The 10 Most Overlooked Details That Can Make or Break Your Wedding Day

You’ve poured your heart into planning every detail of your wedding day—picked the perfect venue, designed your dream tablescape, and made a thousand tiny decisions along the way. But even the most prepared couples often overlook a few things that can cause unexpected hiccups when the big day finally arrives.

As a wedding planner who specializes in coordination and execution, I’ve seen firsthand how small details can make a big difference. Let’s make sure you’re ahead of the game with this list of 10 commonly forgotten details that can make—or break—your wedding day experience.

1. Who’s Bringing the Marriage License?

It might seem obvious, but in the whirlwind of final to-dos, this one can slip through the cracks. Assign someone (not the bride or groom) to bring it to the ceremony—preferably someone responsible who’ll be there early.

2. What’s Your Rain Plan… Really?

If your wedding is outdoors, don’t just cross your fingers. Know what the backup plan is, who activates it, and how long that decision needs to be made ahead of time.

3. Hair & Makeup Start Times

One of the most common timeline issues happens first thing in the morning! Confirm how long each service takes, when each person needs to be ready, and who’s going first. Buffer time is key.

4. Rehearsal Flow & Who’s Running It

Your rehearsal is more than a walkthrough—it sets the tone. Having a coordinator or planner there to guide the wedding party, cue timing, and make everyone comfortable can prevent day-of confusion and stress.

5. Final Vendor Payments & Gratuities

Are you paying your DJ, photographer, or officiant the day of? Who’s handing out tips? Label envelopes and assign someone (like your planner!) to handle this discreetly.

6. Signage + Decor Setup

Custom signs, reserved seating cards, memory tables… all those Pinterest-worthy details need to be set up. Who’s doing it? Is there a reference photo? Are the items all packed and labeled?

7. Collecting Gifts, Cards & Guest Book

It’s the end of the night—who’s taking home your guest book, gifts, or card box? It’s smart to assign a trusted friend or family member to gather these and hold onto them securely.

8. Phone-Free Ceremony Instructions

If you want an unplugged ceremony, you have to tell people! A cute sign, an announcement from the officiant, or even a note in the program can go a long way.

9. What Happens to Leftovers, Florals, & Decor?

So much love (and money!) goes into these items—don’t let them go to waste. Make a plan for leftover cake, food, floral arrangements, or DIY decor. You’ll thank yourself later.

10. Emergency Kit Essentials

From fashion tape to blotting sheets, safety pins, bobby pins, deodorant, and a Tide stick—having a wedding day emergency kit on hand is a lifesaver. (Good news: we bring one with us to every event.)

Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference

A little preparation goes a long way. These often-overlooked details can easily be managed with the right plan—and the right person overseeing it all.

At Multiplicity Weddings & Events, our services begin at contract signing—because we know it takes more than just showing up on the day-of to execute your vision. From timelines to troubleshooting, we’ve got your back.

Let’s make your wedding day feel as seamless and joyful as it should be.

📩 Contact Us or email us at info@multiplicityevents.com to get started.