Remember these ten things for a wedding day that goes exactly to plan…
1. You’ll need £4 for your wedding certificate
Keep £4 handy to purchase your wedding certificates and make sure you’ve got somewhere safe in mind to stash them afterwards. We really have heard of wedding certificates being left abandoned on a table, with a dribble of red wine decorating the corner… not the best start to your marriage!
2. Leave time to meet the registrar
Allow time to meet with your registrar on your wedding morning, when you will need to confirm your identity in the presence of your chosen witnesses.
3. Get a first-look photo
Don’t miss the opportunity to get first-look photos. A more recent trend in weddings, the ‘first look’ sees the couple share a moment alone together before the ceremony begins. Great for calming nerves, it also leads to some super romantic photos when the bride surprises her groom.
4. Move your engagement ring onto your right hand
As you get dressed on your wedding morning, move your engagement ring onto the corresponding finger on your right hand. This keeps your ring finger free for the moment you exchange wedding bands – it’s nerve-wracking enough as all eyes wait to see if the ring fits, without diamond-encrusted obstacles in the way.
5. Leave someone in charge of gift-giving
Ensure that someone is in charge of bringing any gifts you’ve organised for your parents and bridal party to the reception. Then make the most of the speeches, which offer the perfect opportunity to dish the goodies out.
READ MORE: Top tips for planning your wedding day schedule
6. Know the timings of the day
Make sure you’re up to speed on the order that things will happen, from the time your wedding breakfast starts to the running order of the speeches. If you’re keeping things traditional, the father of the bride will be up first, followed by the groom and finally, his best man. It’s also worth doubling up copies of any cue cards, so each speaker has them to hand and a nominated friend has back up.
7. Make sure your transport is sorted
There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of the party and having to wait for a taxi when your feet are a little fragile from hours of dancing. You’ll have shared transport information with guests on your invitations, but don’t forget to make travel plans of your own, too, if you won’t be spending your first night as newlyweds at your venue.
8. Delegate the last remaining tasks
Your wedding day is the one day when you should only be worrying about yourself, so ask a bridesmaid to field any final calls, equip an usher with cash to settle any supplier costs and ask your maid of honour to double check the décor is set up how you envisioned it. They’re there for you, so make the most of it.
9. Don’t forget to eat and and drink
It’s no secret that your schedule is going to be busy, but do your best to stay hydrated with water (and not only champagne) and to eat well. Start the day with a nourishing breakfast and ask your venue keep a few canapés back for you so you don’t return from your couple’s portraits to empty plates. The same goes for your cake – we heard of one unfortunate couple who cut the cake, hit the dancefloor and returned to find every slice gone!
10. Take some time for just the two of you
Take time for the two of you and step back to soak up the atmosphere. One of our featured couple’s most treasured moments from their wedding was when they shared a private few minutes on the balcony of their wedding venue, watching their favourite people having the time of their lives on the terrace below.
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