado, let’s crack on with making your wedding utterly perfect it shall we:
1. Remember To Go Beneath Your Gown
There isn’t a bride on the planet that doesn’t imagine wiggling into their dream dress the second their SO gets down on one knee and pops the question. But even when you’ve been through all the different wedding dress styles, chosen the one for you and got a message to say it’s ready n’ waiting, it’s super-important you don’t get complacent on the fashion front because you aren’t done quite yet - and, no, we’re not just alluding to the accessories you’ll wear. We’re talking about what you’ll wear under your gown. We’ve seen it all on the wedding front and, trust us, nothing's worse than seeing a bride running around on the morning of their wedding, looking utterly flustered as they search for a bra that will work with a) their boobs and b) the dress’ plunging neckline. Oh, and as a little insider’s tip, try sticking a bright yellow post-it note on your fridge that says, “take undergarments to final dress fitting.” You know, to make sure your whole knot-tying outfit works perfectly.
2. Remember All Girls Need A “Getting Ready” Outfit
The universal getting ready outfit for a normal girl’s night out is an oversized t-shirt stolen out of your boyfriend’s drawer and a pair of tracksuit-slash-pyjama bottoms, and we totally get it. They’re perfect for an ordinary night on the town. But your wedding day is a little different in that it’s totally extraordinary. This is you and your bridal party getting ready before you walk down the aisle looking a billion bucks - and your photographer will be there to capturing all these behind the scenes moments for your big day album. That’s why you’ll probably want to look a little more made-up than normal. You’ll want to look back through your getting-ready snaps and smile as you see your glamorous girl squad bouncing off the walls, sipping champagne, biting their bottom lips as you all hold back the happy jitters and getting a little sentimental with each other, as the besties you are. That’s what these last moments are all about. As for what picking the perfect bridal-party-getting-ready-outfit, you’ll want matching outfits that are cute and comfy and easy to take off (so that your hair and makeup don’t get threatened when it comes to your dress time). Basically, matching robes are your best bet.
3. Remember To Pop A Rescue Kit In The Loos
If you want to be remembered in wedding folklore as the most thoughtful couple to walk the aisle since Bob and Janet decided a lounge area would be a good idea, the best thing you can do is pop a basket of rescue remedies in your venues powder rooms. As you’ll soon see, each of your guests will have dressed to the nines, desperate to look their absolute best for you as you get hitched, and so helping them keep up appearances with an extra dollop of hospitality will go a long, long way. You don’t need to go overboard. You just need a few little baskets of wedding necessities, things like yummy mints, extra bobby pins and a handful of quick-stitch safety pins, stain remover, mosquito repellent, deodorant, perfume samples and blister plasters. Do that and you’ll forever be celebrated by the wedding guest gods.
4. Remember To Have An Emergency Kit At Hand Too
Talking of must-have wedding kits that (almost) everyone overlooks, make sure you have an emergency kit as well; something to take the unexpected panic out of your wedding because, trust us, nothing can make a bride (or bridesmaid) panic more than be unprepared for the worst. Stuck zippers, ripped seams, torn dresses, broken heels, red wine stains, rose bush tangles - they’re all things that can (and, according to Murphy’s Law, will) happen. So get a few steps ahead of any potential problem by making an emergency kit and finding a place to keep it handy throughout your wedding (or let the MOTB look after it). Anyway, to help you get underway, start by adding a trusted stain remover, pop in a needle and thread that matches the colour of your wedding outfits, your favourite perfume, some extra shoes, Vaseline, and anything else you think could save the day at a moment’s notice. It could be the best thing you ever do.
5. Remember Your Flower Girl Wants To Wow
There’s nothing more heart-melting than seeing a gorgeous little flower girl walk down the aisle in front of the bride, her hands trembling a touch as she delicately sprinkles handfuls of rose petals on the stone floor, the smile on her face growing with each step she takes. It’s the first “awwwww” moment of every wedding. But while you might have her dressed picked out and ready to be worn, it’s the cute little accessories that will make her look truly wow and make this scene even cuter. A super-sweet flower crown to match her dress, a silver bracelet engraved with her name and the date, her first pair of truly fabulous shoes, a simply gorgeous pendant necklace - anything that will double-up as a thank-you gift to this little sweetheart for playing such an important role in your big day.
6. Remember To Buy Gifts For Both Sets Of Parents
None of us likes to admit it, but we all take our parents for granted - sometimes a little too much. That’s not to say you don’t love them with every beat of your heart, it just means it’s easy to forget how much they mean to us, and none more so than during your wedding. Through all the stresses and headaches, you might even find yourself taking it out on them without realising. Of course, to err is human, and to hand them a thoughtful, sentimental and tear-jerking thank-you gift is divine. It’s your way of saying thank you for everything, wrapping them up in the tightest cuddle you’ve given them since childhood, and letting them know how much you appreciate every modicum of love and support they’ve sent your way. It doesn’t have to be much. A piece of jewellery, a framed photo of your favourite moment, a trinket from the past you’ve never let go of or even just a card with a candid note about how much they mean to you and how much of your heart is devoted to them. These will all go a long way, especially if you’re going to give them a copy of your wedding album when you get back from your honeymoon. It’s the least they deserve and more than they will ever expect.
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