When it comes to the big day, promising forever to the one you love in front of all your friends and family, all you want is for everything to run smoothly. But with any event, big or small, there are always a few surprises along the way. Thankfully, on a day filled with love and celebration, those little hiccups rarely matter… even if they don’t completely calm the pre-wedding jitters.
That’s why we created this simple bride guide for all our lovely brides-to-be: a collection of thoughtful tips to ease your mind before the walk down the aisle. From packing a mini “wedding day kit” to knowing the right questions to ask your vendors, these small details can make a world of difference when the excitement starts to build. Because let’s be honest, when the role of wedding planner falls on you, it’s no small task.
The Wedding Day Emergency Kit:
A well-packed emergency kit is the secret weapon behind every calm, glowing, stress-free wedding day. Most “emergencies” are tiny, but having the right fix on hand can make you feel completely in control. Here’s a tried-and-true checklist of wedding day back-ups, because even the most amazing maid of honor can’t solve every little hiccup, and sometimes it’s that one unexpected item that saves the moment. These small additions to your wedding day bag can bring exactly the sigh of relief you’ll want when it matters most.
Wardrobe Fixes:
- Safety pins of multiple sizes
- Fashion tape
- Stain remover pen
- Extra earring backs
- Super glue
- Heel caps (for venues with grass or sand)
Comfort & Wellness:
- Pain reliever
- Band-aids
- Electrolyte packet
- Snacks (protein bar, nut, something to give you a quick boost if you're hungry while getting ready)
- Eye drops (especially since some tears may be shed)
- Anti-nausea/ digestive relief
Practical Must-Haves:
- Phone charger
- Vendor contact list
- Timeline print-out
- Cash for tips
- Printed vendor contracts
- Portable speaker (so you and your besties can get ready to your favorite tunes)
- ID & Payment card
Questions for Vendors:
Booking appointments, meeting with vendors, and sorting through endless options can quickly make your head spin. Sometimes, having too many choices feels more overwhelming than helpful. Add in all the clarifications, specifications, and calculations leading up to the big day, and it can be hard to remember what you even meant to ask in the first place.
That’s where we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated list of categorized questions to ask each vendor, designed to keep planning clear, organized, and stress-free so your special day unfolds as smoothly as possible.
Venue:
What is the exact rental timeframe, and when can vendors begin setup?
Is there a venue coordinator, and what do they actually handle vs. a planner?
What’s your rain or weather contingency plan?
Are there sound or music cutoff restrictions?
What décor restrictions exist (candles, confetti, hanging installs)?
What’s included vs. rented separately (tables, linens, chairs, etc.)?
Are there required vendors or exclusivity contracts?
How many weddings happen on-site the same day?
Photographer:
How do you handle dark venues or bad weather lighting?
What is your backup plan if you’re sick or have an emergency?
How many photos do we typically receive and in what timeframe?
Do you shoot digital, film, or both?
Have you shot at our venue before?
How do you direct couples who aren’t comfortable posing?
What moments do you consider “must capture”?
Who owns the rights to the photos?
Videographer:
What style do you specialize in (cinematic, documentary, editorial)?
Will you use drones, and are they permitted at our venue?
Do you record full ceremony audio with mics?
How long are highlight vs. full-length films?
What’s the editing timeline?
Can we choose music or request revisions?
How many videographers will be present?
Caterer:
What’s included in your per-person cost beyond food?
How do you handle dietary restrictions and allergies?
How many staff will be working our wedding?
Do you provide rentals (plates, glassware, linens)?
When is the final guest count due?
What happens if guest count changes last minute?
Do you pack leftovers?
What’s your service timeline from cocktail hour to dessert?
Florist:
What flowers are in season on our date?
What happens if specific flowers aren’t available?
Do you repurpose ceremony florals for reception spaces?
Who handles setup and breakdown?
How are installations secured safely?
Can you work within a fixed budget while prioritizing certain pieces?
How far in advance is the final floral order locked?
DJ or Band:
How do you read a crowd and adjust music live?
Do you provide your own sound system and backups?
What’s your policy on song requests from guests?
Can we submit a do-not-play list?
Who serves as emcee and coordinates announcements?
When do you arrive for setup and soundcheck?
What happens if equipment fails?
Do you coordinate timing with our planner?
Baker / Cake Designer:
How is the cake stored and transported safely?
Do you provide cake stands and cutting tools?
How far in advance is design finalized?
Can you match our wedding color palette exactly?
What flavors hold up best in our wedding climate?
Do you accommodate dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan, nut-free)?
Who cuts and serves the cake?
Hair + Makeup Artist:
How long will services take per person?
How many artists will be on-site?
What prep should we do before the wedding day?
Do you stay for touch-ups or second looks?
What products do you use for longevity in heat/humidity?
Is a trial included and how far in advance should it happen?
What’s your sanitation process for brushes and tools?
Transportation:
What happens if the vehicle is delayed or breaks down?
Is gratuity included?
How early does the driver arrive?
Do you provide a day-of dispatcher contact?
Are there overtime fees?
Can we decorate the vehicle?
How is timing coordinated with our planner?
Rentals Company:
When do you deliver and pick up items?
Who handles setup vs. drop-off only?
What happens if items arrive damaged or incorrect?
Do you provide layout mockups?
Are linens pressed or steamed?
What’s your replacement policy if something breaks?
