“What else are we missing here?’ asked my then-fiancé who is now my husband. Working in the wedding industry gave me the confidence that we got all things covered. But then, just like in any other weddings, there are things that made me go, “Oh yes I missed that!” “Oh no!” “Let’s make do!”

So after planning my very own wedding, here are things brides-to-be should include on their checklist. Some of these I forgot myself, some other bride friends forgot:

1. Housekeeping for the First Night

Since most of the preps will be done in one of your hotel rooms (either bride’s or groom’s), a lot of people will be in your room—entourage members, relatives, videographers, photographers, coordinators, make up artists. Can you just imagine how it would look like on your first night? So yes, upon checking in give the instructions right away to do a “make up room” right after you leave for the church. It’s your first night! You gotta make it perfect!

2. Checking out the Bride or Groom’s Room

You both have rooms for yourselves. But you’ll only be left with one after the wedding (if you’re staying in the same hotel). Ask your Best Man or Maid of Honor to transfer your stuff to the room that will be used after the wedding. Don’t forget to check out!

3. Third Shoes

While a second pair of shoes is a back up in case your bridal shoes give up on you, a pair of third shoes that is comfy and standing-friendly will come in handy during your post-nup photoshoot.

Before you leave the hotel, turnover the pair to your coordinator. Change in your third pair right after the ceremony, when all guests are on their way to the reception. Wearing it will be the best decision you’ll make. No aburido photoshoot. No tiis-ganda.

4. Check Checker

Most weddings nowadays would ask for cash gifts, if not bridal registry. Since it might not be so prudent to indicate to whom the check should be named, we had checks that were named wrongly—Mr. and Mrs. Viñas (when we don’t have a joint account yet), Michael Vinias, etc.

You can assign your Best Man, Maid of Honor, or sibling to be your be your check checker. Upon receipt from guests, hand the envelope to the trusted person (most coordinators don’t want to accept cash and check gifts for safety reasons). This person can stand beside the stage when table-to-table pictorial starts. Ask him or her to check if the name is correct. This way, you can easily deposit or encash the checks when all the wedding hullabaloos are done.

5. After-Party Driver

When all the frenzy has died down, you’re left with just yourselves. And while you have other huge item gifts to transport, you’re left with no vehicle to bring you to your hotel or house. Again, you can ask a close friend or family member to wait till everything’s done and bring you and your gifts to your hotel.

Have a happy and stress-free wedding! Hope this helps you.