Below are some ideas and suggestions to help your wedding day go smoothly. Enjoy!

  • If your wedding is held in the warm summer months, plan on enough cold beverages for your guests, and keep them available throughout the day. Chilled bottle water is a simple but thoughtful drink. The wedding party will also appreciate a handy cold beverage if they are being photographed outside.
  • If your gown is an heirloom, allow time for cleaning and freshening, and any alterations that may need to be made.
  • Select a pretty handkerchief to tuck into your bouquet for sentimental moments.
  • Practice wearing your wedding shoes before the big day.
  • Pack a small emergency bag for your dressing area: iron, needle and thread, hair spray, aspirin, nail polish, safety pins, extra panty hose, etc.
  • Planning an outdoor wedding? Have a colorful supply of umbrellas on hand to help ward away the rain. And, don't forget the bug spray!
  • Remind the wedding party to gather quickly after your vows for group photographs. You'll want to greet waiting guests as soon as possible.
  • It's proper to send lodging information to your out-of-town guests. Most facilities will do so for you if provided with your guest list. You could even provide this information on your bridal web site.
  • Don't forget to place a pretty guest register at the reception.
  • Arrange for a close friend or relative to transport gifts that are delivered to the reception.
  • If you're planning on candles, be sure to appoint someone to light them.
  • Leave your honeymoon itinerary with a family member.
  • Ask your bridesmaids to place their bouquets around the reception area as additional decoration. They'll be thankful not to hold them during the celebration.
  • Select a special gift for your parents as a gesture of thanks. Present it to them the morning of the wedding.
  • Send a romantic note to your fiancé just before the ceremony.
  • Enjoy a light snack before leaving for the ceremony. Many brides never taste the food at their reception.
  • The best time to cut the cake at the reception is immediately after the main course is cleared. Eating the first piece of cake together symbolizes your first meal together. The grain it's made of stands for fertility and fruitfulness. Proposing a short toast to one another reinforces the mood of the moment, making it a special one.
  • Be sure to get a good nights sleep before the wedding. You'll be glad you did!
  • Be sure to have your gown cleaned after the festivities. Stains that may not be visible now may yellow later. Visit Wedding Gown Specialists to locate a dry cleaner that specializes in cleaning and storing your gown.
  • Gowns are best stored in a cool, dry place. When stored on a hanger, sew straps to the waistline to relieve pressure on the shoulders. Wrap the gown in a sheet or muslin, stuffing the sleeves and bodice with white tissue to prevent wrinkling. Take equal care with the headpiece and veil. Consider Wedding Gown Specialists to locate a dry cleaner that specializes in professionally storing your gown.