Weddingbee

It’s amazing how the to-do list has grown as we draw closer to the big day! The crazy thing is that the list is filled with seemingly random little things too. However, as I speak with former brides, I am starting to realize how big a difference some foresight into these details can have in terms of making the overall wedding day flow much smoother. So I thought I would share a couple of the random tips I’ve heard in the past two weeks (primarily from Mr. D’s cousin who graciously offered to be our day-of-coordinator) that made me go, “woah, I hadn’t even thought of that!”

These small details can certainly go a long way in preventing some unforeseen mixups and potentially even disasters, so I thought I’d share a few that particularly struck me in hopes that it will help you all too!

Some pre-ceremony tips

• Have a designated person to be the personal attendant of the day. This friend - usually not part of the wedding party - will be responsible for assisting the bride in matters such as running last minute errands, helping with last minute touch-ups, helping to make sure the wedding party knows where they are going, etc. It may even be helpful to have a separate bride’s attendant and groom’s attendant.
• Be extremely specific about when each person involved in the wedding should arrive. Don’t automatically assume that everyone will know when to show up…you might be surprised as to how many people think they are exceptions! Be clear on when musicians vs. vendors vs. the bridal party vs. family members and other helpers such as ushers and greeters should arrive.
• Have 2-3 greeters and a separate gift table attendant, and be clear on who is transporting what to and from the ceremony. The 2-3 greeters can focus on making sure people know where to go and ensuring guests sign the guestbook properly, while the gift table attendant should focus on receiving and tracking the gifts.
  • Regarding the gift table, a great way to track gifts is to have a gift log with some stickers that you can write numbers on. When each guest drops off a guest, stick a number on the gift and note it in the gift log (i.e. sticker #1 refers to Mr. and Mrs. Smith). This will go a long way in making the thank-you-care-writing process much easier!
  • Another reason it is important to have a person focused specifically on the gifts is for their watchful eye, as there have been occasions when gifts have disappeared. Weddings are prime targets for theft, as passersby know that guests are bringing lots of bright and shiny things for the newlywed couple!

Some post-ceremony tips

• If you are having your reception in a separate location, have 2-3 people assigned as transporters, differentiating between people who will transport the welcome table items (i.e. guestbook, picture frames, etc.) and the gifts. They should most likely be a couple of trustworthy guys with a van or SUV that can fit everything nicely. They should leave immediately after the ceremony, bringing the welcome table items to the reception in time for cocktails and bringing the gifts to a safe and secure location.
• Provide your photographer with a list of exactly which portraits to take. On average, it takes ~3 minutes to do each post-ceremony portrait with family and friends. Having the list will not only help you budget your time, but will also allow the photographer to push back when the random relative tries to jump in and have their own family pictures taken.
• Have another point person (other than the day-of-coordinator) be the key contact for reception related vendors. Most likely, the day-of-coordinator will be with the couple and managing the flow for what is going on around them. It will significantly improve efficiency if a friend who understands your vision can help by being the key contact for reception setup, the DJ, the linens, etc.

And some general tips!

• This is a tip for brides and bridesmaids alike, but it’s a good idea to have a bridal emergency kit! Suggested items include: hair spray, travel sewing kit, hair pins, tissue, sanitary napkins/tampons, hair brush, toothbrush, floss (who would’ve thought!), toothpaste, pantyhose, touch up make-up, deodorant, tweezers, mirror, schedule, bandaids, straws, water, and q-tips.
• Once the rehearsal starts, let go! At that point onward, the planning and worrying over all the details should stop, and the enjoying and basking in the moment should begin .

Any other tips you have heard that might save the day? And for you former brides, are there any suggestions you would have based on your wedding day experience?

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