Avoid common mishaps on your big day with these small, yet important details

Nobody ever said wedding planning was easy. Between picking the venue, finding your dress and hiring vendors – not to mention preparing for married life – it’s no wonder that little details often fall through the cracks.

While it’s impossible to be prepared for every contingency, here are a few common to-do’s brides often forget to add to their wedding day checklist.

1. Have a backup plan.

Bad weather can happen in any season, so make sure you have a contingency plan in place.

A lot of couples just push [a bad weather plan] to the side and think something will magically protect their big day from rain. Especially if it’s an outdoor wedding, make sure you have a tent rental on hold just in case.

2. Bring your marriage license.

Ensure you’re officially married by remembering to bring your license to the ceremony. Research your local jurisdiction’s rules for applying for a marriage license and start gathering documentation early to prevent missing important deadlines.

3. Take care of your party.

Avoid having hangry bridesmaids or groomsmen on your hands by arranging for food while you’re all getting ready.

Also, don’t forget to arrange for transport if your wedding party is getting ready offsite or if the ceremony is in a different venue from the reception. That way, you can ensure everyone arrives safely and on time!

4. Add extra seats and place settings.

No matter how many reminders you’ve sent to guests to RSVP, someone will inevitably show up last minute. Ensure they aren’t left standing in the back by adding a few extra chairs to your ceremony – just in case.

The same goes for place settings at the reception. There’s always a chance of a broken glass or something of that nature. Make sure to have a few extra place settings and more than enough forks for dessert.

5. Pack an emergency kit.

If a small disaster does strike, be prepared by packing a wedding day “emergency kit” of the following essentials:

• Sewing kit with safety pins, thread, scissors and needles

• Double-sided tape (for hemming pants or fixing clothing gaps)

• Clear nail polish (for stopping runs in tights or hose)

• Tweezers

• Blotting papers (to keep shininess at bay)

• Breath mints and dental floss

• Tissues

• Hairspray and bobby pins

• Stain remover

• Bandages

• Pain reliever

6. Break in your shoes.

Don’t let uncomfortable shoes or worse, blisters, keep you from dancing the night away at your reception. Take the time to break in new shoes in the weeks leading up to the wedding. You might also consider bringing a backup pair of flats – just in case!

7. Get a good night’s sleep.

Even though you’re sure to be feeling excited and nervous, try to go to bed at a decent time the night before your wedding. Don’t plan on completing last-minute tasks, like putting together favors or having one too many celebratory beverages at the bar. Also, drink plenty of water so you can wake up with glowing, refreshed skin!

8. Enjoy the process.

All couples should take time to decompress and talk about the future! Don’t forget your wedding day is also a celebration of your unity. Also celebrate all the wedding planning milestones. Got your marriage license? Break out the mini-champagne bottles! Booked all your vendors? Time for a night out.

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Remember a “just in case” plan for weather interference.

Set out extra place settings for those guests who forgot to RSVP or in the case of broken dinnerware.