The wedding you have planned and dreamed of for probably the last year or even more is finally here. You may be excited, happy, nervous and scared all at the same time but the big question is - “What is the first thing a bride should do when she wakes up on the morning of her wedding?”
Based on my own experiences and that of others I have had the privilege to help along the way, I thought I would put together a simple list to help you focus on what’s important on one of the biggest days of your life.
First of all Smile! It’s your big day!
Have breakfast, something light perhaps cereal and fruit. Try not to miss eating because you are nervous, you will feel even more jittery if you are starving and as the day goes on you will have less time to eat. Make sure you have some nibbles in the room where you are getting ready. If you really can’t face anything put one of those power snacks or cereal bars in your bag to give you a boost when you need it.
Don’t go to the window and panic about the weather. Our English weather changes so fast in a few hours it will probably be lovely for your ceremony. So just get on and enjoy your preparations. You can’t do anything about it and you will have put a plan in place anyway for bad weather. Your photographer will always be able to find time to take you outside when the weather clears if it does stay overcast or wet.
It’s your job to look and feel gorgeous! Give yourself plenty of time to be pampered by getting up early and organising everyone prior to the big day. Make sure you have written a quick timeline of the day so that you can give this to your bridesmaids, that way they know the order they are having their hair and makeup done and what you need them to do and where they should be. It will save you having to explain it to everyone numerous times on the day. Remember, having hair and makeup done takes longer than you think so allocate enough time. Your hairdresser and makeup artist should advise beforehand. Let your bridesmaids help and delegate if you want anything done. Don’t be rushed, you want to feel gorgeous!
Make sure you have your little bag of essentials. For each bride that might mean different things, but your favourite lipstick or lip gloss for touching up after all that kissing is one that should be in there. A miniature perfume if you want to freshen up as the days goes on. Tissues, you will cry at some point, blotting tissues if the weather is hot and you want to avoid shine on your wedding photos. If you don’t want to use a bag then make sure your bridesmaids have those things for you in their bag. Extra things you should have close by, to keep in the car or your room, an emergency sewing kit, spare tights/stockings, clear polish for runs in tights, safety pins, blister plasters. If you wear contact lenses make sure you have a spare pair and eye drops in case you need a quick refresh. All these little things will help your day go by disaster free!
Take time to enjoy the details of your day. Go and have a look at the tables and decoration before anyone else. You have spent months planning these details, so take them all in before your guests are seated. It is also a great idea to have a little breather for five minutes to catch your breath and spend a few minutes with your new husband.
It is a good idea to have worn those new wedding shoes for a few hours to break them in. There is nothing worse than having sore feet. You can even have a spare pair for after the ceremony just in case they do start to sting. Remember that clear blister plasters are a godsend and really do work wonders!
Don’t panic, what ever is not done now probably won’t matter and no one will even notice!
If you hired a wedding coordinator roll over in bed, smile, and begin the pampering in total comfort and enjoyment.
Enjoy every single moment of your day. It is true, all brides will tell you the hours just speed by so be sure to enjoy as much of it as is humanly possible. Being organised beforehand will really help because you won’t be worried about what needs to happen if you briefed your suppliers and venue.
Remember today is all about you and your life partner. Just take a few minutes to think about how much you love your husband to be and why you are meant to be together. It will make you smile as you walk down the aisle.
One last thing, your wedding will be fantastic because weddings just are. They are all about you and your family and friends, no one will notice the little mishaps that may occur. If the weather is not as you wished, a good photographer will make sure you have the best pictures and there is always time to pop out when the sun comes out.
So until next week when we talk about the timing of your day, happy planning.
Written by Julie Dawson - The Wedding Genie.
