Here’s how to have a stress free wedding day with our eight best tips! Before you get started, subscribe now! Updated 2019.
Here’s a friendly reminder: your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. One of my biggest pet peeves is the mindset that a wedding day has to be stressful, bridezilla-controlled, and chaotic. It doesn’t have to be. One of the most beautiful days of your life ought to be enjoyed to the max… so don’t let stress get in the way! Today, I’m sharing with you my top eight secrets to a stress-free wedding day to ensure yours goes off without a hitch.
Let’s get started!
How to Have a Stress Free Wedding Day
1. Have all projects completed ahead of time.
Plan on having any last-minute projects done at least a week before the big day. This includes any DIY projects or last-minute details (adding a ribbon to ceremony programs, tying favor bags, arranging centerpieces, your music list for your D.J., etc.). You’ll also want to plan ahead with final payments for vendors and have them ready: write checks for final payments and/or tip money and place in labeled envelopes. Keep the envelopes in a safe place – like your purse – until it’s time to distribute. You can also have a trusted friend or family member distribute the envelopes for you, when needed, throughout the day.
2. Delegate tasks.
For things that can’t be done ahead of time (like arranging escort cards at the entry table, placing centerpieces, or adding chair covers), don’t try to do it yourself. Instead, delegate the task ahead of time to a friend or family member. You are the bride – so relax! – and let others tackle the tiny last-minute details for you. Alternatively, you may hire a day-of wedding coordinator who can tackle these tasks for you.
3. Make an appointment for hair and makeup very early.
Book your hair and makeup appointment well ahead of time – and make sure it’s early in the morning. If you’re getting your hair and makeup done with your wedding party, have yours done before the others. I’ve heard stories from brides whose appointments were behind schedule, took longer than the makeup or hair stylists anticipated, or booked too many bridesmaids at the same time. The bride should be styled and perfected first to ensure she gets to the ceremony on time. Having a little extra time just in case means you can re-do your makeup or hairstyle if it doesn’t turn out how you planned. And, last but not least, the hair and makeup portion of the day is a fun chance to hang with your mom, MOH, and bridesmaids. So enjoy it!
4. Have accessories pre-packed the night before.
Nylons? Check. Lip gloss? Check. Deodorant? Check. These items – and more – should be packed in a tote bag the night before. (Learn how to make an emergency wedding kit here!) Running around looking for your favorite perfume or the perfect shade of lipstick is a time-waster that can cause unnecessary stress. And, last but not least, make sure your dress has been professionally steamed and wrinkle-free (and bring along a travel-size dress steamer to your dressing location just in case).
5. Skip the strict schedule.
Your wedding day will go by in a flash. It may sound nice to have a big brunch, spa treatments, hair, makeup, and get your nails done, etc., but the morning and afternoon will go by incredibly fast. Most activities – like getting dressed – will take longer than you’d think… so pace yourself. If you’re doing hair or makeup yourself, this is especially important because you’ll want to allow time for yourself to re-do a style if necessary. Any additional time you have should be enjoyed by sitting, relaxing, and chatting with your loved ones.
6. Eat.
Don’t skimp on food. If you remember to eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of water, you’ll be much more relaxed and focused.
Donut “rings” go great with coffee!
7. Adopt a sunny mindset – about everything.
My wish for you is that your day goes off without a hitch. But… if life does happen and your flowers are the wrong color, the cake is not delivered, or the food is a little behind schedule, don’t let it ruin your day. Most things can be improvised last minute anyway (a sheet cake or bouquet of flowers can be purchased from any grocery store and food is ready when it’s ready). Besides, guests don’t notice a small detail gone awry. Bottom line: if you’re married at the end of the day, it was a huge success.
8. Enjoy.
Grab that groom of yours and dance the night away. Eat plenty of wedding cake. Sip on champagne. Dance to the silliest song on your playlist with your girlfriends. Snap plenty of photos in your photo booth. Say thank you to guests. Be kind to wedding vendors. Smile. It’s your day. Enjoy every single moment. (Read 50 Wedding Acts of Kindness.)
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
