10 Things Every Couple Forgets When Planning Their Wedding
Let's be honest — planning a wedding can feel a bit like trying to herd a flock of confused pigeons while blindfolded. There's a lot to think about, isn't there? From finding that perfect venue and the dream dress to sorting out playlists and who's sitting where, it’s no wonder a few vital things often slip through the cracks!
As a wedding photographer lucky enough to witness countless beautiful days unfold across Lancashire and the North West (and yes, the occasional last-minute scramble!), I’ve seen firsthand what couples often forget when they’re deep in wedding planning. And hey, if I can save you a bit of stress and a few head-scratching moments along the way, I’m all in!
So, grab yourself a brew (or maybe something a bit stronger if it’s been one of those days!), get comfy, and let's go through the top 10 things couples tend to forget when they’re planning their big day.
1. Remembering to Eat (Seriously!)
You'd honestly be amazed how many couples get to the end of their wedding day and suddenly realise they haven’t actually eaten a proper bite! With all the excitement, nerves, and catching up with everyone, it’s ridiculously easy to forget.
Top Tip: Have a quiet word with your caterer beforehand. Ask them to prepare a little plate of canapés or some of your main meal just for you two. Then, sneak a few minutes away to actually sit down, breathe, and enjoy them together. You’ll thank yourselves later!
2. Factoring in Travel Time (Properly!)
Sounds like a dead obvious one, doesn't it? But travel time between locations – from prep to ceremony, or ceremony to reception – often gets overlooked when couples are mapping out their wedding timeline. It's not just the driving; it's getting everyone in and out of cars, traffic, and finding parking.
Top Tip: Always allow extra wiggle room – a good 15-20 minutes more than Google Maps suggests. Because yes, Uncle Dave will get lost en route to the reception!
3. Backup Plans for Outdoor Ceremonies
We live in the UK. Need I say more? ☔️ Glorious sunshine is lovely, but let's be realistic, a sudden downpour is always on the cards.
Top Tip: If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony (and they are beautiful!), make sure you have a rock-solid Plan B indoors that you’re genuinely happy with – not just a "well, I suppose we could use that dusty back room" kind of plan. Have a good chat with your venue about this early on.
4. Bringing Comfy Shoes (for the Dancefloor!)
Your wedding shoes are stunning – absolutely gorgeous! But six hours in, after standing, mingling, and maybe even a quick twirl, those beautiful heels or smart brogues can start to feel like medieval torture devices.
Top Tip: Pack a discreet pair of comfy flats, trainers, or even stylish sandals. Slip them on after the formalities so you can hit the dance floor without limping and truly enjoy the evening without aching feet!
5. Assigning a “Wedding Day Point Person”
Trust me on this one: you absolutely do not want to be fielding calls about where the cake delivery should go or if Auntie Brenda’s taxi has arrived while you’re trying to get into your dress or suit.
Top Tip: Appoint a trusted friend, a super-organised family member, or even better, a wedding planner or on-the-day coordinator. This person is your superhero for handling questions, liaising with vendors, gathering people for group photos (I'll help, but an extra hand is always ace!), and sorting out any minor dramas so you can relax.
6. Creating a “Just in Case” Emergency Kit
Blisters, headaches, a tiny ripped hem, makeup touch-ups, a rogue crumb on the dress... little things can pop up unexpectedly on the day.
Top Tip: Pack a small, essentials kit. Think plasters, safety pins, mints, paracetamol, deodorant, hairspray, and tissues. Your future self will high-five you for being so prepared!
7. Thinking About Lighting (Seriously Important!)
You spend months choosing your stunning venue, the perfect flowers, and that incredible dress... and then it's easy to forget that the wrong lighting can make everything (especially in photos!) look a bit "meh." Natural light is my best friend, but evening lighting needs thought.
Top Tip: Have a proper chat with your photographer (hello 👋 that’s me!) and/or your venue about the lighting, especially for evening receptions and those magical golden hour shots. Good lighting makes a huge difference to your final images!
8. Padding the Budget for Hidden Costs
Oh, the sneaky extras! Extra guests, last-minute dress alterations, postage for invites, supplier tips, extra corkage fees... they add up faster than you can say "over budget!"
Top Tip: Always, always set aside an extra 5-10% of your total budget as a cushion for these sneaky extras. It’s better to have it and not need it than to be caught short.
9. Practising the First Dance (Just a Tiny Bit!)
You don’t need to go full "Strictly Come Dancing" with complicated choreography, but a quick run-through of your chosen song will seriously ease those nerves when it's time to hit the floor. Knowing where to stand and how to finish can make all the difference.
Top Tip: Put on a dress that is a similar length to your wedding dress (or wrap a bedsheet around you)! Why?? Because you soon to be husband needs to practice not standing on the dress while dancing…trust me it’s a lot to keep in mind!
10. Taking a Moment Just for Yourselves
Your wedding day will zoom by faster than a Labrador spotting a squirrel in the park. It’s a whirlwind of hugs, hellos, and happy chaos.
Top Tip: Carve out just ten minutes, ideally after the ceremony or during the reception, just for the two of you. Step away from the crowd, soak it all in. No phones. No cameras (unless I’m being a friendly shadow in the background, of course!). If you want tell me after the couple photos and I’ll head back to the reception and leave you to it for a few moments!
Wrapping Up: Wedding Planning Without the Panic!
Look, no wedding is 100% perfect – and honestly, the little unexpected moments often become the very best stories you’ll tell later on. But if you can remember these ten often-forgotten details, you’ll give yourselves the gift of a much smoother, calmer, and genuinely more enjoyable day.
And when the big day comes? I'll be right there, camera in hand, quietly capturing every laugh, every happy tear, every cheeky glance, and every little magic moment – so you can completely relax and simply live every second of it. That’s my job!
Planning your wedding in Lancashire or the wider North West and looking for a relaxed, friendly wedding photographer who knows all the best ways to make your day feel effortless and amazing?
👉 Let’s have a proper chat! I’d genuinely love to hear all about your plans (and happily swap some good brew recommendations too!).
