Forget me nots

Amid the fun of planning your perfect wedding, it’s completely natural to worry about remembering all the important details. Be a bride- chiller, not a bridezilla, with these 30 tips for faultless planning and smooth sailing on the day

1

People often neglect to arrange one of the most crucial aspects: the marriage licence. Apply for a licence through your local marriage registrar, who you can find by checking the Department of Internal Affairs’ website or by contacting your district court. It normally takes three working days for a licence to be issued, so make sure you leave plenty of time – and remember, you also need to collect two copies of the Copy of Particulars of Marriage to give your celebrant. Licences last for three months from the date of issue.

2

Decide on a budget for your big day, then aim to put aside an extra five per cent as an emergency fund. Things will pop up that you hadn’t anticipated, but this way you’ll be prepared for extra costs.

3

Not everyone will be as conscious of deadlines as you are, so set your RSVP date earlier than you need it, to allow for people who could be late responding.

4

Make sure your guests don’t turn up in the middle of the ceremony because they got lost on the way to the venue. Include directions with your invitations or add the information to your wedding website. On the day, set up signs to indicate parking, toilets and other key locations.

5

If you have multiple vendors working on the day, compile their contact details into one document and give a copy of each to the maid of honour and best man.

6

Remember to count yourself and the groom in your official numbers for things such as seating and catering. It’s a common mistake to only count your guests.

7

Having a Plan B doesn’t just mean having an indoor option if the weather goes haywire. You’ll also need details like a mat for guests to wipe their shoes on, or a bucket in which to store umbrellas.

8

Saying ‘I do’ under the summer sun? Make sure you provide shaded areas and cold drinks for guests throughout the day.

9

Be prepared for how the temperature changes throughout your event. Warm days often lead to cooler nights; so depending on when and where you are exchanging vows, consider having blankets or pashminas for guests when the sun sets.

10

Of course you want perfect shoes – but remember comfort is vital. The last thing you want is throbbing feet when it’s time to dance! Alternatively, have a second, more comfortable pair on hand, or kick off your heels when formalities are completed.

11

Make sure you have the right undergarments for both the ceremony and reception. Check that your bra doesn’t create visible strap lines or leave marks when you get dressed.

12

To avoid unnecessary stress (and the potential for forgetting any essentials), pack for your honeymoon a week prior to the celebration instead of the day before, so you’re able to fully focus on the task.

13

While packing your wedding-night bag, put together an emergency kit to use during the big day. A compact mirror, bobby pins, deodorant, Nurofen, extra butterfly clips for your earrings, tissues and Hollywood tape can all become lifesavers if you unexpectedly need them.

14

Prepare an extra CD with the first song and other special dances for the reception just in case you experience technical difficulties.

15

Remind your groom about having his shirt properly steamed and his shoes shined beforehand. It’s in his best interest to look as seamless as you. If it’s an extremely hot day, he might want to consider bringing a second shirt to change into before the reception.

16

Double-check your mobile phones are charged up and ready for use throughout the day. Ask your maid of honour or best man to look after them, and bring the chargers too.

17

Include an SPF moisturiser in your skincare to prevent being sunburnt by the end of the day. A makeup artist will be able to advise you on products that won’t reflect the camera’s flash.

18

Schedule your hair styling and makeup to take place after your bridesmaids, so you know they are ready and can take care of any last-minute tasks. This means your hair and makeup will also be extra fresh.

19

Prepare for getting-ready bridal portraits by cleaning up the area so there are no unwanted items or clutter in the background. Photographers doing documentary-style shots may not realise you don’t want them around.

20

Roadworks or heavy traffic could mean you go from being fashionably to disastrously late. Ahead of the day, scope out any potential hurdles that might obstruct the route to your venue: busy roads, special events, rush hours and weather warnings.

21

Avoid a culinary disaster by keeping your wedding cake out of the sun – buttercream icing and cheesecakes in particular are at risk of melting!

22

Amid a busy day, remembering to keep your energy up with a steady food intake can easily slip your mind. Have your maid of honour prompt you to eat so you aren’t downing the bubbles on an empty stomach.

23

Consider which bouquet you will be tossing if you plan to do so during the reception. You might want to organise another bouquet especially for this tradition, if you want to keep your original to press and save for later.

24

Don’t leave your guests hanging while you’re away getting portraits taken – set up entertainment. Think photo booths, music performers, games and other fun activities.

25

Don’t take a tumble before saying ‘I do’. Have the groomsmen check that the church aisle isn’t slippery and ensure that outside paths are smooth and free of leaves.

26

Have your maid of honour carry a packet of breath mints for both you and your groom. They will help you feel refreshed.

27

If you are having a guest book, remember to bring the pens. Providing a selection of colours will create a more visually interesting look.

28

Ask a close friend or guest who is not a member of your bridal party to keep a caring eye on those who may struggle with the long day, such as elderly guests.

29

Vendors will appreciate a mention for their part in your day. The best favour you can give them is a heartfelt review expressing your gratitude. Do this within six months of your nuptials.

30

The most important thing to remember is: don’t sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the day and remember what it is all about – affirming your love for your partner and celebrating with family and friends. When you look back, those memories – not the details about your centrepieces – are what will come to mind. W