The 10 Biggest Things Brides Forget

By: Meredith Bodgas, The Knot

With all the planning you're doing right now, it's hard to imagine there's any detail you haven't thought of, but trust us, there are certain to-dos that somehow never make it to the list. Here are the top ones we hear about all the time.

1) Making post-wedding plans:
We're not talking about the honeymoon here (who would forget to plan that?) - we mean you need to decide what you're doing immediately after your wedding. If you don't want the party to end with the last dance, you should pick a late-night spot in or near one of the guest hotels. If privacy isn't all that important, book your wedding night room in the same hotel as your guests. If you just want to get to bed, we highly suggest you book a room elsewhere.

2) Bringing your overnight bag:
If you're allowed to check into your hotel room early-and you don't personally need to be there to officially check in-pick someone to drop your overnight bag at your hotel before your ceremony starts. A guest who's staying at the same place will likely be happy to do this for you since they're going to have to check in anyway! If your things can't arrive sooner than you, ask a bridesmaid to be responsible for bringing your bag to the wedding and finding a safe spot for it in the bridal suite. Even easier, if you'll have the same car or limo for the entire day and night, opt to keep your stuff in the trunk.


3) Picking someone to take your things home after the reception:
Your gifts, mementos (think flutes, cake topper, unity candle and guest book) and any leftover food, booze or cake need a trusty escort to get them home. Choose a person and let them know about their responsibility. And you may want to donate your centerpieces. Nursing homes typically accept flowers, but call at least a few days before the wedding to find out when someone can drop off the arrangements . If you're changing out of your gown before you head to your hotel room, you'll need a person to take it home too-even if you have no plans of getting it professionally preserved, you don't want to leave it behind! Make sure there's a hanger and a garment bag on hand (the one your dress came with will do!) so your gown stays in tip-top shape.

4) Deciding where everything goes:
Besides planning where all of your guests sit, you  need to figure out where you'll put programs, escort and place cards, menus (if you're having them) and favors. Once you've picked who's going to set these out-your wedding coordinator, bridesmaids and banquet managers are all good choices-give them clear instructions on where they should go (one favor on every other plate at tables, for instance, if you want couples to share the takeaways, or all of them in two baskets by the exits if you want guests to pick them up on the way out). Also, if your venue's staff will be setting out these items, find out when you can drop everything off-some venues want everything a couple of days before your wedding; others won't take anything 'til the day of.

5) Decorating the other areas:
Of course, no guest will walk out of your wedding if the bathrooms and coat check are left bare. But witha ll the energy that's put into dressing up the reception and ceremony spaces, you might want to put in the small extra effort to give these spots the decor they deserve. A few candles will work.

6) Buying gifts for the wedding party:
When gifts are constantly coming to your door, it's hard to remember that you need to dole some out too! So who makes the gift list? Everyone who plays a role in your day-yes, your parents and future in-laws too. You don't need to make a big presentation. Just make sure you give everyone their gift before or at the rehearsal dinner.

7) Choosing how to gather the gifts:
There are three times guests are likely to thrust gifts at you: while they're in the receiving line, during your table visits and when they leave for the night. Designate a person-one of your bridesmaids, your mom or your groom's mom-to collect envelopes, and have them by your side with a large but inconspicuous bag when you're saying hello and good-bye to your guests. That person should also keep an eye out for guests who seem a little lost at the reception-they may be trying to figure out where they should put their gift! If you instead decide to have a birdcage, box or other stationary receptacle, tell a few people to subtly spread the word around. Don't ask your DJ to make an announcement, though. That comes off as being as in-your-face as including a registry card with your wedding invitations, a big no-no, as you know.

8) Figuring out your day-after plans:
If you're leaving for your honeymoon straight from your hotel, make advance arrangements for a car service to take you from the hotel to the airport, and be sure you bring any luggage you want with you on your trip (and a passport if you need it). If you're not going on your honeymoon right away, then you need to know where you're going the morning after your wedding (to your new-or old-home, or your parents' house?) and how you're going to get there. Park your car at the hotel before your wedding if you're allowed, or ask a friend to come pick you up and bring you where you want to go the next day. Don't schedule your ride too early-with any luck, you'll be exhausted.

9) Getting the tips ready:
You know you need to take car of your vendors at the wedding, but you might forget to decide how to tip them. The best way: Stash cash in envelopes the night before your wedding (so the envelopes don't have time to get lost!) and mark each one with the appropriate vendor's name. Choose a person to hold the envelopes (dads with their large tuxedo jacket pockets are perfect for this) and decide when to give them out. Tip delivery people, the ones bringing your cake and flowers, for instance, as soon as they drop off the goods, The end of the night is a logical time to tip people who will be there through the whole party, like the DJ/band members, servers and bartenders. Usually, photographers and videographers split after the cake cutting or bouquet toss, so make sure your tip-holder catches them before they go.

10) Making and confirming itineraries: 
Check in with every single vendor, from the limo driver to the linen rental company, two days before your wedding. Many of your pros will beat you to it, so be ready to go over times and locations whenever you get a call. Send out agendas to your bridesmaids and groomsmen too-how else will they know what time you're taking photos? If someone in the bridal party is notorious for being late, start their schedule half an hour early just in case.