You've planned and organised, made to-do lists and checklists, tasted cakes, tried on gown after gown, and argued a tiny bit with some family members all in search of a picture perfect wedding. After all, this is your big day and you want it to go as smoothly as possible. And while plenty of bridal experts will give you lists upon lists of things you need on your wedding day, I'm here to share with you a list of the things you won't need...
1. Lists
You may have clung to your to-do lists with a death grip during the planning stages of your wedding, but your big day is the perfect time to loosen your hold and pass the torch to a trusted friend, bridesmaid or maid of honour. Let someone else be responsible for the last minute details so you can spend the day focusing on enjoying yourself. You don't want to pulling out your Excel spreadsheet during the speeches!
2. Food
I don't mean you should skip out on food entirely on your wedding day, but there are a number of edibles that you should avoid. High sodium items may cause bloating while fatty foods can upset your tummy. You do, after all, want to look your best in your dress. Fruit and veggies and high protein snacks with natural sugars - they can be a bride's best friend. Small treats throughout the day, as opposed to one or more larger meals, will also keep you feeling full without putting too much stress on your digestive system. And trust me, you won't get to eat the meal you've so nicely put together for your guests. You'll be far to busy. Just skip to desert, which will you give you plenty of ammunition to dance the rest of the night away.
3. Caffeine
A well rested bride is a happy bride, and a full nights sleep before your wedding day can do wonders. Hopefully this means you can skip the coffee and energy drinks and avoid the caffeine jitters that may come along with them. Opt for bottled water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and keep the shakes at bay. If you're a heavy caffeine drinker, try cutting back on your daily intake in advance to avoid withdrawals.
4. Stains
You've spent months and months finding the perfect wedding dress so don't let it get ruined by last minute stains. Hence why I suggest staying away from caffeine. If you want to enjoy a glass of wine, stick to white instead of red. Take extra care when touching up makeup and manicures as well. If you're going to spill anything, make sure you do it before the dress goes on. Get it all out your system.
5. Negativity
Naturally you'll want to surround yourself with your closest friends as you get ready to walk down the aisle, but we all know there are always certain people that just can't seem to help being negative. Since you may not be able to exclude these people entirely, try and give them responsibilities that will keep them occupied, such as greeting guests or directing suppliers. The tasks will keep their minds off their negative tendencies and keep you surrounded with positive thoughts and energy. And breathe!
6. Wardrobe Malfunctions
Buttons will go missing, seams will stretch, and hems will fall but a well prepared bride and her entourage will always have the proper tools on hand to repair any last minute mishaps. A trusty sewing kit equipped with the essentials can be a lifesaver on your big day. Safety pins can also be small miracle workers to address a number of last minute repairs or adjustments - give a few to your bridesmaids before the wedding starts, just in case.
7. Guilt Trips
No matter how perfectly you've tried to make your special day, and how much attention you've given to every detail that has gone into it, chances are you will hear at least a handful of comments regarding choices you should have made instead. There will always be a friend who liked the longer dress instead of the one you're wearing, a future in-law who thought a large church wedding would have been prettier than the outdoor affair you chose, or a sibling who thought the red roses would have been more elegant than the white ones. The important thing to remember is that it's YOUR day, not theirs. Spend the day enjoying all the hard work you've put into the planning instead of second guessing yourself over the choices other people may have thought more fitting. Remember: what other people think is THEIR business!
8. A Bad Complexion
The last thing any bride wants or needs is a breakout on her big day. Unfortunately the stresses of planning the perfect wedding can often make your more prone to pesky pimples but you can do a great deal to avoid them with a little care. Staying hydrated can do wonders for the skin, as can avoiding breakout-causing foods, such as chocolate and caffeine. Should the inevitable occur, make sure to pack a good concealer to cover up any last minute issues. And remember: CLEANSE, TONE, MOISTURISE the week before. Or treat yourself to a facial.
9. Stress
Ok, so this one may seem impossible but it can be done. Things can and often will go wrong on your big day but a stress free bride will be able to take it all in stride. You can't control the weather, but you can have a back up plan should Mother Nature go against you. You can't help the fact the caterer is lost, but you can have a trusted friend who can navigate them with ease. Stressing out over last minute mishaps won't accomplish anything aside from anxiety and the last minute breakout you've worked so hard to avoid, so just sit back and take a deep breath because a well prepared bride, with the help of her friends and family, can overcome nearly any obstacle on her wedding day.
I hope these help!