Countdown to the Big Day
Submitted: 2 July 2008
Author: Laura Firenze
Most brides spend about a year planning their weddings. It seems as though the big day will never arrive, and then, boom! - all of a sudden it is upon you. After completing checklist upon checklist, you may think that you are well prepared, but there are always certain things left to do in the last days leading up to your wedding. This is an overview to what you may spend that week doing...
Greeting out of town guests as they arrive. I remember when my father arrived in town a few days before my wedding. It suddenly made it very real - "I am getting married this weekend!"- Having parties for those guests. For a Saturday wedding, the rehearsal dinner is usually held on Friday evening. If you have a large number of guests arriving before then, you may wish to arrange for a casual get-together on Thursday night as well.
- Organizing your favours. Of course, you could get this done in advance, but the favours seem to be one of those tasks that get left to the last minute. I remember tying bow after bow on the little boxes of chocolate (imported from my favourite store in Chicago, courtesy of my father's suitcase).
- Doing the seating chart. This is an onerous task that cannot be done too early, because you need to have a complete and final headcount. Some couples think that arranged seating is too stuffy, but honestly, it makes life easier for your guests. Otherwise, people are scrambling to reserve chairs for their little groups instead of enjoying the cocktail hour. Also, if done thoughtfully, arranged seating is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your friends from different circles to one another. More than a few future brides and grooms have met this way!
- Giving out your bridesmaid gifts. A great time to present your bridesmaid gifts is at a luncheon held two days before the wedding. Let your bridesmaids know how much you have appreciated their support and friendship during the wedding planning process.
- Picking up your bridal gown and accessories. This is usually done as close to the wedding as you can stand it, so that you do not have to hide the gown from your groom for long. The morning before the wedding is an ideal time, so that your gown will be freshly pressed and ready to go the next day.
- Manicure and pedicure. If you can squeeze it in the morning before the wedding, that is perfect. Otherwise, have your nails done two days in advance, but be sure to pick up a bottle of the nail polish colour used in case you need to touch up any chips.
- Putting welcome bags in the hotel rooms. It is a wonderful way to let your guests know how pleased you are that they could attend your wedding. The bride may have a hand in organizing the gift bags, but she should certainly not be the one who has to deliver them. Delegate, delegate, delegate!
- Finally, on the morning of the wedding, the bride will have her hair and makeup done, and do any little touch ups on her fingernails. Wear a button down shirt so you don't have to pull a top over your fancy hair-do.
- Last but not least, the bride gets into her gown (with help!), puts on her wedding jewelry and other accessories, and heads off to the ceremony to get married.
Whew! By the time you have finished all these last minute tasks, you will be happy that it is time to finally get married. Get a good night's sleep before, relax, and enjoy your day. Then it's on to the honeymoon - bon voyage!
Laura helps brides with their wedding plans by offering advice on selecting bridesmaids gifts,reception ideas and other aspects of planning a wedding. Let SilverlandJewelry.com help with your bridesmaid gifts and wedding jewellery.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Firenze
