One of the Most Forgotten Wedding Planning Details

You don’t know what you don’t know – and when it comes to wedding planning, that couldn’t be more true. Between managing timelines, selecting vendors, finalizing seating charts, and checking off endless to-do lists, it’s easy for certain details to slip through the cracks.

One of the most overlooked responsibilities during the reception?
Bussing tables, handling trash and cutting the cake.

Wait – Who’s in Charge of That?

While wedding planners and coordinators are there to ensure your day runs smoothly, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be the ones clearing dishes or slicing your cake. These tasks often fall outside the scope of their contracted services.

Planners operate under agreements that outline their responsibilities – usually focused on timeline management, vendor coordination, and keeping the day flowing. If they’re unexpectedly pulled into bussing tables or cutting the cake, it can throw off the schedule, distract them from higher-level logistics, and result in added charges post-event.

Avoiding Surprise Costs and Last-Minute Scrambles

To make sure everyone knows what to expect (and no one is stuck doing a job they didn’t plan for), here are a few proactive steps you can take:

1. Ask Your Caterer

Check if bussing tables and trash services are included in your catering package. Many full-service caterers will include this, but not all. If it’s not included, ask about add-on pricing or whether they can staff someone to help. If they’ve been contracted to buss tables and handle trash, make sure they stay through the send-off. This ensures that no family or friends are left to take care of cleanup at the end of the night.

2. Plan Ahead for Cake Cutting

Some catering teams include cake cutting, but if yours doesn’t, you have options:

• Ask your planner/coordinator in advance if they offer this as an add-on service.
  
• Delegate the task to a trusted family friend or relative to help save on costs.
  Just don’t assume it’s “handled”—a quick conversation goes a long way.
  

3. Clarify Roles with Your Planner

Your planner will do everything they can to help your day go off without a hitch—but clear expectations are key. If additional hands are needed, they can prepare ahead of time and bring staff to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

The Bottom Line

The smoother the event, the more time you have to soak it all in. By clarifying responsibilities ahead of time, you avoid confusion, eliminate last-minute surprises, and make sure your planner can focus on what they do best: coordinating the magic of your day.