Thursday, April 10, 2008

Brides-To-Be: Some More Advice!

My Top Tips For Brides To Be

Brides are typically very informed ladies who research every topic under the sun to ensure they know it all. But there are always a few things when you look back, that regardless of how perfect your wedding day was, you wish you did different. Here are a few tips to help you plan - a few small suggestions that can make a huge difference.

1. Apply lip stick or lip gloss regularly before being photographed – this small touch of makeup can make such a difference.

2. Something is bound to go wrong and more than likely it will be a small detail that no one else will notice but you – let the mistakes and imperfections be part of your day, do not let these instances define your day.

3. The bride sets the tone for the wedding. If you are having fun so will your guests. Everyone wants to be by the bride – family, friends, and even those you do not know so well – if you spend time on the dance floor, so will your guests. Be seen and be the focal point – guests tale their cues from the mood and demeanor of the bride so let the stress disappear and soak up the few hours you have to celebrate this occasion.

4. If you can afford it, especially if you are having a high number of out-of-town guests try to provide transportation to and from the hotel and reception site. This helps alleviate guests being late, lost, or having to worry about how many drinks they will have at the reception. Check out trolley companies – they tend to be cheaper than limos and can hold more people (typically 20 – 30).

5. Tip your vendors in advance or put your husband or father in charge of giving all vendors final payments and/or tips on the day of. The bride should not have to worry about this, but at the same time you want to make sure those who have worked hard for you get their tips – create envelopes that are labeled on the outside with each vendors name. This is an easy way for your husband to know who gets what.

6. Put your card box and gift table in a visible spot and a location that is easily accessible. You do not want cards left on tables because guests did not know where they were suppose to go.

7. Add small inexpensive touches to your wedding to make it your own. This is when theknot.com is crucial to creating a detailed oriented wedding. A few ideas I took from “knotties” in order to give a beach themed vibe – skip the standard folded tent place cards and used sand dollars to write guests name and table number; use sand buckets instead of gift bags for out-of-town welcome treats – fill the sand bucket up with snacks and a welcome brochure that includes directions, locations, and things to do in the area.

8. Skip the processional line after church and greet guests during dinner – you will be served first and more than likely won’t eat much so spend time welcoming everyone then.

9. Logistics – When deciding where you will sit your guests place “fun” guests around the perimeter of the dance floor. Make sure bathrooms and smoking areas are close to the reception area.

10. Get in shape – look your best on your wedding day. The pictures taken on your wedding day will be forever in your household and shown to your children – be committed to get in shape and look your best.

11. Test your tux – at almost every wedding I have been in (and even at my own) there are always issues with the men’s tuxedos not fitting properly. Make sure the groom, father’s, and all others wearing a tux receive them prior to the wedding so that they can determine if they need to get something altered or a new one shipped ASAP. Do not worry – tuxedo companies can have the exact size the morning of your wedding – yes not ideal but a lot better then a groomsmen wearing high watered pants down the aisle!

No comments: