Being Prepared on Your Wedding Day
Be ready for the wedding day.
Even if you have a wedding planner, things can and do go wrong on the big day. For a lot of problems, the coordinator of the venue will have contingency plans in place. You just have to roll with the punches and let them handle things. In fact, you may not even know about the issues that came up with the caterer or another supplier. That’s why you have a planner. What you should be prepared for are little things that happen while you and your attendants are getting ready.
Pack an Emergency Kit
When you’re the bride and groom, people are going to look to you when there’s a problem. Each of you need a bag packed with items to fix hems, fight bad breath, and manage small emergencies. Here are some recommendations:
- Pain reliever (aspirin, ibuprofen, and/or acetaminophen)
- Mouthwash, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
- Razor and shaving cream
- Breath mints
- Safety pins
- Small sewing kit with black and white thread
- Deodorant
- Hair spray, gel, comb, and hair pins
- First aid kit
- Antacid
- Sunscreen and aloe vera (for outdoor weddings)
- Stain remover
- Umbrella or emergency rain coats
Although you don’t necessarily have to be the one to pack these items, you need to know that you have supplies at the ready. Maybe ask one of the groomsmen or bridesmaids to handle your list. Think about your venue and the types of things which easily get overlooked.
Make Lists Before the Wedding
It seems obvious that you should make lists, so the question is, What type of lists? Both the bride and groom should have contact information for the attendants, families, and minister. It’s easy to think, “Oh, these numbers will be in the phone,” but phones get misplaced in the hustle and bustle of the day. If more than one person has the information, it’s easier to get to and creates less stress. Create your picture list for the photographer and put someone in charge of helping to make sure you get all the shots you want.
Create your tip envelopes for people who need to be tipped. Have some extra cash on hand for people who you may have forgotten about or who go beyond what you expect. Have an itinerary to help keep you on a timeline. On the actual day of the wedding, put someone in charge of the schedule to watch the timing and ensure everyone is where they need to be. Although everyone is looking to you and your future spouse, you cannot be everywhere at once managing all the small details. You’re going to have to give up some control, but that’s okay. Every one of your family members and friends who are helping you wants the same thing: your wedding to be what you imagined.
Don’t Get so Wrapped Up in the Details and Forget to Enjoy Your Day
Every bride and groom wants their wedding day to be perfect. It’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae and forget to see the big picture. If your flower girl is upset because she hates her shoes, let her wear something more comfortable or go barefoot. Take time to eat during the day. It’s okay to take care of yourself, even if it seems as if there are a hundred things you need to do. Having an empty stomach will amplify every problem.
This special day will never be repeated. You can aim for perfection, but sometimes it’s the imperfections that make the memories. Someday, you both can smile when you look back at the pictures and talk about having to pin Uncle Tom’s pants because they were too big and remember that Uncle Larry said his pants were a bit too tight.