How far in advance must quantities be finalized?
Officiant:
Can we customize the ceremony script?
What tone do you typically deliver (formal, spiritual, lighthearted)?
How long is the ceremony?
Do you attend rehearsal?
What paperwork do you handle vs. us?
Do you have backup officiants if needed?
Do you use a microphone or require one?
Rainy Day Tips & Tricks:
We all know the weather is the one detail no one can truly control, no matter how much we manifest, wish, or check the forecast. And sometimes, despite every hopeful glance at the sky, rain makes an appearance. Whether it’s a drizzle or a downpour, a little rain doesn’t have to dampen your day. With the right preparation and mindset, it can be embraced, planned for, and even become part of the magic. That’s why we’ve gathered a few thoughtful tips and tricks to ensure that, rain or shine, your big day is filled with nothing but smiles and faces are wet from only tears of joy.
- Have a stylish backup plan (tent, indoor space, or covered terrace) already secured
- Choose clear or aesthetic umbrellas for photos
- Use heel protectors for grass or soft ground
- Schedule extra buffer time in your timeline
- Ask your hairstylist for humidity-proof styling
- Choose waterproof or long-wear makeup products
- Print extra copies of your timeline in case plans shift
- Communicate a rain plan to vendors ahead of time
- Designate someone to monitor weather updates day-of
- Consider a second photo location option indoors
- Protect décor with weights or coverings
- Embrace romantic rain photos (they’re often the most magical)
Hidden Costs Brides Forget:
As we all know, weddings come with a long list of expenses, and often, when everything is totaled at the end, a few unexpected costs quietly sneak in. When building your budget for the big day, it helps to plan with intention so you’re not caught off guard by a higher final number or feeling like you have to make sacrifices elsewhere (like that dreamy honeymoon you’ve been picturing). One of the best pieces of advice planners give every bride: always set aside a 10–15% contingency fund. Nearly every wedding ends up using it, not because something goes wrong, but because small upgrades, last-minute decisions, and overlooked details naturally pop up along the way.
Vendor & Contract Extras: Within vendor contracts, there are often additional fees tucked into the details, so it’s worth taking a little extra time to read the fine print carefully. These can include service or administrative charges (often around 18–25%), overtime fees, travel costs for vendors coming from outside their service area, setup and breakdown fees, and gratuities that may not be included in the initial quote. Knowing what’s built into your contract ahead of time keeps your budget realistic and prevents surprises later.
Rentals & Decor: When it comes to rentals and décor, it’s easy to assume everything falls under one simple flat fee, but in reality, there are usually a few additional layers. Many rental items include delivery and pickup charges, damage deposits, and fees for last-minute quantity changes. Some venues even charge separate cake-cutting or service fees. Factoring these details into your planning early helps you stay organized, confident, and fully prepared.
Food & Beverage Add-ons: Catering contracts are often clear and well outlined, but there can still be a handful of extra costs tied to food and beverage service that couples don’t always anticipate. These might include bartender fees separate from alcohol, charges for additional ice, staffing for specialty stations (like dessert bars or raw bars), and upgraded or specialty glassware. Reviewing these possibilities ahead of time ensures your catering total feels expected rather than surprising.
Tiny Costs That Add Up Fast: We know, who realized getting married could involve so many moving parts? Even smaller weddings come with tiny expenses that, once added together, can feel surprisingly significant. Things like your marriage license fee, dress cleaning or preservation, save-the-dates, thank-you cards and postage, and accessories are easy to overlook when budgeting, yet they all contribute to your final total. Planning for these smaller details from the start keeps your finances feeling calm, intentional, and completely under control.
Personal Touch Ideas Guests Remember:
- Hand Fans: When you have a great DJ, a crowd that loves to dance, and an open bar in the mix, the dance floor can heat up fast, especially at weddings in warmer seasons or tropical climates. Offering guests simple hand fans is a thoughtful (and budget-friendly) way to keep everyone cool while the party keeps going. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference, ensuring the dance floor stays lively for all the right reasons.
- Late-night Snack: After hours of dancing, laughing, and celebrating, guests inevitably start craving something savory, the same way you’d grab a slice or fries after a night out with friends. Serving a late-night snack, whether it’s made-to-order fry cups, mini sliders, or a few trays of pizza, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It sends guests home happy, satisfied, and even more impressed by how well you thought of everything.
- Disposable Cameras: While your professional photographer is there to capture the timeless, emotional moments you’ll treasure forever, there’s something special about seeing your wedding through your guests’ eyes. Placing disposable cameras on tables invites friends and family to snap candid, playful, and sometimes hilariously unfiltered shots throughout the night. The result is a collection of memories that feels personal, spontaneous, and incredibly fun to look back on after the celebration.
- Signature Cocktails: Signature drinks are one of the easiest ways to add personality to your reception while keeping things stylish and cohesive. Creating custom cocktails with your caterer, whether inspired by your favorite flavors, memories, or even your love story, makes the bar feel uniquely yours. A favorite idea? A “His & Hers” (or “Yours & Mine”) station featuring each partner’s go-to drink. It’s interactive, personal, and always a hit with guests.
Want more bridal inspiration? Explore the Alterre Bridal Shop for all of our bridal looks, and browse our Bridal Pinterest board for ideas to spark your vision for the big day. Planning can feel overwhelming at times, let Alterre make it a little more effortless, and a lot more beautiful.
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