1) Have fun, relax, the planning is done. Don’t worry if something is not perfect. I will never forget bride, Amy. Her florist was running late and she literally turned to me and said, “Who needs flowers? I will be escorted down the aisle by my father and I will marry Drew. That is all that matters”. Well, her flowers arrived with a 5 minutes to spare. But, it was her attitude that made all the difference. Chances are that something will go wrong… Don’t let it ruin your day.
2) Make a family grouping photo list and have a family coordinator. We call this person the “wrangler”. We cannot stress enough how important this is! This will ensure you get to your guests quickly. However, when you are standing there and ready to begin the family group photos and we ask, “Do you want to start with the bride or groom’s family?”....and get a blank look, we know that it is going to take longer than necessary to knock out these important photos.
3) Delegate! That's what your bridal party is there for! Have them help with last minute details and getting you in your gown and shoes. They are your runners. Need something? Ask them for their help!
4) Make an emergency kit. This can be a small basket or Rubbermaid container. Good items to include: tampons, safety pins, hotel sewing kit, mints, water, 100 calorie snack packs, travel size lotion, hair spray, scissors, deodorant, toothpaste and brush.
5) Eat, it is a busy day! Don’t forget to have lunch and hydrate. A cheese tray in the bride’s room is great for nibbling. We literally had one bride faint at the altar. It was not fun for her or to watch!
6) Airbrush make-up. If you can find room in your budget, have your make-up professionally done. You will not be sorry! Take bridal portraits. This is a great time to do a trial run with your hair and makeup. If you want to do your own makeup, remember to strive for a matte finish, use waterproof mascara and long lasting lipstick.
7) Have fun with your shoes but comfortable. Bling or color, strappy or stiletto. Whatever you select, make sure they are comfortable. Wear your shoes before your wedding day and bring flip flops…just in case! We have seen a recent trend for cowboy boots and sneakers.
8) Make a list of things to bring DAYS before your wedding. Dress, veil, shoes, jewelry, hair clips, something old and blue, shoes… etc. Put everything in “one” travel bag. Thank goodness, Trisha noticed her veil was missing in time for someone to stop by her house to pick it up.
9) Have a bridal party member or wedding coordinator keep you on-time. This is a day-long very important task. I was in a bride’s room recently and noticed that the getting ready activities seemed to be going rather slowly. It is a fine line for a photographer to walk…but, finally I asked, “Do you know what time it is?” The bride said…”No, what time is it?” It was 4:45. Her ceremony was due to start in 15 minutes… she did not have her dress, veil or shoes or jewelry on! Needless to say, the ceremony did not start on time.
10) Take time to pee before you get your dress on. Silly reminder, I know. But once you get your dress on, going to the bathroom is not an easy task and some of the stalls are pretty small. I put down my camera to help a mom with the dress and a hairdryer after the train fell into the toilet minutes before lining up for the ceremony. Talk about a stressed out bride!
11) Your cake. Don’t hold your guests hostage. Many brides think if they don’t serve the cake right after dinner, guest will stay longer. Let’s face it, elderly guests and parents with small children may need to leave early. Cut your cake soon after dinner and let your guests can enjoy it!
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