Backup plans

We chose Bali's dry season — and still had a brief downpour on the day of our ceremony. Luckily we had a back-up plan, within the venue. That 30-minute rain delay? It became one of the best stories from the day.

Whatever your destination — Tuscany, Bali, Cancún, Phuket, or coastal Australia — check the venue's wet-weather options before you sign anything. Make sure the indoor alternative is something you'd actually be happy with, not just a windowless conference room. And communicate the dress code flexibility to guests: "beautiful but comfortable" covers most scenarios.

We asked every key vendor — photographer, celebrant, caterer — "what happens if you can't make it?" The good ones had answers. The great ones had named backups already arranged. Read the force majeure clauses in your contracts and understand what you're covered for.

For guests and yourselves, arriving a day or two early is the simplest insurance against flight delays and jet lag. We encouraged everyone to arrive at least the day before the welcome dinner. Having a designated contact person — someone your guests can call if their flight is cancelled — removes that burden from you on the day.

We researched the nearest hospital, saved the local emergency number, and put together small first-aid kits for the welcome bags — paracetamol, antihistamines, rehydration sachets. Nobody needed them urgently, but a few guests used them gratefully.

Travel insurance is non-negotiable. Make sure it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and if possible, wedding-specific coverage. Encourage guests to carry any essential medications and a copy of their prescriptions. It's boring to think about but critical to have.

We kept digital copies of every contract, every booking confirmation, and every passport in a shared folder. It felt excessive until a guest's luggage went missing and we could pull up their hotel booking instantly.

Reliable communication is the thread that holds everything together. A Couple Hub & Guest Hub with the full schedule, emergency contacts, and real-time updates means you're not fielding panicked WhatsApp messages at 6am on your wedding day. Have a backup communication plan — local SIM cards, a messaging group for the bridal party, and someone other than you managing logistics on the day.