#55: Wedding Day Items Couples Forget (And How To Be Prepared) with Elena Markwood

In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, August Yocher sits down with returning guest and wedding planner Elena Markwood to talk about the small wedding day details couples often forget — from ceremony seating signs and easels to emergency kit items and last-minute problem solvers.Drawing from her experience as a planner and former venue professional, Elena shares practical insight into the functional items that are easy to overlook during the planning process, especially once stress starts to build in the final few weeks before the wedding. From cake knives and guest book pens to signage displays and reserved ceremony seating, she explains why these little details matter more than couples often realize and how they can impact both logistics and guest experience.They also talk about the importance of thinking beyond the aesthetic, how to prepare decor so it’s truly wedding-day ready, and which emergency items Elena reaches for most often on event days. From floral wire and screwdrivers to packing tape and mints, this episode is packed with thoughtful advice to help couples feel more organized, more confident, and better prepared.If you want to avoid common oversights and feel more ready for the practical side of wedding day setup, this episode offers helpful planning tips that can make a big difference.Elena Markwood is the owner and lead wedding planner of Adoration Weddings & Events. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she now calls Columbus, Ohio home (thanks in part to the Columbus boy she married). When she's not bringing love stories to life, you’ll find her singing on the worship team at her church, curled up reading a rom-com with a cup of tea, or exploring the city with her husband, Wes, and handsome pup, Ollie.Highlights• Wedding day items couples often forget until the last minute• Why reserved ceremony seating and signage matter more than couples think• The importance of easels, cake items, and other functional decor pieces• Why open seating can create guest experience challenges• Emergency kit items planners actually use on wedding days• How to make sure decor is truly wedding-day ready• Why a planner or coordinator helps couples avoid common oversightsConnect with Elena:Decor List FreebieWebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramConnect with Kevin & August: WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokPinterestLinkedIn