5 Steps to Staying Organized on Your Big Day
The moment has finally come. Your special day. The one you have been waiting for… It’s the wedding and the LAST thing you need to do is panic about everything that should get done. Although people are surrounding you to help, it’s always good to get a mental list going so you don’t panic when the time comes.
We’ve been shooting weddings and happy couples for decades, so we know a few things about how exactly to get organized on your big day. As professional wedding photographers, the following are 5 suggestions we can give on how to be prepared for the happiest times of your life (no pressure…)
#1 Contact List
Yes, we know you have everyone in your phone, but maybe Grandma doesn’t have a cell. A contact sheet is a convenient register to have close by that lists everyone attending your wedding, along with the best information to reach them.
Don’t keep this list on hand, however, pass it off to the Maid-of-Honor or the Best Man to use in case of emergencies. It’s not something you should actively worry about on your big day.
#2 Create a Timeline
An itinerary or a rough schedule will help you stay as close to a timeline as possible. We know things pop up here and there but the last thing you need is to worry about what is happening when. This is another document you can pass off to someone closer to manage, but it’s always good to have on hand.
#3 Survival Kits
These aren’t just for the bride. Having a wedding survival kit with mini-items for convenience is a great way to keep you from rushing around last minute. For the groom, it can be pretty simple.
Some mints, a comb, perhaps a little gel. For the bride, we’ve seen some doozies, but the following is a good guide:
- Hairspray
- Bobby pins
- Mints
- Deodorant
- Band-aids
- Fashion tape
- Sewing kit
- Q-Tips
- Good luck charm
No matter what you throw in there, the idea is to have a little something prepared for a little everything.
#4 Stay Hydrated
I know this sounds fairly obvious, but one of the main things we notice that brides and grooms forget to do on their big day is simply to DRINK water. Stay hydrated. Especially if you are also nervously sipping champagne at an early hour.
Be prepped and have a few bottle stashed for every location before the ceremony. Have the Maid-of-Honor throw some in her purse, or the Best Man keep a case in his car. It’s important that no one passes out!
#5 On-Site Contact
Make sure you designate one person in your party as the on-site contact for all questions and directions. This person can be the day-of wedding planner, a representative from the venue, or a trusted family member or friend. The idea is that you plan to have someone fill the role, so you both don’t have to worry about answering a million little questions.
No matter how hard you plan, chances are you still may feel anxious on your big day. Relax. It’s all about you. These are just a few things to put your mind at ease so you can move on to more important things…like making memories that last a lifetime.
If you have any questions about how to prep for the big day, or if you want to schedule a session, give us a call. We’d be happy to further discuss your planning ideas.