Counting Down to the Big Day — Your Final 24 Hours
It’s a bit of an old chestnut, though an accurate one, that the bride-to-be’s preparations for her wedding day will far exceed the groom’s.
Her star treatment — the gravity defying up-do, the professional but natural-looking make up, the French manicure — all need to be done on the big day, but that’s just the beginning. Then there’s the donning of that fabulously complicated wedding dress (don’t forget the bustle!) and all the associated accessories, which can take up to an hour for even the most organized bride.
And then, it’s photo time. No wonder late afternoon and evening weddings are so popular.
Sometimes it seems almost criminal, how easy the guys have it. Although most of them probably don’t have a clue about how to put on their tuxes or tie their ties, there’s sure to be plenty of hovering mothers and aunts to help the hapless men prepare. Then, a comb through the hair and a snap of the cufflinks and voila! Their hard work is done. As long as they don’t get lost on their way to the ceremony, the men have basically accomplished their wedding day duties.
Despite all appearances, the best man really does have some important responsibilities. For one, he’s in charge of getting the groom to the church. It’s also his job to carefully guard the wedding rings, and to write a memorable speech. What’s more, he needs to have the money that goes to the church and officiant at the ceremony’s end, and a little extra to pay off any balances due to vendors and service staff.
All jests aside, even this final day has tasks you’ll need to tend to. Most of the important arrangements have been confirmed and reconfirmed, so what the bridal couple really needs during the last few hours is someone who can ensure that the venues are ready — that the décor, cake, flowers, photographer and videographer, favors and DJ are where they should be, and the bridal party transportation is all set. That’s why hiring a wedding coordinator for the big day is well worth considering.
If the couple has closely followed their planning checklist, the day should pretty much go off as expected. But even the best laid plans can go awry, although usually in inconsequential ways. It’s a healthy approach to expect some things to “go wrong” during such an elaborate event, although the good news is that most of the failings will never attract your guests’ notice. The caterers serve rice pilaf instead of herb-roasted potatoes. The DJ forgets the bride’s prohibition and plays the chicken dance, delighting the older generation. Despite all the careful planning, some things fall through the cracks. The happy bride will relax and let it go.
It’s nice if the bride can take a few moments in the morning to sit with her parents, thank them for their help, and reassure them that she loves the more than ever. And no matter what, the bride should remember to eat. Many brides and grooms forget this in the excitement of the evening, but it’s easy to regret it later if you never take the time to relax at your own reception.
The most important thing is to remember to keep on smiling — something you won’t find hard to do. And to keep in mind that in a few short hours, you’ll both be relaxing alone in your honeymoon suite.
