As much as we’d all love it to be, your wedding day isn’t going to go to plan in every way. Here are a few things to remember and plan for, to remove any wedding day stress.
1. Hair & makeup always takes longer than expected
Hair & makeup always takes longer than expected! We recommend you allow and extra 20-30 minutes before your photographer is due to arrive. Early is always better than late.
2. Tell a few white lies
Tell your guests, and even your bridal party a few white lies when it comes to timings for your wedding weekend. If you’re ceremony begins at 3:00pm, tell them 2:45pm. This will ensure that even the ones who are always late, will still be on time!
3. Don’t starve… anyone
Hungry people aren’t fun! After spending hours debating what to feed your guests, remember all the others too – the bridal party and your suppliers. Have planned meals during prep time for your bridal party, and give your suppliers the chance to sit and enjoy some food. This will ensure everyone is at their best and happy for your special day.
4. Not all pens are equal
We’re sure you’ve spent hours picking out the perfect guestbook for your wedding, something to cherish.. but what about the pens! Test the pens that will be needed throughout your day, just to make sure they will work for you. Ones for the guestbook, and most importantly for your marriage certificate.
5. Wind & paper don’t match
If you’re having an outdoor ceremony or reception, this is key! Think of some alternatives any of those little bits of paper – wooden blocks, chalk boards, or even attachments like pegs or clips. It will be mayhem if all of that hard work blows away.
6. Keep it official
Remember to bring collect your marriage certificate, or make sure your celebrant will pass it onto a designated person. It may be just a bit of paper, but it is really important to know where it is after your service.
7. Walk it through
There will be so much happening on the day, you don’t want to be making unnecessary decisions in amongst the crazy. Before the day we suggest you do two things – have a rehearsal of the ceremony and do a walk through of your venue to see how everything will flow.
8. Take a moment
We recommend that after the ceremony, you as a couple, take some time together. Take ten or so minutes away from everyone to breathe and take in what just happened. It also will be, likely, your only chance to be alone for the remainder of the day.
9. Bring some snacks and extra hydration
You never know when you may need it. Have a secret stash of some water and easy snacks just incase you are feeling faint or hungry throughout the day.
10. Confirm… Everything!
If you have a wedding planner, we will do this for you. It’s always really important to make sure everyone will be in attendance. It’s surprising how many of your suppliers get mixed up with the dates, or times or venues. It’s as simple as an email to confirm all of the important details for the day.
11. Put your phone away
It’s always a good idea to pass your phone onto your maid of honour or a close family member, just incase there’s an important call from a supplier. Take the time to enjoy your day – tech free!
12. Something will go wrong
No matter the how detailed you planned and the amount of effort you put in, the sad truth is that there will always be something that doesn’t go to plan. So when that one thing arrises, expect it, accept it and move on or if you want someone else to handle those little problems on the day – hire a wedding planner!