A simple yet important question we hear all the time is “what details am I forgetting?” Brides are often concerned that they’re letting the smaller details of the wedding day slip through the cracks. This post is a guide to the smaller, yet necessary items you’ll need for your wedding! So outside of the obvious (florals, tables, chairs, dinnerware, etc) what exactly do you need for a wedding?
Ceremony Items To Consider
Altar Decor
Sarah Porter Photography
Sarah Hill Photography
Heather Callanan Photography
Wedding altars don’t always have to be traditional - have fun with it! Make the backdrop for your ‘I Dos’ picture perfect with unique arches, floral installations, candles, lanterns etc.
Welcome Sign
Sarah Porter Photography
Cara Noelani Photos
Welcome your guests to your event with a cute, custom sign featuring your name and wedding date. Optional: have your florist add a pretty floral piece to the sign!
Programs
Jackie Cooper Photo
Although we’ve been seeing this less often, programs are a great addition to any ceremony! They can be a great way for guests to follow along throughout the wedding, especially if you have a long ceremony with lots of readings.
Sarah Porter Photography
Reception Items You’ll Need
Guestbook (and pens!)
Guestbooks are a traditional wedding must-have, but don’t be afraid to take modern twist on them! A popular trend is using Polaroid cameras so your guests can take photos and tape them inside your book with their well wishes written beside them. A guestbook is a sentimental way to look back on your wedding and who was there celebrating by your side (plus it’s very helpful when writing thank you cards…)
Card Box
You’ll need a spot for guests to deliver all of your card and gifts! Make sure you have a pretty box in an obvious location, so it can’t be missed!
Seating Charts or Escort Cards
You’ll need one of these to let your guests know where they’re sitting at your reception. Feel free to get creative with this - here’s some ideas!
Table Numbers
You’ve got the escort cards or seating chart, now you just need table numbers! Incorporate these with your tables’ centerpieces - just make sure they’re easy to read. I’ve added some links to cute, inexpensive options below!
Sarah Porter Photography
Sarah Porter Photography
Cake Stand, Knife and Server
Make sure to check with your venue or caterer to see if they provide these items or if you will need to bring them yourself!
Heather Callanan Photography
Sarah Porter Photography
Sarah Porter Photography
Toasting Flutes
Another popular trend is picking out special, personalized toasting flutes for your event! The best part is you can keep them forever—a sweet memento of your wedding day.
Sarah Hill Photography
Sarah Hill Photography
Things You’ll Love
Here’s a few ideas to add a little extra fun to your event…you may not technically need these items, but you’ll definitely want them!
Dessert Table
More and more couples have been deviating from the traditional wedding cake as the main dessert for their weddings. We’ve been seeing a lot of clever substitutions in its place - like cupcakes, pies, cookies, doughnut walls, etc. Incorporating more out-of-the box sweet items can take your dessert table to the next level!
Jackie Cooper Photo
Jackie Cooper Photo
Jackie Cooper Photo
Sarah Hill Photography
Sarah Hill Photography
Sarah Hill Photography
Candles
When in doubt: candles. They will take any reception or ceremony space up a knotch!
Sarah Porter Photography
Sarah Porter Photography
Sarah Hill Photography
Sarah Porter Photography
Unique Bar Ideas
Our final suggestion for your event is to personalize the bar experience — this can be done by utilizing items such as cleverly named signature cocktails or personalized cocktail napkins or koozies. Use your imagination and have fun with this!