With the whirlwind of planning and excitement leading up to your wedding day, it’s easy to overlook some pretty crucial items. Amidst choosing the perfect venue, the dreamiest dress, and the most delightful menu, there are a few essentials that, believe it or not, can slip your mind. To keep you on track, we’ve compiled a list of six wedding day must-haves that you might not realize you need but are absolutely vital for your big day.

1. Marriage License

Okay, maybe you knew you needed this one. It might seem obvious, but the marriage license is often one of the most overlooked details in the wedding hustle. Yes, amidst floral arrangements and seating charts, this crucial document can slip through the cracks! It’s the key to making your union legally binding, after all. The officiant, and possibly you and your partner, depending on local laws, will need to sign it on the big day. Don’t leave it to the last minute—make an appointment with your local registrar or DMV well in advance to ensure everything’s set for your nuptials.

2. An Extra Shirt

Bless the soul who first suggested packing an extra dress shirt for the groom! Amidst the dancing, the toasting (aka drinking), and those nerve-induced sweats, your man might end up more damp than dapper. Especially in warm or humid climates, perspiration can be a real party crasher.

Having a backup shirt — be it an undershirt or another dress shirt, or both — can be a game-changer, allowing the groom to switch it up between the ceremony and reception. Not only will he be fresh for reception, he’ll be more comfortable as well!

3. A Family Shot List

The importance of a detailed family photo shot list cannot be overstated. Picture this: your wedding day was a fairy tale, the photos are stunning, but then you realize—you don’t have a single shot with your grandma! To avoid such heartbreaking oversights, preparing a comprehensive shot list for your photographer is crucial. This list should include every family combination you cherish and wish to immortalize on your special day. It’s an organizational lifesaver that ensures no cherished face is missing from your photo album.

And why not go the extra mile? Invite your in-laws to contribute to the list, ensuring all family members get their moment in front of the lens. This way, everyone leaves with memories they can treasure, and you avoid post-wedding photo regrets.

4. Bride’s Touch Up Bag

Just as the groom might need a shirt swap, the bride should have her own refresh kit. Think of it as a bridal survival bag: deodorant, lipstick, powder, perfume, and any other personal care items that will keep you looking and feeling great from ceremony to reception.

Assign a trusted bridesmaid (or two) the role of touch-up queen, equipped with your bag of essentials. They can be on standby to help you primp and preen throughout the festivities. Essentials like oil blotting sheets, finishing powder, lipstick for reapplication, floss picks, and a spritz of your favorite perfume can be lifesavers. This dedicated touch-up bag ensures you remain picture-perfect and comfortable, letting you focus on enjoying every moment of your big day.

5. Smudge-Free Pens

It might seem like a small detail, but the right pens for your guest book can make a big difference. The last thing you want is to open your guest book later only to find a smeared, illegible mess where heartfelt messages once were. To prevent this, take the time to check the type of paper your guest book uses and select pens that are compatible and won’t smudge.

This extra step ensures that every word of love and congratulations from your guests remains pristine and readable for years to come. Investing in good-quality, smudge-free pens is a small but crucial detail in preserving the memories of your special day.

6. Assign Key Roles for Post-Wedding Tasks

The end of your wedding night should be about basking in the joy of the day, not fretting over logistics. Assigning specific roles to trusted friends or family members for post-event responsibilities can save you a world of stress.

Decide in advance who will take your car home, who is responsible for gathering and safeguarding cards and gifts, and who will manage the leftovers like alcohol, favors, and decor. This foresight means you can head off to your honeymoon suite without worrying, “Who grabbed my stuff? Did someone get the gifts?” Having these plans in place ensures that everything and everyone gets home safely, and nothing gets lost in the shuffle. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your celebration, ensuring a seamless transition from your dream wedding to your relaxing getaway.

In conclusion, while the big picture of your wedding day is often front and center in your planning, these often-overlooked details and essentials play a crucial role in ensuring your celebration goes off without a hitch. By keeping these lesser known but vital aspects in mind, you can prevent last minute scrambles and focus on what truly matters — celebrating your love and starting your new life together with joy and ease.