Having photographed hundreds of weddings, I can tell you this: the couples who look the most relaxed aren’t the ones with the “perfect” plan… they’re the ones who aren’t trying to do everything themselves.
There are a few tiny jobs that make a massive difference to how smoothly your day runs – and they’re exactly the sort of things you don’t want to be thinking about when you’re meant to be marrying the love of your life.
So here are 12 jobs to delegate on your wedding day that most couples don’t think about (but you’ll be very glad you did).
12 Jobs To Delegate On Your Wedding Day
1. Dry bouquet stems before anyone holds them
Check the bouquets are out of water and dry the stems before handing out to the wedding party. Wet stems can transfer water to your clothes. Meaning visible wet patches on clothes in photos and videos.
2. Buttonhole distribution (before photos happen)
Check the button holes are distributed to the people they are intended for before any formal photos are taken.
3. Veil + bustle removal expert
Make sure someone watched the veil being put in and knows how to take it out without messing up your hair! Same applies if you have a bustle. Usually this job actually is mine; your photographer!
4. Phone duty / supplier gatekeeper
Give your phone to someone you trust to monitor calls and texts, and be the point of contact for suppliers. Pre-agree before the wedding what they can tell/show you.
5. Decision-maker for “tiny problems”
If the photographer, venue, planner, florist (any supplier) has a situation, nominate someone to be the go-to person who makes decisions on your behalf or decides if you need to know.
6. Keep the prep room photo-friendly
Keep the bridal/groom suite tidy so there’s not lots of rubbish in the background of photos.
7. End-of-night flower rescue mission
If you’re having floral table centres, delegate someone to gather them up before guests start to leave and create small bouquets for your guests to take away with them, so they’re not wasted.
8. Confetti aisle organiser
Ask two people to a) speak to the photographer and ask them how they would like the confetti aisle organised and b) ensure confetti is handed out to everyone.
9. Post-confetti hair check
After the confetti and before lots of photos (group and couple portraits) are taken, make sure someone is on hand to remove confetti from the front of your hair.
10. Make sure you actually eat and drink
Assign someone to make you always have a drink, and snack, and check in with you at various points throughout the day.
11. Makeup/hair touch-ups
Make sure someone is always checking your make up/hair and doing any little touch ups throughout the day.
12. Toilet support (seriously)
You’re going to need a personal assistant to help you navigate the toilet and your dress. Do a run through sober!
12 “obvious” jobs (but worth assigning anyway)
Even if you think someone will do these… assign them properly so they actually happen.
1. Greet and direct guests upon arrival.
2. Help with ushering guests to their seats on arrival for the ceremony (and ensure seats are reserved for VIP guests/family).
3. Distribute wedding programs or order of events to guests.
4. Coordinate transportation arrangements for the wedding party and guests.
5. Be in charge of music for the ceremony.
6. Manage the guestbook and ensure everyone signs it.
7. Round people up to use the photo booth / polaroid camera.
8. Assist with setting up and decorating the ceremony and reception venues.
9. Manage the wedding day timeline and keep everyone on schedule. Especially if you are not at a wedding venue or booked a wedding planner. Time can run away with you when you’re mingling and having a good time.
10. Introduce and coordinate the timing and execution of speeches.
11. At the end of the night, gather up cards and pressies and make sure they are in a pre-agreed location/room for you to collect the next day.
12. Assist with packing up and cleaning the venue the next day.
Remember, delegating these tasks not only helps your day run smoothly but also involves your loved ones in making your special day perfect. Having a team you trust to handle these details means you can focus on the joy and celebration of your wedding day.
If you’re planning a day without a coordinator, this is where a realistic timeline becomes everything – I’ve written more about that here: Why time is so important on your wedding day.
A quick tip for delegating without it feeling bossy
Send your helpers a quick message the week before with:
- their one job (keep it specific),
- when it happens,
- what “done” looks like.
People love having a role – they just don’t love guessing.
FAQ: Delegating on your wedding day
Who should I delegate these jobs to?
Pick the calmest, most capable people you know – not necessarily the loudest. Think: organised bridesmaid, detail-loving sibling, “mum’s best friend who gets stuff done”, or that mate who always has a safety pin.
What if we don’t have a wedding party?
Totally fine. You only need 2–3 trusted humans. Give them one job each and they’ll feel like absolute heroes.
Will delegating make it feel less ‘us’?
No – it usually does the opposite. When you’re not micromanaging, you’re actually present. And that’s what makes the day feel like you.
What if something goes wrong and I want to know?
Agree a rule in advance: “Tell me only if it affects the ceremony or timings.” Everything else can be quietly handled without you spiralling in the loo.
Do I need a planner for this?
Not necessarily. A planner is amazing (obviously), but good delegation + a realistic timeline gets you 80% of the way there. You can hire planners who just co-ordinate on the day so everyone can relax and enjoy your wedding.
What’s the one thing couples forget to delegate?
Food and water. You’d be shocked how many couples barely eat until 5pm – assign someone to keep you topped up like you’re on Love Island.
Ready To Book Your Wedding Photographer?
My approach is effortless, attentive and unobtrusive, with gentle direction when it helps, so you can be fully present while I capture how it felt. If you’re searching for a wedding photographer who brings calm confidence, emotional storytelling, and a luxury-yet-relaxed vibe, I’d love to hear about your plans.
You can find out more about my wedding photography pricing here.
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If you’re ready to book, you can go ahead and secure your date or schedule in a complimentary call to chat through your plans and get to know each other a little better.
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