Your wedding planner will handle the heavy lifting on your wedding day. However, there are a few small, simple tasks that you can take care of ahead of time that make a significant difference. Think of these as quiet ways to set yourself up for a smooth day and to give your planner a little extra breathing room to focus on the big picture.
These are the tasks couples often overlook, but planners appreciate more than you know!
If an item arrives in a box, remove it from that box. Take off the plastic, tags and cardboard inserts. Open the packaging entirely so it is ready to go the moment your planner touches it.
Keeping items “organized” in their original packaging may feel helpful, but on the wedding day it costs valuable time. Anything that needs to be assembled or freed from a wrapper should be prepared in advance.
If you are bringing frames, signs or any printed inserts, please assemble them completely before handing them off.
Doing this ahead of time prevents last minute confusion and keeps setup efficient.
If your exit or reception involves glow sticks, sparklers, ribbon wands or anything that requires a tab to be removed, do as much of that prep work ahead of time as possible. These items seem small, but they take a surprising amount of time when multiplied by 50, 100 or more.
Think of it this way: if it requires more than one step to use, prepare it in advance.
Your planner and your DJ need every song decided before the wedding day. This includes:
When everything is submitted in full, your team can run your timeline without delays or awkward pauses.
If your attire or accessories need steaming, pressing, clipping or pinning, complete that before the morning of your wedding. Your planner’s emergency kit can help with touch-ups, but it should not be responsible for major garment preparation.
The more ready your clothing is when it arrives, the smoother your morning will unfold.
Rather than placing everything in one large tote, organize items by purpose. The goal is to make grab-and-go moments simple.
Create separate bags or boxes for:
Clear, intentional organization helps your planner work faster and it minimizes the risk of something being overlooked.
This may not sound like “helping your planner,” but it absolutely is. When you are nourished and hydrated, the entire day flows better. Your planner wants to focus on logistics, not on keeping you from fainting during portraits!
Give yourself the energy you need for the long day ahead.
If there is a meaningful detail that cannot be missed, such as a special heirloom, a specific family photo or a moment that matters to you emotionally, tell your planner before the wedding day.
Sharing these details early allows your team to plan intentionally rather than trying to accommodate last-minute information.
One of the most powerful ways you can help your planner is to trust the decisions you made in the months leading up to your wedding. Avoid re-deciding décor, music or timing on the morning of the event. Last minute changes slow everything down and add stress you do not need.
You planned well! Allow the day to unfold.
Your planner does not expect you to do any of the heavy lifting. Our team is there to manage the details, solve problems and execute your vision. These small preparation tasks simply clear the runway so your wedding day feels calm, intentional and joyful.
Doing them ahead of time allows your planner to focus fully on what matters most: creating a seamless and beautiful experience for you and your guests!
