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As the wedding day approaches, brides and grooms will have hundreds of last minute things to tick off their checklists. Now, here is another list for brides to take note of—the Don’ts!
Brides, don’t take them lightly, for some mishaps cannot be undone when you have little time left. So, look out and stay away from making these big mistakes during the days leading up to your wedding.
Continue reading 13 Most Important Things To Avoid The Week Before Your Wedding [Don’t Make These Mistakes!]
The last week leading up to your wedding will be a whirlwind of activity. This is the time when you have to complete every last detail on your wedding checklist. Since there will be plenty of work to do at this time, it is easy to forget one or more things in all the hurry.
Having seen so many brides over the years, we can understand how exhausting it is when you should finish it all and also get everything right. Fortunately, we know how to make the task easy. Here is a checklist of all the important things you should complete in the week leading up to your wedding.
Use this list to finish your tasks in a planned manner and without hassle.
1.Pick up your wedding dress
Plan your final wedding dress fitting early in the week during your wedding. This will help you ensure that the dress fits perfectly. You needn’t worry about any size changes following this session, and hence can enjoy the best possible fit. In case your dress fitting is over before this, don’t forget to try on your dress during the last week. You can do any necessary alteration if there is any change in measurement at the time. Also try the dress on with the accessories you intend to wear. This will let you see how the overall look comes together, and you can make any necessary changes.
2.Pack or prep your wedding dress
If you plan to get dressed at home, set your wedding dress on a hanger. Steam or iron the belt or sash that comes with the dress, so it looks crisp and clean. In case you should transport your wedding dress, zip it into a garment bag after ensuring all parts are perfectly packed. Check with your wedding dress boutique to find whether there are any likely issues with transporting the dress. Follow their suggestions, if any.
3.Break in your wedding shoes
Don’t wait till your wedding day to first wear your wedding shoes. Unless you break them in, wearing them on the very day can be painful. Brand new shoes pinch, cause blisters or may feel too tight. If the heel height is more than what you usually wear, it won’t be easy to dance in them. So, start using it the month before your wedding and your feet will get accustomed to the fit. In the last week, wear it for a short while every day. Wearing them in short spurts will help you break it in gradually. Get used to the heel height. Also try to dance in them. For more tips and advice on how to break your shoes in effectively, take a look at this article on the Bustle.
4.Practice your vows
You may have written your vows already. So, now start practicing it as well. Even if you will be reading it off a piece of paper, try it out in advance. This will allow you to modulate your voice and pace your lines for the right effect. Another benefit of doing this is that it will alleviate some stress. After all, many brides become nervous when the moment finally arrives and they have to say their vows in front of all these people. Prepare yourself with the lines and you are less likely to fumble and make mistakes. Thus, you will feel calm and confident when you have to finally say it at your wedding.
5.Check and confirm with those who will speak at your wedding
This is the right time to cross-check and confirm with those who are saying the wedding speeches and toasts. A gentle reminder will be sufficient for them to get their toast ready in time for the wedding. It is a good idea to inform then of when it will be their turn to speak on the day. Long toasts and speeches are boring. So, ask them to keep it short and not longer than 5 minutes. Also limit the wedding speeches to three or four at the most, so your guests don’t feel bored.
6.Put together your wedding emergency kit
There are many things that can go wrong on your wedding day. Get ready to tackle all such issues with an emergency kit with all necessary supplies. You will have to stock items like tissues, blotting paper, chalk, safety pins, thread and needles to handle potential wedding dress issues. Apart from that you should also include your hair and makeup essentials. Smelling salts, plaster and tape are some of the other items that can come in handy. For the full list of items to have in your wedding emergency kit, visit this previous article. If you don’t want to set up your emergency kit by yourself, you can also buy it ready made. Find out all about what our emergency kit contains and how you can order it from Best for Bride here.
7.Complete all work-related assignments
You will have to run around a lot for your wedding tasks. So, get your work out of the way before that. Complete all pending assignments and delegate responsibilities to your colleagues in-charge during your absence. Send emails to all those concerned, informing them of your non-availability during your wedding and honeymoon. Get your work things organized and in-place. Create easy to access lists and information for your co-workers, boss and subordinates, so they will not have to contact you while you are away.
8.Confirm with vendors and suppliers
Don’t wait till the day before your wedding to get in touch with your wedding vendors. Call them up early and cross-check if everything is progressing as per plan. Confirm that there are no issues and all required ingredients and materials are available. Inquire about any likely changes, and give the go-ahead only after verifying them. Confirm arrival, transportation and pick-up plans for the day. Provide a contact who they can get in touch with in case of any questions on the day. If you have a wedding planner, she will handle all this. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to verify that everything is moving smoothly.
