How to Ensure a Stress-Free Wedding Day

After the months of planning that go into a wedding, the bride and groom should be able to enjoy the wedding day with as little stress as possible. Last minute problems, mistakes and stress can be avoided with some advance preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Printed maps of reception and ceremony location Vendor phone numbers

Instructions

Five days before the wedding:

1. Schedule a hair appointment with the stylist who will be doing your hair for the wedding. You should have already determined with your stylist how you want your hair done. This hair appointment will be another dry run allowing your stylist to reacquaint himself with the style you want and you to make sure there are no changes to be made. Make sure you write down the stylist's cell phone number before you leave.

2. Meet with your band or DJ. Make sure they have all the music that you requested they have and choose alternate songs for any they don't have. Give them a schedule of events for the wedding and include the announcements you expect them to make and when to make them. Make sure to get the DJ's cell phone number before you leave.

3. Pick up your pressed and altered wedding gown and veil. Make sure the gown fits with all your undergarments and shoes on and make sure the veil is the right length.

4. Obtain your marriage license and put it in your wedding gown garment bag.

Three days before wedding:

1. Call the location(s) for your ceremony and reception. Verify the furnishings (chairs, tables, and the like) they'll have on site. Verify the time that you will be allowed to access the site to decorate. Get cell phone numbers of both the employee who will open the building and the facility's owner.

2. Call the caterer. Make sure they have the correct time, location, and directions for your reception. Discuss the food and drink menu and verify they will have all menu items. Get the cell phone numbers for them.

3. Call the florist and make sure they have the correct location, time and directions for your ceremony and reception. Let them know what time they should be at each location to set up and make sure they have everything prepared for the floral arrangements.

4. Get your nails done. Get a simple design and a manageable length. Buy a bottle of nail polish in the same color used for your manicure so you can touch up if necessary.

5. Pick up the tuxedos and make sure the groom and groomsmen try them on with shoes and accessories. Tuxedo rental shops can make minor adjustments to the fit of the tuxedos if necessary.

6. Pick up the bridesmaids dresses. Each bridesmaid should try on their dress along with their undergarments and shoes to ensure proper fit.

7. Appoint one person as the "go to" person for any questions or problems on the day of the wedding. Give the person a list of cell phone numbers for all vendors and members of the wedding party.
   Discuss the various problems that could arise on the wedding day and acceptable solutions. List the time each of your vendors is supposed to arrive and what to do if they don't arrive on time. Make sure that you let all family wedding party members know to see the appointed person for any questions or problems.

The day before the wedding

1. Call the limousine company and verify the times, location and directions. Since you may have multiple cars going to different locations, email the limousine company a map to each of the locations with the type of car they are to send to the location on the map for that location.

2. Make a list of all the items you need to bring with you to the reception and ceremony location(s). Collect all the items and put them in one central location.

3. Call the officiant and make sure they know the time they should arrive as well as the location.

Tips & Warnings

• Eat healthy meals and drink water on the big day!