5 THINGS TO REMEMBER ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

The owner of The White Dress Boutique, Debbie Abbott, also owns and operates a wedding and event planning business with her sister, Judy Allbritton, called Creative Event Planning. For over 30 years, they've helped make people's dream weddings and events a reality. Planning and implementing so many events, they've picked up on a few things that brides tend to forget on their big day. Here are five tips for you busy brides to remember as you are planning your wedding:

1. Lunch for the Bridal Party

You have to remember to eat! Most brides get so busy and excited the day of their wedding, they simply forget to do the most basic of things. Be sure to have some snacks and drinks on hand if you and your party are meeting at the ceremony venue and are ready to go, in case any of you need a pick me up during photos. If you are all primping and getting ready at the venue, be sure to have sandwiches or a simple lunch there for you and your bridal party.

2. Beauty Appointments for Everyone

While some of your bridesmaids may choose to do their own hair and makeup, and you, as the bride, are by no means required to pick up the tab, you should give them the opportunity to have their hair and makeup done, ideally at the same time and location you are having yours done. This is especially crucial if you are hosting a destination wedding. Make sure it is an optional thing for your girlfriends, but it's the bride's obligation to make sure their girls are aware that it is available to them.

3. A Break with Your New Hubby

After an emotionally charged ceremony followed by photography sessions, it's important to take time with your new husband and just enjoy the moment together. Before your grand entrance is a good time to take to freshen up a little bit and spend a minute alone together to just take it all in.

4. A Game Plan for Wedding Toasts 

Have you ever been at a wedding where the toasts just seem to go on and on? Guests can often misinterpret a "toast" to be a "speech" and they talk forever. The best way to make sure you don't lose valuable dance and party time, is to pre-plan the toasts with your wedding planner or MC. That will ensure the microphone is controlled and not just anyone can get up and prattle on. Also, its a good way of avoiding "roasts" by guests who may have had one too many. 

5. Alone Time

Too many brides plan to have a group of friends and family with them from the moment they open their eyes until they say "I do". While it is important to celebrate and be with the people you love, it can be emotionally overwhelming and perhaps even add more stress to your day. Make sure you have somewhere you can go to escape - even for just a moment - to collect your thoughts and take time for yourself. 

Hopefully, these tips will help your special day go a little more smoothly. Remember, it is ultimately about you and your partner having fun and joining your lives together, the rest is just details.