9.Verify plans with your wedding party
Get in touch with your bridesmaids, ushers and the rest of the members in the wedding party and inform them of the wedding timeline and plans. Check and confirm that your bridesmaids have collected their dresses after necessary alterations. Also discuss their hair and makeup plans for the day. Delegate the responsibilities to the right people, so everyone is aware of what they are in-charge of. Inform them of where they have to be at different times on the day. Also discuss the details of how, where and when they should do their hair and makeup on the day. Once you do the overall planning, delegate the responsibilities to ensure each aspect is covered to your maid-of-honor, best man and bridal party.
10.Pack your overnight bag
Even if you will be getting dressed at your home, put all that you need together for easy access. Make a list of all the things you need to get ready. This should also include your change of clothes, an extra pair of shoes, your emergency kit and other essentials. Then pack a bag with these items and put it away safely. Once you have this ready, simply pull it out when it is time to go. You need not worry about searching for all you need at the last minute.
11.Pack your honeymoon bag
Pack all that you need for your honeymoon in the week before your wedding. Depending on the location, make a list of the different things you have to carry. Then pack these items into your bag. If your honeymoon is abroad, don’t forget to pack your passport and other travel documents. When you get everything ready in advance, you are less likely to forget any essential detail. For new clothes, shoes and other items, get rid of the tags and price stickers before packing them in.
12.Confirm the guest head count
This is the right time to ensure that your seating arrangement is done properly and that there are no changes to plan. If someone has failed to RSVP, reach out to them to find out if they are attending or not. You can make suitable last-minute changes to the seating plan if there is a difference in head count. Share this information with your caterer, venue manager and wedding planner, once the list is ready. If you have asked guests to make a choice from the menu options, this is also the time to follow up with those who haven’t responded already. Your vendors and caterers will need such information to plan their work for the day.
13.Prep your home
There will be people visiting you during the week before your wedding. So, get it ready for hosting, in advance. Do a deep clean, put everything in its right place and neatly arrange your house. Have your kitchen stocked with easy-to-prepare meals, for days that do not go as planned. Plan your outfits for the week, so you can dress quickly and efficiently. If there are items that are to be stored away safely, put them away now and you needn’t worry about them when you have to lock and go. Hire help if necessary, for the cleaning, maintenance and any other essential tasks. Also identify the zones where you will be taking photographs on the wedding day, and set them up neatly and as preferred so they are ready for pictures.
14.Get your mani/pedi and confirm hair and makeup appointments
You should do your manicure and pedicure closer to the wedding day, for best results. So, schedule your appointment just a day or two before the wedding. Make sure it doesn’t clash with any of the remaining wedding plans. You will have to spend at least an hour at the salon for this purpose. Decide on how you want your nails to look for the occasion. Here are some ideas on the Huffington Post. This will prevent you from randomly picking it up and later regretting the choice. Book your appointment at the salon in advance. If you will be using a hairdresser or makeup artist for your wedding, double-check your booking details to avoid confusion on the day.
15.Brief your maid-of-honor or wedding planner on wedding day responsibilities
You do not want to spend your time overseeing every detail on your wedding day, when you ought to actually have fun. So, assign all responsibilities to a capable person or persons. Discuss factors like what to do with the décor after the function, how to handle vendor payments, what to do with your wedding dress etc. Give clear instructions on each aspect that is important. You can thus minimize their need to consult you with questions on the day. Do a double check of your wedding checklist and make sure everything has been handled.
Wedding planning is strenuous and can overwhelm every bride at some point or the other. To avoid drowning in the stress, it is wise to chalk out time for yourself during the wedding planning process. Also, don’t forget to enjoy every milestone you cross. Finding the perfect wedding dress is a big achievement in your wedding planning, and we can help you with this. Visit Best for Bride for the latest and most modern as well as classic bridal dress collections. Apart from that, also browse through our bridesmaids dress collections, wedding accessories collection and more to jump start your wedding planning today.
You are one lucky lady if your nuptials are to be at a beach. Whether it is at a faraway exotic locale or a tropical beach closer to home, this is easily one of the best wedding venues there is. Romance permeates the air, as nature forms a beautiful canvas for your wedding. Your guests will enjoy the holiday experience, even as they frolic and have fun in the sand and sea.
