When you’re just starting out as a wedding planner, it’s easy to focus on the “big” things—timelines, vendor arrivals, and the flow of the ceremony and reception. But what really sets you apart as a professional is how you handle the small details that couples don’t think about (and often forget to plan for).
Here are five commonly overlooked wedding day details—and how you can make sure they’re covered every single time.
1. Stocking the Emergency Kit
Every planner needs a well-packed emergency kit. It’s your secret weapon when the unexpected happens—which it always does. A button pops off, the groom gets a headache, or the flower girl’s tights rip… and you’ll be the hero who has the fix.
Some must-haves to always keep on hand:
- Sewing kit and safety pins
- Stain remover wipes or pen
- Band-aids, pain relievers, and mints
- Double-sided tape and fashion tape
- Extra phone charger and scissors
- Snacks and water
Pro Tip: Restock your kit after every wedding so it’s always ready to go.
2. Who Packs Up the Bride’s Personal Items?
After the reception ends, there’s usually a collection of items that belong to the bride and groom—cake cutting set, toasting glasses, guest book, framed photos, the bridal portrait, leftover favors, and more. Many new planners forget to arrange who takes these home.
Best Practice: Decide ahead of time which family member or friend will be responsible for these personal items, and let them know when and where they’ll pick them up.
3. The Couple’s To-Go Meal
By the time the reception is over, most couples are starving. They’ve been pulled in a hundred directions and rarely sit down to eat their dinner. A thoughtful planner makes sure a meal (and dessert!) is packed up and placed in the getaway car.
It’s a small touch that makes a huge difference to tired newlyweds at the end of the night.
4. Bustling the Bride’s Dress Before Dancing
If the bride has a train, someone needs to bustle the dress before the reception dancing begins. Many new planners assume the maid of honor will handle it—but often she’s too busy or doesn’t know how.
Solution: Learn how to bustle the dress at the final fitting (or practice at the rehearsal). This way, you can confidently step in and make sure the bride is ready to hit the dance floor.
5. Prepping the Getaway Car and Exit Materials
The exit is the last impression of the night, and it often gets overlooked. Whether the couple is using sparklers, bubbles, glow sticks, or a vintage car, someone needs to:
- Distribute exit materials to guests
- Line everyone up in the right spot
- Make sure the getaway car is pulled up and ready
- Place the couple’s overnight bags, gifts, and to-go meal inside
When this moment is organized, it feels seamless and magical instead of chaotic.
Final Thoughts
New wedding planners often worry about the “big” picture—but it’s the overlooked details that set you apart as a pro. When you anticipate these needs before anyone asks, your couples (and their families) will feel completely taken care of—and you’ll start building the kind of reputation that leads to glowing referrals.
Want a step-by-step system for handling all the wedding day details? My Full Service Wedding Planning Process Template includes checklists, timelines, and done-for-you workflows that ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
| Terrica McKee is a seasoned wedding planner, florist, and educator with over 14 years of experience helping new and aspiring wedding planners build confidence and run professional, stress-free weddings. As the founder of Southern Productions, Meridian’s first full-service wedding planning and florist company, Terrica provides step-by-step systems, done-for-you templates, and expert guidance so planners can show up like pros from day one. |
For wedding planner templates and free resources visit southernproductions.net/for-planners
