Our Top 10 Wedding Details You Shouldn’t Overlook

Planning a wedding is a beautiful, exciting journey—but let’s be real: it can also be overwhelming. Between booking the venue, choosing the perfect dress, and finalizing your guest list, it's easy for smaller details to fall through the wedding planning cracks. And while they might seem minor at first, these overlooked details can seriously impact how your wedding day runs—and how relaxed you feel while soaking it all in.

To help you stay one step ahead and decrease the stress on your wedding day, we’ve compiled our top 10 wedding day details you shouldn’t overlook. These are the little things that make a big difference on your wedding day. 

#01: Create a Wedding Day Emergency Kit 
If you don’t have one yet – make one. Or, check with your wedding planner or day of coordinator and see if they have one. You may think that you're invisible to emergencies, or hear a wedding day horror story and think “that will never happen to me.” But, trust us – it CAN happen. We’ve had everything from zippers break on bridesmaids dresses to the bustle breaking on a wedding dress. And the one thing that saved the day was our trusty emergency kit. We were able to sew the bridesmaid into her dress and safety pin that french bustled up. Your emergency kit is your behind-the-scenes lifesaver. From minor wardrobe malfunctions to unexpected headaches, a wedding day emergency kit will have your back. Our MUST haves when stocking our kit are: 

• Safety Pins

• Fashion Tape

• Face Blotting Papers

• Scissors

• Stain Remover Pins

• Mints

• Lighter

• Black Pens

• Chalkboard and Paint Pens

• Bobby Pins

• Deodorant

• Mini Sewing Kit

• Band-Aids

• Tampons/Pads

• Pain Relievers

Make sure someone in your bridal party knows where it is and is in charge of keeping it nearby. You may not need it, but if you do—you’ll be so glad it’s there.

#02: Feed Your Vendors
People are happier when they are fed. That’s just the honest truth. Did you know that some of your vendors spend 10 or more hours on their feet the day of your wedding? I can’t tell you how good of a feeling it is to be well-fed at a wedding. Not only are we hungry, but it keeps your vendor team happy and energized. As you make your final counts with your caterer, include your vendors and ask how many individuals will be present from each vendor party. Talk to your caterer and ensure there are vendor meals available or that they are able to eat the served food. Feed them at an appropriate and reasonable time.

#03: The Marriage License 
We’re going to tell you a story. A couple many, many, years ago found out that they were never legally married. Their officiant had never mailed their marriage license. Sounds like a horror story right? Your marriage license is the big parting gift from your wedding day. It is the one document that makes everything legal - it’s the thing that counts. Make sure it’s packed, pre-filled before the ceremony. We recommend signing it directly after the reception and if you’re not mailing it out, ensure that it will be sent with your officiant or someone who is trustworthy. Some states require you to return it within a specific time frame after the wedding—so assign someone to keep it safe and send it back promptly. And before you send it off, take a picture of the signed license, just in case it gets misplaced. Then follow up with the courthouse or county office to ensure that it was received. 

#04: Share the Timeline
Timelines are the backbone of the overall coordination. If you are creating your own timeline, or your planner is doing it for you – it should be shared with your vendor team, wedding party, and any additional people that MUST know. Include key moments like:

• Rental Pick-ups

• Vendor arrivals and departures

• Hair and Makeup Appointments

• First Look

• Ceremony Start Time

• Reception Details 

• Exit Time 

• Venue Closing Time

Even a simple, one-page overview can prevent dozens of last-minute questions and keep everyone moving smoothly through the day.

#05: List of Must Have Photo Shots
Photographers are skilled at capturing natural, candid moments—but they won’t know which formal or family photos matter most to you unless you tell them. Sit down ahead of time and list out the must-have groupings: grandparents, cousins, college friends, etc. It’s also helpful to assign a “photo wrangler” from your family who knows everyone’s names and can help organize people quickly. Whoever is assigned, and if you have a wedding planner we suggest you speak to them on this, give them the list. It would even be smart to include this on your timeline and let your VIPs know that they will be needed post ceremony. Don’t forget detail shots, either—bouquets, centerpieces, signage, and those hand-written vows.

#06: Wear Comfortable Shoes
We love fashionable shoes. But, we also love a comfortable couple. If you’ve packed some killer shoes for your ceremony, please pack a back-up pair. It is okay to swap out of your heels and wear a pair of shoes that you can dance the night away. You don’t want to stress about the pain in your feet or be begging for relief. So, just plan ahead. And even if you don’t need a change, bring a back up pair. You’ll be able to move throughout the night without pain and enjoy the dance floor. 

#07: Create a Plan for Gifts and Cards
As the night wraps up, it is vital to create a plan of how everything gets home and with who. You will want to designate one person to support you with gifts and cards. Yes, only one. This person should be a VIP or someone that you trust. And don’t forget the thank you cards. If you’re on the fence about thank you cards, we’ve got a blog for that. They are essential, so don’t think you can skimp on sending out those thank you’s. Plan on keeping a record of who gave what and send that thank you card out within 6 weeks of your wedding day. 