Nonetheless, planning a beach wedding has its own set of challenges. You have to account for various factors that are not present in other venues. The warm and humid environment can cause a fair share of makeup, hair and dress issues for beach brides. Fortunately, you can look gorgeous and plan a successful wedding day with a few helpful tips.
Here is our list of Do’s and Don’ts for the different things you should keep in mind when you are a beach-bound bride.
DO consider the weather at the time of your wedding
The weather at a beach isn’t warm and humid all-year around. Beach weather can also be dry, windy, with showers at various times of the year. Depending on the destination you pick, it is a good idea to do some research on the weather that will be present at the time of your wedding. If the beach will be windy, adjust your outfit, makeup and hairstyle to suit the weather. Consider accessorizing with a stole, wrap or jacket if it gets too cold. Also pick a hairstyle that keeps hair away from your face, and the wind won’t be a problem.
DON’T forget to choose the right fabric
Traditional wedding dress fabrics like organza and silk aren’t the best choices for beach weddings. They can weigh you down, show sweat and become shabby in the sand at a beach. So, it is wise to stay away from these types of fabrics. Instead, choose light and airy fabrics like chiffon for your wedding dress. These blend in beautifully with the setting, are comfortable to wear and convenient to carry. Other fabrics to consider are voile, organza and tulle. For more information on wedding dress fabrics, take a look at this article on the Brides website. Also make sure that the fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily. Your dress will be put through a lot of wear and tear. So, avoid fabrics like cotton and linen that wrinkle easily.
DO pick the right silhouette
The dress silhouette you choose has a huge impact on your overall bridal look. The right silhouette will flatter your best features and help you look gorgeous. When your wedding is at the beach, don’t let the location limit your choices. If you start your search early, you will have time to find a dress that looks great on you while being right for the beach. So, start by identifying the best silhouettes for your body type. Then find a dress that fits the bill. For help on identifying the best wedding dress silhouettes for your body type, visit this article on the Huff Post website.
DON’T overlook the importance of picking the right white
One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor venue is that your photographer can make the most of natural lighting. This is a wonderful thing. However, it also means that your dress may look different in this light from how you would expect it to look in artificial lighting. Consider this aspect when choosing the shade of white. Eliminate any likely issues by simply ensuring that the dress looks good in natural light, prior to the purchase. Make sure that you pick the right white for your complexion, so it flatters your skin tone. Here is some information on this subject at the Knot website, that may come in handy.
DO keep the skirt simple
Trust me when I say that it is no fun walking around in a dress that drags in the sand. Intricate details in the hemline and train can easily attract dirt and have sand stuck to it. This can be difficult to clean afterwards. So, keep the skirt of your dress simple and avoid such problems. It will be easier to move around in a light, airy skirt. Additionally, it will also look fresh and clean throughout the day, when the skirt of your dress is simple. If you must have an embellished wedding gown, choose a dress with details in the bodice and waistline for best results.
DON’T forget to look out for the sun
Since your wedding is in the outdoors, it is natural that you will spend hours in the sun. So don’t forget to protect yourself well. Use adequate amount of a broad spectrum sunscreen on all exposed parts of your body, to stay sun-safe. Pick makeup with sun protection for best results. Also account for the effect of the sun when you choose the colors of your makeup. The natural light will emphasize pinks and corals. So, pick them judiciously to sport a natural look. It is best to keep the makeup light, and just emphasize your features for the best result.
DON’T forget about issues associated with transporting your dress
Unless your venue is near to where you stay, you will have to travel with your wedding dress. It isn’t easy to transport a gown that is heavy, has intricate embellishments or is prone to wrinkling. Such factors can damage your dress. So, pick a dress that travels well and you can eliminate likely issues. We suggest that you choose from collections that are specifically tailored for destination weddings. Such gowns will be easy to pack, transport and restore to original condition with minimum effort once you reach the destination.
DON’T overlook the importance of your accessories
Most beach brides opt for simple wedding dresses for their beach weddings. However, this doesn’t mean they have to compromise on their bridal look because of the simplicity of the dress. The right choice of accessories will help you look gorgeous. Pick colored gemstone jewelry for a pop of color. Or indulge in extra bling to sparkle on your special day. The best part of choosing jewelry with sparkling stones is that they reflect the natural light and look stunning in the venue you chose. You can also go with pearl, coral or rustic natural stones for an earthy vibe.
