The big day that you just spent the better part of a whole year (or more) organizing and arranging is right around the corner. Every plan has been put into action, and you hope for a flawless day. The good news is: Your wedding will indeed be perfect, beautiful and memorable, but it will probably include some things not going quite the way you expected — or wanted. Read on for my advice on how to be prepared for anything unexpected that may pop up, and not let it get to you.
No matter how organized you are, your wedding day is inevitably a little stressful. You want everything to go off without a hitch, so nerves may be shot and you may be on edge. Make an appointment for a massage the day before, and just think about yourself and nothing else. Allow yourself to let go and just focus on the present — just that moment. This should be a private time, so you are most at ease. You will no doubt have everybody surrounding you on your wedding day so take this opportunity to unwind and relax, alone.
Sleep is definitely one of the most important things. Make sure you get enough rest so you are fresh and calm on your big day. A tired bride is a flustered bride — and flustered is not a good thing.
Food is another vital base to cover. Make sure you eat properly, healthily — you want to maintain your energy for what will be a very long day and night. Especially if you are drinking, make sure you have food in you, to keep going.
If you don’t have a wedding planner, then at least have a runner or designated person in charge on hand. Trust me: there are always some (or a few) last-minute emergencies, such as a lost bouquet or a DJ who does not have the song for your first dance. Make sure someone is on hand who can care of these emergencies, so you don’t have to field frantic calls while you are in mid-makeup about a cake delivery that is lost or a limo driver that is late. Choose a family member that is not in the wedding party, or designate a close friend whom you feel comfortable asking (again: someone not in the wedding party).
A valuable piece of advice that I used on my own wedding day came right before I walked down the long aisle. My stylist stuffed tissues in my bra. Sure enough, I was beyond grateful for this when the tears just streamed down my face like an open faucet, upon seeing my groom waiting for me at the altar.
When planning the timeline for the day, leave leeway for surprises. Don’t be super-strict with your schedule. Allow a little bit more time for photos between the ceremony and reception, just in case you need it. Delays are always a possibility, so give yourself that cushion.
Take it easy on the alcohol, both the night before and the day of. If possible, don’t even drink at all the night before, so you get a great night’s sleep (alcohol in the blood stream disrupts sleep patterns). On your wedding day, stay sober enough to enjoy (and remember!) the day. An inebriated (and, it indeed happens, slurring) bride is not very classy!
Bottom line: Don’t micro-manage. Allow yourself to be pampered and taken care of. I know it may be difficult to let go and allow others to take care of you and your day, but remember that this is your day and you only get one shot at doing it right. So tell yourself to relax and allow others to make your day easier for you. Trust the wedding suppliers that you so carefully chose to make your big day a success, then sit back and ENJOY!! Be the most special of special guests at your own wedding — you earned it, and you deserve it!
Rita Wong is a wedding and events planner and owner of Rita Wong Events. Based in Montreal, she also plans many weddings every year for brides living in Toronto and abroad. She is a dedicated follower of new trends and her goal is to give each bride a wedding that is fresh, unique, and a personal reflection of who they are.
