ABC Of Weddings: X Is For Xtras

Xylophones were used for that extra touch at the Xmas wedding of Xavier and Xanthe.

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Extras – not really an ‘X’ but we’ve put them in for you to Xerox in case you need them!

There are many ways you can give yourself a better sense of security on your wedding day if something goes wrong. Leaving yourself a lot of extras will allow for mishaps and allow you not to stress out over tiny details. The things so easily forgotten, the ‘doh!’ moments. There are also extras you can splurge on during your wedding day for a bit of extra fun.

Extra stationery– Extra invitations come in handy when you realise you’ve forgotten your Aunt Martha, and extra place cards and seating cards are a good idea in case plans suddenly change.

Extra time– Leave extra time in your schedule for anything that runs late on your wedding day. Leave extra time for makeup, extra time for photos, extra time for dancing!

Extra Confirmation– Don’t forget to confirm all of your vendors before the wedding. if you have a wedding planner (or even a Day Of Coordinator) they may look after this for you. Ensure they know the right details and scheduling of the day.

Extra information- Make sure you give as much information as possible to guests (especially if they are traveling) maps, directions, activities. Consider providing an open house to guests or planning activities such as golf or luncheons so ‘out of towners’ are not left stranded.

Write up your own wedding contact list and schedule and distribute to important people within your wedding. This will save you from having to Google the florists phone number on the morning of your wedding.

Extra Ceremony Touches

Add extra information in the ceremony program or order of service booklet about the different traditions and ceremonies

Add rice, confetti or bubbles, doves or butterflies for a ceremony departure.

A sign at the entrance to the venue reminding guests to switch cell phones off.

Make sure you have a few umbrellas on hand for if there is any doubt about rain.

Photo by Brooke Schwab Photography

On a hot summer’s day provide water, parasols and fans to keep guests cool. In winter ensure there is adequate heating and consider soft wraps and hot drinks.

Ensure there is plenty of signage at your venue (especially if all events are held at the one place) for restrooms, the reception area and any other places the guests will need to know.

Extra Reception Touches

Children’s Table – if inviting young children, ensure you have provided them with a quiet child friendly activity to keep them happy during long speeches.

Buffets – lolly or candy. coffee, chocolate, coffee, ice cream even a juice buffet are great ways to give your guests extra choice for food.

Bathroom Baskets – provide miniature size versions of amenities such as band aids and tampons to help out guests.

Midnight Snacks – extra food at midnight is the perfect way to keep guests’ appetite sustained and wake them up for the drive home.

Fireworks – definitely an ‘extra’ but they will add sparkle to a night time wedding. Permission will need to be obtained from local fire authorities.

Transport – ensure everyone has a way to get home, whether you hire a bus or ask the venue to call cabs at the end of the night, make sure no-one is left stranded! (your parents included as they may have travelled in the same car as you to the wedding).

Photo by Rae Lytham Photography

Sparklers – consider a send off from your reception with sparklers or confetti.

Thereafter – don’t forget to have someone pick up items such as gifts, your special cake knife, your champagne flutes, leftover wedding cake and other personal items.

Extra Care

Emergency Kit

Have an emergency kit at hand. Visit sites like Bridal Survival site for kits with those little things you never thought that you might need for travel, the wedding day, for mums of the bridal party and more

Backup Plans

Ensure you have backup plans! These are essential if your wedding ceremony is going to be outdoors! Backup plans are also essential if you’re relying on a CD or Ipod for your wedding music.

For Your Honeymoon

If you’re marrying overseas or taking an overseas honeymoon make sure that you know the entry requirements for each country.
Take extra copies of your travel documents with you, and leave a copy of them at home with a trusted person.

Make sure that if you need vaccinations for your destination, you see your doctor and get them done well before the wedding.
Have contingency plans set up at home in case your credit card is stolen or you get stuck in a difficult situation. Make sure someone at home knows where you are.

Check out the Australian Smart Traveller Website for handy hints and requirements for the country you are visiting.