The
Planning
Bride

As your big day approaches, it is likely that you will begin to experience even more – yes, more – anxiety. While the pre-wedding jitters are inevitable, there are several things you can do to help your big day to go as beautifully as you dreamed when you were a little girl.

First, make sure everyone in the wedding party is well aware of the time you want them to arrive. If you are a stickler for being on schedule, tell them at time earlier than you really need them. This buffer of time will also allow for traffic issues, lost socks, and the groomsman whose hair just will not lie down.

Second, do not - I repeat, DO NOT - discount last minute needs. What if the bridesmaid’s hose run? What if the flower girl gets something on her dress? And what if that waterproof mascara you spent an insane amount of money on turns out to be not-so-waterproof? No worries. Put together a basket of anything you could possibly need last-minute and store it in the bride’s room (or somewhere close by for outdoor weddings). A sample list of items: pantyhose in each of your bridesmaid’s sizes, a Tide-To-Go pen for last-minute spills, eye make-up remover and Q-tips for quick touch-ups, bobby pins, plenty of tissues, crackers and Sprite to ease your stomach, and mints for breath that is kiss-friendly for the first smooch as Mrs. Super Hunk (assuming we all marry Super Hunks, right?!?). Take this list and modify it to include everything you can think of, even if your mom rolls her eyes at the size of the basket.

Third, relax! Easier said than done, I know, but you truly want your wedding day to be something you will look back on with joy, and if you are stressed your memories will be, as well. In order to maintain a calm, composed attitude, enlist the help of anyone who is willing. If the flower girl needs the scuffs wiped off her shoes? Aunts are always wandering around with tissues and need something to do…let them. A bridesmaid chipped her just-done French Manicure? Toss her a white-out pen (from the basket!) and move on. And if, Heaven forbid, your caterer doesn’t show up to put out the food? Pray you have a college classmate that will step in and save the day. If not, well, you will prevail.

Here’s to hoping you have much success with your big day!

Do you have any suggestions for other readers? Don't forget our comment section that enables you to do the writing. Take tips learned from your big day and let others know what works and what doesn't! Hey, with everything else going on, who has time to waste on no-goes?