Even the most prepared of brides…the ones with multiple weddings binders with color coated sections, swatches of linens and to-do lists galore….happen to forget the smallest of details on wedding day. I usually like to refer to this as “Wedding Brain” .(Yes…very similar to the effect of prego brain–believe me I have had both : P )
In truth, however, 99% of the brides I shoot, this is their FIRST wedding. First time brides that are not around the wedding world on a daily basis like wedding photographers/planners, etc are can NOT be expected to be aware of the fine details. Thats where I…as a wedding professional come in. So here we go… Assuming they have got all the major details sorted, like choosing the wedding hymns, here is a list of some of the most simple and small details that can easily be overlooked if a bride is not educated OR falls victim to “Wedding Brain” : (Please not these are not in order of importance!!)
1. HANGER FOR WEDDING DRESS AND BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES. Okay, I am sure we have all seen the hangers that are wooden and have “bride” or the brides future last name twisted into the metal. And I’m sure, if you decide to buy your dress online and visit website, the use of wedding hangers will be great to keep your dress in perfect condition for the big day. Plus, who doesn’t love a personal touch! (If not see below…they can be found on Etsy.com) Brides also tend to gift their bridesmaids with similar hangers featuring their title in the bridal party or their names. Though that is not necessary, having a hanger that IS NOT from the dry cleaners or flimsy plastic is MUCH appreciated to the photographer and much better in your images : )
Thank you Delovely Details for this image and etsy for this hanger: http://www.etsy.com/listing/94606199/personalized-custom-hangers-wedding?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=wedding+hanger&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
2. SOMETHING OLD, BORROWED, BLUE AND NEW + PERHAPS A SIXPENCE FOR YOUR SHOE. This tradition is one that is not commonly forgotten, but actually remembering to bring all the items of it IS! Its best to have each of these things in a box, labeled and set aside on the dresser for the photographer to come in and shoot before you put them on. If any of these items are on the bottom of your shoes, are sewn in your dress, on your panties…thats fine…your professional team can certainly figure it out later….just don’t forget them. These days the “i do” blue rhinestone stickers for the bottom of your heels and the sixpence coin can each be found on Etsy.com for about $7.00- $10.00 a piece!
3. RESERVED SEATING CARDS. These cards are typically provided by the venue or kindly marked off at a church, but if you plan on having signs that match more of the theme of your wedding OR you would like to have a special sign made for a loved one that has passed away….these are all things to plan for ahead of time. Often for the memorial reserved seat it is also marked with a white/red rose. Reserved seating signs help your ushers direct close family and guests and give guests a guideline as to where they are allowed to sit.
To shop these and more: http://www.etsy.com/listing/112024663/wedding-reserved-signs-set-of-six-with?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=reserved+seating+cards+for+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all
4. PHONE CHARGERS! Though as a bride myself I TURNED MY PHONE on silent because I wanted to enjoy the day getting ready with my girls and friends…brides these days have taken over the role as DIY/ wedding planner. Their phones go off like crazy and its usually confirming limo pick ups, flower drop offs, etc. So BRIDES….pack your chargers and make sure your maid of honor packs theirs as well just in case so that you have two phones charged at all times! : )
5. WEDDING NIGHT BAG AND BRIDAL EMERGENCY KIT. Don’t forget your bag and day after outfit. Whether you both have matching white polos, “Mr and Mrs Shirts, etc…just dont forget something to wear the next day and your little something, something to wear the night OF!
Acording to The Knot.com, this is what every 911 Bridal Kit should include–
Essentials
- Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice)
- Band-Aids
- Bottle of water
- Chalk (to cover up any last minute smudges or smears on your wedding dress)
- Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)
- Corsage pins
- Dental floss/toothpicks
- Eye drops
- Extra earring backs
- Extra panty hose
- Hair pins/ponytail holder
- Hand towelettes
- Hem tape
- Matches
- Mini sewing kit
- Safety pins
- Scotch tape
- Sedatives (don’t ask!)
