If you think planning a wedding is simple, you were strongly misinformed. I’m not one to talk about settling down and getting serious, but if your big day is happening anytime in the near future, you might want to make a list of all the things that go along with picking the extravagant dress for your big day.
Aside from choosing the dresses, tuxedos, bridesmaids and groomsmen, decorations, photographer, cake, guests, invitations, gift registry, ring bearer and flower girl, ushers, time, date, place … you still have more to consider to make your big day exactly what you dreamed as a kid.
First, have an overnight bag ready at your destination following the ceremony. That’s what bridesmaids and groomsmen are for. Have one of your loyal friends run your things to your hotel room or wherever you plan to stay that night.
Long before the wedding– make sure each and every soul in the wedding party has an itinerary for the wedding day. There is nothing worse than having someone from your wedding party running late right before it’s time to take photos.
Once the ceremony and the reception are over, the bride and groom are generally long gone. It’s important to choose someone who can take all of your gifts, guest book, unity candle, and toasting glasses home for you.
Even though this day is about you and your significant other, it’s vital to remember gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen — and basically the whole wedding party.
Every bride should leave for her wedding prepared for the wedding night and the following honeymoon.
If you’re leaving the country, don’t forget your passport. That would be a big, time-wasting mistake. Make sure your transportation is arranged, as well as hotel plans.
One of the most important things to remember about your wedding day is signing the marriage certificate. I mean, isn’t that piece of paper the whole reason you had the wedding in the first place?
Last but not least, send out thank you cards to each and every person you received a gift from. People appreciate thank you notes.
Some things a bride may forget on the big day — take a deep breath, look around and keep a photographed memory of the moment.
Eat. It will be a long day to say the least, and yes, the nerves may affect your appetite, but you don’t want to to faint while saying your vows, do you?
Don’t be a hero. If your feet hurt, take your heels off. If something goes wrong, let it be someone else’s problem. If you’re hot, change your dress. It’s your day, remember to have fun.
If the bride or groom aren’t having fun, who is going to?
You can’t possibly plan every last second of your big day. Things will go wrong … but that’s all part of the memories. Have fun with it.
Molly Spencer can be reached at [email protected]