The 4 Most Forgotten Things at a Wedding!

The 4 Most Commonly Forgotten (But Absolutely Essential) Wedding Planning Details

Don’t let these practical planning items slip through the cracks! Discover the 4 most overlooked wedding details that can make or break your day.

You’ve booked your dream venue, chosen your vendors, and locked in the perfect dress. You’re feeling on top of your wedding planning game... until the week of the wedding and someone asks—
“Wait… who’s bringing the ice?” 😅

Here are the four most commonly forgotten wedding details that can turn into last-minute emergencies—plus tips to avoid the chaos so you can stay present, calm, and confident.

1. ❄️ Ice & Cool-Room Logistics

Who’s bringing the ice? Seriously—don’t overlook this one.

If you’ve hired a professional bar service or your venue handles the bar, they’ll likely handle ice too (but always double-check).
However, if you're going the DIY or BYO route, you’ll need to supply your own—and it’s not just “a few bags.”

Top Tips:

  • Estimate 30–40 bags in summer and 20–30 in winter for a medium-to-large wedding.

  • Hire a cool-room—eskies and bags of ice alone won’t keep beer cold on a summer’s day.

  • Delegate clearly—either to your wedding planner or a super reliable friend. Not someone who might go MIA five minutes before the ceremony.

  • Plug in your cool-room early so it's chilled when catering arrives, and store heavy cartons on the bottom for safety and efficiency.

2. 💡 Lighting for All the Right Places

You’ve likely planned lighting for your marquee or reception space—but what about the ‘in-between’ areas?

Things to double-check:

  • Are paths to the bathrooms, bar, and catering area well-lit?

  • Will guests feel safe walking between spaces at night?

Top Tips:

  • Use fairy lights, tiki torches, floodlights, candles, or lanterns to create functional lighting without overdoing it.

  • A hidden floodlight can often light an entire path.

  • Bonus: Good lighting creates a magical nighttime atmosphere and better photos!

3. 🗑️ Bins & Rubbish Removal

It’s not glamorous—but it is critical. DIY or private-property weddings generate a ton of rubbish.

Don’t forget to:

  • Check what the venue’s policy is on rubbish disposal.

  • Hire 4–8 smaller black bins for pre-drinks, catering, bar, toilets, and reception areas.

  • Buy strong, large bin liners so bottles or skewers don’t tear through.

Top Tip: Smaller bins are easier to move and less of an eyesore than industrial bins—plus, they make cleanup a breeze.

4. 🌡️ Heating, Cooling & Guest Comfort

No matter the season, you’ll need a plan for the weather.

In hot weather:

  • Hire umbrellas for shade over lounges, bars, or grazing tables.

  • Supply hand fans for guests.

  • Make sure there’s water and a cool-down area.

In cold weather:

  • Hire gas heaters to keep outdoor spaces cozy.

  • Place baskets of blankets around lounge areas.

  • Have 30+ handheld umbrellas on standby for rain—these double as thoughtful guest favours too!

The Bottom Line?

Logistics matter.

These small, often-forgotten details are the things that help your wedding flow—keeping guests comfortable and vendors stress-free.
The more organised you are upfront, the smoother your day will run.

If this all sounds a little overwhelming—you don’t have to do it alone.
As your wedding planner, I’ll handle these practicalities so you can stay focused on what truly matters: celebrating your love.

Need help covering the details you didn’t know you needed?
Let’s chat

Luke Williams