We know you’ll have a lot on your mind, so don’t forget these essentials.
Don't spend your entire wedding day worried you're forgetting something. We know, it sounds easier said than done—but if you have a little foresight, plan ahead and focus on staying present, your wedding day will be as stress-free as possible. Here are 10 things you'll probably forget to do on your wedding day—if you don't read this list.
1. Charge Your Phone
Bring a charger to your getting-ready location and keep your phone plugged in. You don't want to see the dreaded low battery icon when you try to call your grandma who couldn't fly to your wedding destination or snap a preceremony selfie with your wedding party. (Note: We're not telling you to be on your phone all the time—just to have it charged if you need it).
2. Eat and Hydrate Enough
This sounds insane, but brides and grooms are notorious (accidental) meal-skippers.There's so much to do that stopping for meals and drinking water regularly become low priorities. Even if you're thinking, Yeah, right, like I'd ever forget to eat—trust us, your wedding day is different. Plan to eat, at the very least, a hearty breakfast and a few snacks throughout the day. If it helps, pack some munchies and a water bottle to carry with you while running around and getting ready.
3. Practice Your Wedding Vows
Don't wait until showtime to read your vows for the first time since finishing them. Read through them at least once to time it (you don't want to go on for five minutes—two to three is a good sweet spot), center yourself and smooth out any kinks. Your vow delivery doesn't need to be perfect (you're not getting graded or anything), but you'll obviously want them to sound good for your partner (and that wedding video you'll have for years to come!).
4. An Engagement Ring Plan
Planning to take your engagement ring off for your wedding ceremony? You don't have to—you could keep it on your ring finger and place your wedding band over it, or wear it on your right hand until after the service. But if you do take it off, make sure you keep it in a very safe place. Leave it in a safe, with a trusted wedding party member or parent.
5. Tissues
It never hurts to slip a few tissues into your pocket (if you have them), clutch or decolletage, or fold one up tightly and position behind the stems of the flowers on your bouquet. Your maid of honor or best man can be helpful here, too. From sweet vows to funny toasts, you never know what'll spark happy tears on this emotional day.
6. Cash and/or Checks for Vendors
Some wedding vendors will require final payments or other fees on the day of. And if your pros have been exceptional, you'll want to tip them (when you tip whom typically varies by vendor type), so withdraw cash or write checks for these extra expenses. Your parents or honor attendant can be in charge of handing envelopes over to respective pros.
7. Dancing Shoes (or Your Second Outfit)
What good is that second, sparkly reception dress if you leave it at the hotel? Don't forget to bring any changes of clothes (undergarments included) to your reception location. Planning to wear one outfit all night? Bring a comfortable pair of shoes to wear on the dance floor.
8. Pick Up the Bouquets and Boutonnieres
Some florists will deliver day-of buds to you, but others will have you (or, more likely, your maid of honor or best man) pick up fresh pieces like the wedding party bouquets, boutonnieres and/or flower crowns from the shop.
9. Your Honeymoon Luggage
Jetting off somewhere amazing straight from your reception? Not if your honeymoon suitcases aren't with you! Arrange with your venue to stow luggage somewhere discrete, or make a point to ask your driver to make a pit stop at the hotel before heading to the airport.
10. Be Present
The number-one thing couples forget to do—and regret forgetting to do—is slow down, be present and absorb their wedding day. (Practicing meditation for a few months before your wedding day can really help with that.) It's nearly impossible to be completely zen all day long (we get it, you're busy, excited and human!), but it's not as hard as you think to forget the little things and focus on the big, important stuff. Relax, laugh with your wedding party, drink champagne, eat cake, hug your parents and dance with your new spouse.
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