5 Uncommon Things Couples Forget on Their Wedding Day
Introduction
You’ve most likely found tips online for the perfect bridal emergency kits, day-of checklists, and common reminders to eat and stay hydrated throughout the wedding day. While we’re sure all these suggestions have been super helpful, you might feel like there’s still something you’re missing—and you’re right, there probably is! Let’s face it: no wedding goes without its hiccups.
After spending hours digging through these popular lists and drawing from my hands-on experience as a wedding planner, I’ve put together a list of the most commonly forgotten items and overlooked details I’ve seen time and time again—but have yet to spot on any checklist.
Here are some things you might not have thought of:
Top 5 Most Forgotten Items and Overlooked Details on Wedding Days:
1. Phone Assignment
Phone assignment is crucial on the day of, after years of planning events, one of the items that I’ve noticed often gets misplaced is the brides phone. The person assigned to your phone should have the best understanding of your wedding details—second only to your planner or coordinator—and know how you’d respond to questions.
Typically, this task falls to the maid of honor or someone trusted who can confidently handle last-minute communication. Designating phone assignments to a bridesmaid or friend brings an unexpected ease to the day and helps avoid delays.
Gratzie Novia Pro Tip:
One of the most important moments to designate the bride’s phone to a member of the bridal is during her hair and makeup process. The number of times I’ve had to grab a stressed-out bride by the hands and say, “I’m sorry, but I need you to hand your phone to someone else; we’re starting to delay the timeline,” is far too many.
Take it from a former bridal hair and makeup artist: nothing delays the process more than a client who constantly takes calls and texts or gets up from the beauty chair.
2. Getting Ready Playlist!
Having the right atmosphere and vibe during the getting-ready process not only sets the tone but is also key to having a stellar wedding morning. There are plenty of pre-made bridal getting-ready playlists online, but we always recommend creating a personalized playlist full of music that keeps you in your best mood.
Make sure your hubby or partner-to-be has their own as well! If not, he and the other groomsmen may get stuck listening to Taylor Swift tracks all day—unless he, too, is a Swiftie!
Gratzie Novia Pro Tip:
It's common for brides and even the maid of honor to get bombarded with questions, calls, and texts from well-intentioned vendors, guests, and loved ones who aren’t attending the wedding. Calls tend to cause the music to cut off and ruin the getting-ready vibe.
It’s best to delegate this task to a member of the bridal party who can keep their phone on Do Not Disturb for most of the morning.
3. Portable Speaker
Sticking with the music theme, the next essential item is a portable speaker! Phone speakers offer decent volume, but the sound can get lost when your in-suite designated “DJ” moves around or steps out. A portable speaker keeps the music central and consistent so everyone can hear and enjoy the vibe.
If you’re wondering what to buy, BOSE, Beats by Dre, and JBL offer great, affordable options. Small but mighty is the key here!
The brand I’m most familiar with is JBL. They offer $50–$60 options, but my personal favorite is the JBL Flip 6, priced between $120–$150. If you want to explore other portable speaker options, this article is a fantastic resource: Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for 2024: Top Compact Waterproof Wireless Speakers - CNET
Gratzie Novia Pro Tip:
This makes a great engagement gift! For that extra bridal touch, the JBL Flip 6 comes in “bridal” white and “tuxedo” black—or simply opt for your favorite color. Couples gifting this to each other is also a sweet gesture!
If you’re a bride or groom looking for bridal party gifts your squad will actually use and appreciate for years to come.
4. Extension Cords
Keeping it tech-related, I’ve found extension cords to be a secret weapon in the bridal suite or getting-ready space. Outlets are often used by the hair and makeup team’s hot tools, lighting equipment, hotel lamps, TVs, and other amenities.
We recommend purchasing a power strip with at least six outlets and USB ports. Our preferred one is by GE, available at Target and on our Amazon Storefront. (And remember to charge those portable chargers and speakers!)
Product Mention:
GE 6-Outlet Power Strip 1 USB-A 1 USB-C 15W Shared 6' Braided Cord – Target
Gratzie Novia Pro Tip:
Designate one area as the phone and device charging station, and make sure to announce it as soon as your bridal party and guests arrive to your bridal suite or getting ready location. Your hair and makeup vendors will thank you for the thoughtfulness behind this detail.
5. Sharpies
You might be wondering—why Sharpies? These little tools are incredibly helpful for labeling last-minute items, signage, and decor. But here’s an unexpected use you might not have thought of.
Far too many times, I’ve walked into a bridal suite to find a sea of opened or half-drank water bottles and mimosas. What a waste of OJ! During my days as a hair and makeup artist, I learned to label my water bottle caps with my initials to avoid mixing it up with some one else on set.
This simple habit became a staple in my kit—and now, I implement during wedding days.
Labeling drinks avoids mix-ups, keeps the room tidy, and ensures everyone’s beverage is accounted for.
Gratzie Novia Pro Tip:
I noticed a similar issue with champagne glasses. To avoid writing on the hotel’s fancy glasses, I use gold or cute sticky labels and write the bridal party member’s name on. These thoughtful little details help reduce waste and keep the getting-ready space clean and organized.
Product Mention:
Amazon.com – PARLAIM 0.75" Round Color Coding Circle Dot Labels
For a fancier option consider getting custom champagne glass chips. Pictured Below.
Conclusion
While it’s important to plan for everything, it’s the little, often-overlooked details that can make a huge difference in how smoothly your wedding day unfolds. These five uncommon yet essential reminders are things I’ve learned through real wedding day experiences and love sharing with couples to help them feel more prepared and at ease.
So, as you check off those last few boxes on your wedding to-do list, don’t forget to think beyond the basics. Sometimes, it’s a Sharpie or a speaker that ends up saving the day.