- Small folding scissors
- Smelling salts (while we don’t expect anyone to faint, it has been known to happen)
- Spot remover
- Static-cling spray
- Straws (so the bride can stay hydrated without messing up her lipstick)
- Tissues
- Tweezers
The matron or maid of honor should keep the following items on hand at all times in a small evening bag for the bride:
- Breath mints/spray
- Cellular phone
- Comb/brush
- Cash (because you never know)
- Hair spray
- Linen handkerchief
- Makeup (for touch-ups)
- Mirror
- Nail file
- Perfume
- Tampons/sanitary napkins
Optional Items
- Granola bars or other easy-to-carry snacks
- Krazy Glue (for nail fixes, shoe heels, decorations, even jewels)
- Sunblock
6. YOUR VOWS, A BLESSING, A THANK YOU SPEECH. One of the funniest things that happened to me at a wedding was when it came time for both the bride and groom to read their vows and the bride turned around to get hers from her MOH, and the groom made the most awful face when he realized he never put his in his pocket. Trying to see him recite it verbatim at first was pretty funny…but it turned out truly beautiful once he spoke from the heart : ) BUT be prepared. Make you you have someone hold the vows for you or make SURE they see you put them in your pockets. As for a blessing, make sure whomever is giving the blessing is prepared and has their speech. At the end of the night the bride and groom typically will make a brief speech thanking everyone for coming and sharing in their special day. being prepared for this with a formal speech may be an option for you : )
7. APPOINTED PERSON TO DEAL WITH GIFTS AND CARDS BOX. MOST brides don’t even think about this…but for those family members that were unable to send a gift via mail, or bring it to your shower…they JUST MAY be bringing a big ol’ Dyson or Kitchen Aid to your wedding. If not…they may be bringing a “stuffed” little card if you know what I mean. Regardless…you don’t want to leave any cards or presents behind or have them mysteriously get up and walk away. APPOINT someone YOU TRUST to keep the cards safe in either a hotel room safe, their personal house they may be traveling back to, OR contact the manager at the venue and they may just have a holding room for that very purpose that is a locked room and is secure enough for you to leave your stuff their until the following afternoon to pick it all up. You do NOT want to be worrying about this the night of the wedding. TRUST ME. I was THAT bride!
8. HELP WITH THE DRESS, VEIL, PURSE, SHOES, MAKE UP…BASICALLY HELPER TO YOU. Lets just be real for a moment here ladies….If you are wearing a dress that comes with an insane amount of layers/tulle…or its incredibly hard to maneuver in…you are going to need help in the “ladies room.” Usually this is a duty for the MOH…but just in case…have that convo with your girls now to make sure one of them is on call for you at all times. They may also be in charge of keeping your veil safe if you take it off for reception, bustling your dresses train, holding your touch up make up and tending to your bridal purse! Its okay to ask for help and make one of the “maids” live up to their title. This is YOUR day…your needs being tended to is all part of it! Enjoy the whole princess thing for a day! Soak it alllllll in! : )
9. CAKE CUTTER/CHAMPANGE GLASSES FOR SWEETHEART TABLE. I recommend dropping off these articles THE NIGHT BEFORE/WEEK OF THE WEDDING. Hand them directly to your wedding coordinator to have set up the next day. These elements are part of some pretty symbolic moments on your big day…it would be a shame to leave them at home. Trust me…wedding day you will not be thinking about glass champagne glasses or cake cutters! : P
10. JUST MARRIED SIGN/THANK YOU SIGN. There is no better time to take those “front of the ‘THANK YOU’ card” pictures then WHEN you are all dressed up at your wedding. Simply invest in a quick little sign from Etsy that says whatever you so choose and have 4×6 cards made up with your picture on the front holding the signs…blank cards…fill em out, send em out…EASY AND DONE. For my brides…I actually make them for them upon request. Fun right!?!?
