As your wedding day quickly approaches, your excitement builds & you just can’t wait for the big day to to get here – there may be a few things to do that you just haven’t thought of before. You know – those tiny, mundane tasks that seem to be so little but in the end, will make a difference on your wedding day?  I’ve created my Top 10 Things To Remember for Your Wedding Day – (that you probably haven’t thought of) to help your wedding day run a little smoother – because at the end of the day, it’s the little things can add up to be so important. These tips come from my own personal experience when I was a bride a few years ago to the things that I’ve seen pop up on wedding days as I’m photographing them. So, without further adieu, here they are – be sure to share this post with anyone who is getting married!

1. Be sure to add some wiggle room into your timeline
   – A.) This is #1 on my list because it’s SO important. When it comes to photography, we are basically at the mercy of the circumstances. If things fall behind, we try our best to make it up somewhere else – but sometimes, it’s just not possible as we’re not miracle makers (bummer!) & we have to work with what we are given. If you’re creating a detailed timeline with your planner or photographer, be sure to add wiggle room in there. This can happen by planning to start your day a little bit earlier or adding a little extra time in for group portraits, family portraits & etc.-B.)  Be sure to go over said timeline thoroughly with your spouse & wedding party. Doing this ensures that EVERYONE in the wedding party are on the same page & agrees to being cooperative with the timeline! lol Keep in mind, if one groomsmen or bridesmaid is late, that can throw off the timeline for the day – meaning we can’t start group pictures until everyone is there & so on — you get my drift! So ensuring that everyone knows where they need to be & when will help the day run smoother. This includes having all of your bridesmaids done with Hair & Makeup at a specified time – more on this later on in the list! 
2. Bring An Extra Pair of Shoes (To Change Into At Your Reception)
   – Must I say more? This is crucial & I’m listing this because I forgot an extra pair of shoes on my own wedding day & could of just kicked myself for it. Unless you’re walking on clouds, your tootsies will be hurting by the time the reception comes around. We’ve had brides who have changed into their Converse tennis shoes, flip flops, cowboy boots or a comfy pair of wedges later on in the day & they were able to dance all night long. Be sure to mention to your bridesmaids to bring an extra pair as well!
3. Ask For The Lipstick From Your MakeUp Artist 
   – After a couple of hours of chatting with guests, kissing your beau, eating, drinking & being merry – you will need to touch up your lipstick/gloss. Get with your makeup artist to see if you can purchase the lipstick from them (or buy a similar color) to hold onto for touch-ups later in the day.
   
4. Keep Your Bouquet in the Vase beforehand
   – Most florists will deliver you & your bridesmaids bouquets in their vases with water, but we’ve seen several who do not. Be sure to chat with your florist beforehand to see if they will include this with their delivery. Unfortunately, we’ve seen several beautiful + vibrant bouquets turn to droopy, sad Sally’s before the ceremony even began because they were not kept in water. Ensuring a vase is included with delivery will prevent this problem!
5. Pack Your Bag Before Your Wedding Day
   – If you’re planning on making your grand exit & heading straight on your honeymoon the next morning (or even if you are just staying somewhere special the night of your wedding day) be sure to pack your bag(s) well beforehand. That way, you can spend your wedding night relaxing & celebrating instead of packing last minute.
   
6. Hydrate
   – I’m including this because most brides forget to do this! Make sure to have water stocked in the bridal suite on the day of. You’re going to be chatting up a storm with guests, moving around, having a blast & dancing the night away – so be sure to drink your H20 before the party gets started!
7. Have All 3 Rings in Bridal Suite
   – Usually, I will be shooting our brides details in the bridal suite – so, it’s best if all 3 of the wedding rings are in there as well – which includes your engagement ring, wedding band & your hubby’s wedding band. That way, I’m not having to waste time running back & forth from the groom’s suite & can use that precious time for shooting. Also, it’s best if I can knock out the ring shots early in the day so I can style them with all of your other pretty details.
8. Plan to Start Your Hair & MakeUp Earlier Than You Think You Would Normally Need To
   – This correlates closely with #1! & I’m including it in my list because I have seen so many timelines thrown WAY off because hair & makeup took longer than expected. It’s always a good idea to schedule your hair & makeup earlier than you think you would need to start. This includes hair & makeup for your bridesmaids as well. Trust me on this one!
   
9. Pack Your Details In A Box A Few Days Before
   – Since I will be shooting your details at the beginning of the day, you will need to gather all of your details a few days BEFORE your wedding day – NOT on the day of. Do you love all of the pretty detail shots you see on my blog? The sentimental pieces of jewelry, the invitations, the bouquets, letters & etc? That’s because my brides purposefully gather their details & put them together in a box for me before I even arrive. By doing this beforehand – you won’t have to be scrounging for things when I arrive while you are trying to get your hair & makeup finished. This small gesture could throw the timeline off believe it or not. I also recommend gathering them a few days before your wedding day because even waiting to do this the day before is a little risky as you will be busy getting last minute things done, welcoming friends & family into town & enjoying your rehearsal dinner. So, with that being said – it’s easy for small things like this to slip your mind. Gathering everything a few days beforehand ensures that I will be able to take beautiful photos of your special details.
10. Keep Some Snacks in the Bridal Suite 
    – If you’re having mimosas flowing while you & your girls are getting ready, it’s always a smart idea to have snacks on hand. Also, you won’t be eating until the way later in the day most likely – so be sure to fuel up before the day gets started.I hope you’ve enjoyed my 10 tips for your wedding day – if you have any others that I haven’t included, feel free to let me know or leave a comment below!