#08: Keep it Guest Friendly 
As much as this day is your wedding, it is a chance for you to celebrate with your guests. Your guests have traveled near and far to attend your wedding. They’ve figured out their accommodations, rentals, airfare etc. So, creating little gestures to support their comfort will go a long way. Create little signs that can support and direct your guests throughout the evening. Welcome your guests and thank them for their support and attendance. Provide your guests with water, especially in the summer months. Whatever you do, be intentional with it and work to make a welcoming event and space for your guests.

#09: Go With the Flow
Along with the timeline, comes consideration of the flow of the evening. The ideal wedding has great flow, meaning it feels effortless. Sometimes, it can happen by accident, but create your timeline with smart, built in transitions. Plan every detail out, even including how guests will know to move from the ceremony to cocktail hour, or that it’s time to head to the grand exit. You’ll even need to think about what your guests will do while waiting and create a plan. Smooth transitions will create a polished event and keep your guests full of joy. 

#10: Time to Soak it In
We always tell our couples to enjoy all the moments, because it goes by in a blink of an eye. Try to plan purposeful moments for you and your spouse. Create a moment, or two to just soak in your new marriage and each other. We always recommend signing your license directly after the ceremony and having a private moment. Speak with your caterer and see if they can create a little plate of appetizers with a bottle of your favorite champagne to enjoy together. Then take some time, it doesn’t have to be an hour, it can be as little as 15-20 mintues. Whether it's a private first look, a moment after the ceremony, or even sneaking away during sunset for a quick walk or photo session. These intentional pauses are when you’ll catch your breath, look at each other, and really feel the magic of it all. It may be one of the few moments all day that you’re truly alone together.

While big-ticket items like venues and vendors often steal the spotlight, it’s the small, thoughtful details that turn a good wedding into a great one. From emergency kits and comfy shoes to thoughtful signage and time to breathe, paying attention to these often-overlooked details will help your wedding day run smoothly—and feel extra meaningful. But, at the end, it’s important to remember that perfection isn’t the goal and nor will it probably be happy. But, planning the details and accounting for the “what ifs” will give you the opportunity to relax, have fun, and fully enjoy your wedding day.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Day-Of Coordinator vs. Full-Service Planner: What’s the Difference?

When you start planning a wedding, one of the first pieces of advice you’ll hear is: “Hire a wedding planner—it’ll save you time and stress.” But, as the industry has grown, the terms of day-of-coordinator and full-service wedding planner get used interchangeably. But, as we offer both at Elegant Affairs, we can tell you that they refer to very different roles. Many couples aren’t sure where to start, or do not know that not all wedding planning services or packages are the same. So, let’s break down the differences between a day-of coordinator and a full-service planner, so you can decide which option makes the most sense for your big day.

So what is a day-of coordinator? 

A day-of typically doesn’t just show up at your event and it’s the first time you’ve communicated. In most cases, you’ve been working with your coordinator for 6 weeks, or so, prior to the wedding. A day-of coordinator comes in once all the details are planned. Their sole purpose is not to create the plans or the details, but to execute the plans you've already made. They basically make it happen, but not plan it. Some of the typical responsibilities that we’ve seen in the industry are: 

• Reviewing your wedding timeline and floor plan 

• Confirming logistics with your vendors

• Overseeing the ceremony and reception set up 

• Timeline creation 

• Serving as the point of contact on the day of 

• Ensuring that the venue is closed down at the end of the night 

• Making sure everyone and everything is where they need to be on the day of. 

Think of a day-of coordinator like a stage director at a play. They aren’t the director (that’s you), they don’t do the casting, or set the design. They make sure the actors are where they need to be and everything rolls out at the scene change appropriately. They make sure everything is smooth and pulls together. And that readers just want they do. 

Now, what does a Full-Service Wedding Planner do?

Some companies prefer to offer just day-of services. Many companies, including us, offer a wide variety of services, which include a full-service wedding package. This package or person is your complete guide, creative partner, and project manager from the day of hire, to finish. Typically couples select this package if they are just starting out the planning process. Full-Service planners support everything from budget creation, to getting in touch with vendors in the exploratory stages. The typical responsibilities of this position or package are: 

• Finding vendors that fit your vision and budget

• Attending vendor meetings 

• Creating or managing your budget

• Helping or reviewing vendor contracts 

• Supporting the guest list

• Designing the overall theme 

• Attending vendor meetings and tastings

• Creating timelines

• Creating floor plans 

• Coordinating logistics on the wedding day 

• Coordinating the clean-up

This type of planner is perfect for couples who are busy, planning a large or complex event, or simply want a stress-free experience from day one. They bring both big-picture vision and on-the-ground execution.

So, what is best for the US?

There are a few things you’ll need to consider before selecting which option is best for you. If you want someone to be with you from start to finish and provide extensive support, the full-service planner is for you. If you are the Pinterest and logistics queen that needs minimal planning help, then we recommend a day-of-coordinator to support the execution. If you plan on booking all your vendors, stick with the day-of, whereas if you need support with the research, vetting vendors, and booking (to include overlooking contracts) move towards hiring the full-service planner. But, most importantly, they will both help with the day of execution. 