This store below makes reversible ones…soooo cool!
11. BRIDAL PARTY GIFTS. GIFTS FOR BRIDE/GROOM FROM EACH OTHER. A lot of brides and grooms are conflicted about whether this gifts should be given at the rehearsal dinner the night before OR should be given the morning of the wedding so pictures can be taken of them opening them. I say…ITS UP TO YOU! I do love to be able to take a picture of the bridal party opening their gifts, but if its too much to worry about that morning of, SKIP IT. Remember…the less stress the better. Maybe leave wedding morning to the bride and groom opening a gift from each other. JUST DONT OPEN IT UNTIL YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER has had a chance to shoot it wrapped, being opened by you, in your hands, and then maybe put on or displayed. This is a special moment!
How about this rule…And ALLLLL of my brides will tell you I told them this: DON’T DO ANYTHING CUTE UNTIL YOU SEE MY CAMERA IN YOUR FACE! LOL
12. LATE NIGHT SNACKS/WATER/GIFT BAGS IN ROOMS. I have only been a guest at a wedding a few times, but every time we have stayed in a room block with other wedding guest, we had the CUTEST little bag of snacks, water, hang over kits, etc waiting for us. Not every hotel has anything more than a vending machine open past 11pm so supplying your guests with snacks will surely make you the best wedding couple of the year. FURTHERMORE…stock your bridal suite THAT YOU BOTH are sleeping in that night. Champagne, water, snacks, etc. Even better…pre-order your breakfast to be delivered to the room in the morning if you aren’t eating with your bridal party/guests.
These are fun, but I am sure your hotel can put together some at a better price point for you : )
13. SAVE AN INVITATION, COCKTAIL NAPKIN, TOP OF CAKE, PETALS FROM BOUQUET. VOWS. PROGRAMS. MENU. ALL SCRAPBOOK/SHADOWBOX WORTHY. These days…with all the crafty ideas on Pinterest on how to shred your invitation and put it into an ornament ball, or make a shadow box with all the elements that made up your day….SAVE THIS STUFF. Appoint someone to gather these things. You will be soooooo glad you did later…TRUST ME ON THIS. These are the things you will show your grandchildren…that you will display in your homes for generations to come.
This is a fun example for the crafty soul…but there are many more options on Pinterest. To shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/111392533/our-wedding-day-wedding-invitation?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=wedding+day+memory+shadow+box&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
14. A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL. RECIPE AND ALL : ) Is this a must? Absolutely not!! But out of a few brides I have had in the past, they have seen these “signature drinks” named after the happy couple….or named after something related to them/the wedding and the recipe is printed and framed up at the bar for guests to order. Its always fun to see your guests walking around with a drink you created/named. Plus…it alwayyys makes for a cute picture….especially when the drink comes with a fun straw, umbrella or garnished with fruit : P
15. ENJOY THE DANG DAY AND BE SURE TO EAT THE FOOD! I am actually SOOOOO proud of myself here. I ATE so much food…and it was amazing. We had 3 kinds of salads, chicken marsala, twice baked potatoes, stuffed shrimp with lump crab meat…UGH….I ate until I couldn’t move…and it totally sopped up the champagne I was accidentally running through as if it were water. (I WAS THE DUMB BRIDE WHO CHOSE THE MIDDLE OF JULY TO GET MARRIED…I was hot…no water was available…don’t judge! lol) But PLEASE…this day takes so long to plan…so much money, effort, etc. PLEASE STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES! Enjoy your friends. Enjoy wearing your dress and being treated like the princess you are. Dance the night away and just stop and look around..trust me the day FLIES and totally passes you by if you don’t! : ) If you’re looking for rings still and you’re wanting to get your man one that he will only ever love, choose Manly Bands for the practical and masculine groom.
I so hope this helps all you brides out there….especially you KNP brides. Can’t wait for your big days….I love you all!
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