Want to get to your wedding on time? Follow these tips and you’ll be good as gold. Oh, and be sure to follow along or you might miss other helpful tips like this.
One of the biggest things to avoid on your wedding day is being late, right? It doesn’t matter if you’re the bride, the groom, father, mother, best man, maid of honor, bridesmaid or groomsman; being late is stressful. Even guests and wedding vendors worry about being on time for the ceremony. There’s a reason why this song from My Fair Lady was such a hit. It’s not just about being punctual, either; being on time for your wedding will give you peace of mind all day and keep you stress-free. We want you to be a happy bride, not one who is stressed out, sweating, and freaking out as she’s traveling to her ceremony site. And that’s why we’re here to help you out.
See? You can spend less time stressing + more time snapping photos that are happy & carefree, like this (if you’re doing a first look):
Today we’re sharing seven helpful tips to be on time for your wedding. And hey, it may not be the sexiest or the most exciting topic, but it certainly is important. We’ll even let you in on the number one time-waster that happens to nearly every bride — but you can totally avoid it. Read on to get started…
Tips to Be on Time for Your Wedding
1. Don’t leave any projects or last-minute tasks for the day before or day of the wedding.
As tempting as it sounds to say, oh I’ll get to that tomorrow, you don’t want to be running around to finish a project or deliver favors to the reception site or do anything but be pampered on the day of the wedding. I recommend avoiding anything non-pamper-y the week of the wedding, simply because you’ll be busy enough as it is with the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and packing for your honeymoon. Oh, and you know, BEING EXCITED FOR THE BEST DAY EVER. You don’t have time to worry about to-dos at this point! It’s time to relax.
2. Set two alarms for yourself.
Make sure you’re up way ahead of schedule, too. Get up earlier than you think you would need to. And set two alarms in case one fails (or, you’re like me, and in your sleep still manage to hit ‘snooze’.) It also helps to have someone make sure you’re up by coming over or a simple phone call.
And it never hurts to have an actual watch. We rely so much on technology and, if you’re like me, you lose your phone every two minutes.
Oh, and a gift for the groom? Definitely a watch. And a cute note to tell him to meet you there with the time.
3. Pack your bag the week before.
Gather up all of those things you’ll need the day of the wedding the week before. (Pssst… here are some tips on what to pack in your bag.) You’ll want to include what you’ll wear while getting ready, your wedding photo list, your makeup, touch-up lipstick, wedding emergency kit, nylons, lingerie, heels, etc. If you have everything ready to go one week ahead of time, you’ll still be able to add to it when you inevitably think of things you forgot (like these for the reception, or your checklist of things not to forget at your wedding). Other things to remember are tip money for vendors, gifts for your wedding party, and a small notebook with the numbers of all of your vendors in case you need to reach them. Also, a spare phone charger is absolutely necessary.
4. Have a back-up plan.
What’s your plan B if your hairstylist doesn’t show? Or if your car breaks down? Or if your gown is wrinkled? Have someone reliable you can count on who may be able to help, just in case. Elect one of your bridesmaids to help you style your hair. And, bring a travel garment steamer — for SURE. You’ll need it for eliminating wrinkles on your gown and bridesmaid dresses.
5. Provide a itinerary for your entire wedding party, parents, and vendors.
An itinerary is crucial to keep everyone on schedule. And plan the times a little earlier than you would think: it’s surprising how fast time goes by and you’ll want to allow plenty of extra time for getting ready and travel.
Also… delegate someone to be in charge of the schedule. Pick someone who is incessantly punctual, whether that is your Maid of Honor, bridesmaid, or mom. And make sure it’s someone who takes charge and speaks up, so they can keep everyone in line and on schedule.
Also, you’ll want to elect one of the groomsmen — like the Best Man — to be in charge of keeping the gentlemen on time while they are getting ready.
6. Schedule your hair appointment at least one hour earlier than you would think.
It goes by too fast — and you can always use a little extra time, just in case.
And the number-one time waster…
7. Don’t schedule everyone’s hair and makeup at the same time and location.
This is a big one! As tempting as it is to have your entire crew get their hair and makeup and nails done at the same time and location, it can really put you behind schedule. Here’s what we recommend instead:
o get ready at a salon with a team of dedicated stylists (plural), hired for the whole crew
Or, if you’d prefer to get ready at your hotel, resort, or somewhere else…
o have bridesmaids arrive with hair and makeup done
They can still join in on the getting-ready festivities (and photo-ops) and put on their dress, shoes, and accessories then, without the added stress of getting everyone’s hair and makeup completed while the clock is ticking.
It’s also worth noting that you should ALWAYS…
o get ready as EARLY AS POSSIBLE
Nothing is worse than running late AND hurrying on your hair and makeup.
♥ | ♥ | ♥
And, keep in mind… sometimes it happens. Being late won’t ruin your wedding! Being on time makes it less stressful, but don’t let something small irk or get in the way of your perfect day. These things happen.
xo
-E.
Now it’s your turn…
What tips to be on time would you add to the list?
Tell us below!