DO use waterproof makeup
Waterproof makeup is an absolute must for your beach wedding. It will stay on despite the heat and keep your look fresh. Although you will have to touch-up your makeup at regular intervals throughout the day, waterproof makeup reduces the frequency of this task. It is very important to use waterproof eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow. This will help your eye makeup stay on, even if you shed copious tears of joy. Choose colors like brown, navy and olive instead of black in your eye colors, for a sun-kissed effect.
DO remember that humidity will affect your locks
Hair and humidity don’t always go together. Beaches have high humidity levels, and this can affect how frizzy your hair becomes. Keep this factor in mind when you plan your wedding day hairstyle. If your hair tends to frizz up when the air is moist, keep your hairstyle simple and collected. This will help you look fresh throughout the day. If your tresses aren’t affected by humid environments, feel free to choose any hairstyle that you desire. Avoid too many styling products that will weigh your hair down, as these can ruin your look. A sleek and polished hairstyle may also look out of place in the cool, relaxed environment of a beach. Consider these factors when choosing your hairdo for the day.
DON’T pick the wrong footwear
The uneven nature of the sand and turf at a beach make heels totally unsuitable for the occasion. Even if you have a wooden or cemented walkway for the ceremony, you will be walking in the sand at some time of the day. So, ditch the heels and go barefoot. Adorn your feet with the choicest accessories, like anklets, to dress your feet in style. Or step up your style with bridal flip flops or stylish sandals customized for the occasion.
DON’T overdo the tan
Sun-kissed brides look wonderful. Nonetheless, tan with caution. It is easy to go overboard and this can ruin all your makeup plans. Fake tanning lotions and spray-on tans are a big mistake when your wedding is at the beach. These take on a garish orange hue in pictures, and can make you look funny. So, if you must tan, do it in the safe and recommended way. Build up the faux glow by using the right products and obtaining the color gradually. For a detailed account of the ideal options to consider when your wedding is around the corner, visit this article on the Knot website.
DO remember to stay hydrated
The salty air in the beach environment can affect your skin texture. So moisturize well before you set out for the beach. It is equally important to stay hydrated on the inside too. Refresh yourself by sipping on water and other liquids throughout your stay at the venue. This will keep your skin looking fresh and compensate for the loss of moisture in the salty environment. If you have oily skin, it is likely that you will find it excessively oily in the natural environment. Make use of the blotting paper in your emergency kit to avoid this. More on what you should pack into this day-of emergency kit is available in this previous post.
DO choose the right flowers
If flowers are a priority in your décor, make sure you pick the right blooms. Unlike other venues, the beach environment doesn’t favor all flowers. You will have to consider the heat and direct sunlight that will affect their life span. Discard the idea of any thin, fragile flowers that wilt quickly. You need hardy blossoms that hold their shape and last fresh for longer. Good choices are orchids and chrysanthemums. Incorporate flowers that can tolerate the environmental condition into your décor and accessories. The other option is to go for artificial flowers made from fabric or paper.
DON’T skip a beautiful head accessory
Your hairstyle and headpiece are the crowning glory of your bridal look. In your attempt to look cool and casual, don’t overlook the importance of picking the right hair accessories to complete your look. Whether it is a nature inspired floral crown, a glittering tiara or a simple head band, make sure you explore your options and pick the one that is right for your setting. And if you love veils, don’t hesitate to wear one for your wedding day. The ideal veil for this setting is one with with a lace trim. The trim will add weight to the veil and help it stay in place, even when the weather is windy.
Although planning a wedding on the beach can seem like a lot of work, it is beautiful when you do it right. Just think of how apt the symbolism of nature is to your marriage. As the sun and the ocean join each other in blissful harmony at your beautiful venue, so do you and your partner come together to celebrate life as husband and wife.
Best for Bride is the perfect place to find your dream dress for a romantic beach wedding. From lightweight chiffon gowns to airy voile dresses and sexy mermaid gowns, we have a vast array of options for you to choose from. Visit us in-store or head over to our online gallery today to see what you love. And book your appointment today, so we can help you choose the dress of your dreams.
Wedding dress shopping is an exhilarating experience for a bride. But, as her bridal gown is one of the most expensive dresses she will wear in her life, this can also make her nervous. Fortunately, you will have your entourage and bridal consultants to help you make your dress decision. And, as with everything wedding-related, there are specific etiquette rules that you should stick to when shopping for your wedding dress too. Let us take a look at what they are.
Continue reading Wedding Dress Shopping Etiquette [2024]: 14 Things You Need to Know Before Your Appointment
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