As you consider, think about what fits in your budget and which option will give you more piece of mind on your wedding day. It’s important to think about your stress levels, needs, and level of input and decision making you’d like to have. And if you’re not sure, or you’re in between, many companies offer partial planning. This is perfect for the couples that just aren’t sure where they land. Or they need a little bit of planning support, as well as the execution on the day of. This might include help finding vendors, some design input, and monthly check-ins. If you want support with certain aspects but not the whole event, this hybrid approach can be ideal.

If there’s one thing most of our past couples agree on, it’s this: hire someone to coordinate your day. Even if you’ve planned every detail yourself, you don’t want to be the one checking on table layouts or chasing down the DJ for your first dance. A trusted coordinator frees you up to be fully present—and enjoy every minute. So, whether you go full-service or just need someone to handle the final stretch, hiring the right help ensures your wedding feels polished, peaceful, and exactly how you imagined.

At the end of the day your wedding should feel FUN and be filled with JOY—not like a second job. The right planner or coordinator helps make that possible.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Unique Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Keep

Wedding favors are such a wonderful way to thank your guests for celebrating your special day with you. But let’s be honest—sometimes wedding favors end up forgotten in a drawer or tossed aside after the event. From our personal experience, if you want to give your guest something they will cherish and actually keep, consider these unique and thoughtful wedding favor ideas that stand out from the ordinary wedding favors or the usual suspects of trinkets. Here are our favorite wedding favors we love to see!

#01: Personalized Mini Succulents or Mini Plants
We love the idea of mini succulents and small plants to share with your guests! These small plants make excellent wedding favors that your guests can take home and nurture with their love. Plants symbolize love and new beginnings which makes them the perfect gift for a wedding. Personalize your pots with your names, monogram, wedding dates, or a sweet quote to make it extra special! Let’s just hope your guests have green thumbs. If a bulk of your guests are traveling, skip the live favors, but these make perfect gifts if the majority of your wedding guests are in town. 

#02: Custom Scented Candles 
Who doesn’t love a good candle? Candles are timeless and I can promise you many of your guests have a special candle drawer for the seasons. A personalized candle, with a unique scent or essential oils, can make it even more memorable. Choose a scent that reflects your wedding theme or personal preferences. Have them labeled with your names and wedding date. Keep in mind these do not need to be full sized candles, you can create small candles, too! It’s a useful favor that your guests will be able to enjoy for many months to come. 

#03: Miniature Bottles of Local Liquor or Wine 
This one is for 21 and over! If you and your partner are opting for cocktails at your wedding day, or enjoy a particular local beverage, share them with your guests!We love the idea of sharing a local wine, craft beer, or artisanal local spirits. Create a custom label on canva with a thank-you message or quote from your wedding song. Your guests will enjoy this treat later and remember the celebration. Ensure that you clearly label these as alcoholic beverages and ensure safe consumption. 

#04: Personalized Recipe Cards
If you and your partner love cooking or baking, or you have a few recipes that you love to share, create some of your favorite recipe cards for your guests! You can even include a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. This thoughtful and creative wedding favor gives your guests something they can use, plus it is a great conversation starter at future gatherings! Be sure to customize them with your wedding monogram, a quote, or your favorite line from your first dance. 

#05: Personalized Trinkets
Not all trinkets are bad or get left behind. We love, as well as guests, small, engraved items such as keychains, bottle openers, or custom trinkets that are simple but practical. These can easily be personalized with your wedding details. Choose something that suits your wedding theme and your personality. Whether it’s a monogrammed keychain, or a custom coordinate bracelet, or a small token that aligns with your shared interest. 

#06: Personalized Notebooks or Journals 
These can be ordered in bulk and easily customized. Choose something stylish and personalized that can serve as a meaningful or practical gift for your guests. It’s something guests can use everyday, whether for jotting down thoughts, reflection, or memories. Customize the cover with your wedding monogram, your favorite quote as a couple, or even design that will remind others of your wedding theme. 

#07: Homemade Treats
Who doesn’t love a delicious homemade treat? If you love baking or want to add a personal touch, consider giving out homemade cookies, chocolates, or canned goods. Package them in cute mason jars, decorative bags, or a tag with your names and your wedding date. These treats will delight guests and give them a taste of your love. But, be sure to follow safety guidelines for baking and/or cooking and store properly. The last thing you want is sick guests post wedding favors! 

#08: Personalized Photo Frames for Polaroids
Give your guests the gift of capturing moments from your wedding day! We love the idea of giving your guests a chance to take home photos from the photo booth, or snap a picture with a Polaroid camera. You can even choose a frame that matches your wedding aesthetic, or pre-fill frames with your engagement photo. This will give guests a gift of memories from your wedding day. 

Whatever you choose, when it comes to wedding favors, the most important thing is the thought and personal touch behind the gift. Skip any trinkets or random items to give as a wedding favor. Guests will always appreciate something that reflects your unique relationship and theme of your wedding. Guests are much more likely to keep it for years to come. When it comes to a homemade treat, a small plant, or a personalized gift, these are the best favors that your guests will appreciate and cherish. It will also allow them to feel connected to you and your partner and your love story. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.