The first half of the wedding day can feel jam-packed and go by quickly, but don’t forget to eat! We recommend bringing a snack and some water for before or after your portraits (so you’re not starving and dehydrated by the time dinner rolls around). And if you tend to feel overwhelmed by being around lots of people, plan to set aside 15-20 minutes during the reception to sneak out and have some alone time just the two of you – this is also a great time to schedule sunset portraits with your photographer!

Bring your wedding invitations and set aside other special details so they can be styled and captured on the wedding day! We recommend packing the items in a small box to give to your planner or photographer on the wedding morning so they can get those photos as you’re getting ready.

Make sure you’re including your on-site vendors in the meal count too! It’s standard etiquette to supply your photographer, videographer, planner, coordinator and DJ with dinner during your reception. And don’t forget to include their seats in your seating plan and rentals order!

Remember to ask your guests for any food allergies or restrictions. You’re going to want to have all of these listed out for your caterer. If the dinner is plated, your caterer will likely want to have a labeled copy of the seating chart with the guests’ names and their dietary restrictions all mapped out for dinner service. 

Don’t forget to apply for your marriage certificate ahead of time! In Alberta, it costs $20 and you can apply for it here.

Give your wedding ceremony a good run through, and prepare your wedding party and immediate family with the schedule/timing/order of the wedding and walking down the aisle.

Have a space at your reception for guests to place any cards or gifts they brought for you. But more importantly, have someone take all the cards and gifts out of the venue at the end of the night. We suggest assigning this task to a bridal party member or family member beforehand.

Don’t forget to clearly mark special areas/details of your reception with the appropriate signage. Common signage elements are for: cards & gifts, guestbook signing, cake cutting or dessert table, seating chart, etc.

Make a list of every single family photo you want captured. Make it easy to read (something like: 1. bride + groom + bride’s mom and dad, etc). Then send this list to your photographer so they know how long to set aside for family photos, but also so they can quickly run through the exact portrait order you want on the day, and it may also give them an idea of the family dynamics as well.

How will you be arriving at the ceremony? Who is driving you to the portrait location? Are you planning on exiting the reception in style? Your transportation methods need to be organized for each and every part of the day so that it all runs smoothly.