Have an emergency kit containing; makeup, blow dryer/curling iron, pantyhose, safety/bobby pins, sewing kit, "Shout Wipes", and a list of vendors with their phone numbers

 

Have your hair stylist do at least one practice run through with your headpiece, (and have a friend take photos)

 

Only use oil free matte makeup, well blended, with no high colors.

 

Wedding Day hair and Makeup; ALWAYS HAVE THE BRIDE'S HAIR and makeup done first; these services always seem to take longer than you are told

 

Florist should have all personal flowers labeled and know the times and places they are needed

 

Assign attendants/parents to take care of rings, license, and payments to vendors

 

A receiving line will take 30-45 minutes after the ceremony, wear out makeup and flowers will begin to wilt. Instead, visit your guests at the tables during the reception; this will give you an opportunity for candid photographs with some of your favorite people.

 

It takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on requests, for post ceremony photography

 

Two attendants should know how to bustle your gown

 

Thursday before the wedding all men should pick up and try on their tuxes, count every stud, etc etc

 

All fittings should be with the shoes to be worn at the wedding, (watch out for heels catching hems) Use coarse sandpaper on the soles of all new shoes

 

All participants to be in photographs should know where and when to be for all photography, (remember to include spouses of siblings and their children).  Time can then be used to the maximum

 

Make time plans with caterer and music to get the maximum from your reception

 

Reception Hint: Have the first dance and dance "set" immediately following the grand entrance with your family and wedding party ringing the dance floor - this way you won't be searching for people later on for the dances you want to do; your music can play dance music between courses and you can visit your guests.  It really does make for a better reception

 

Having your ceremony at other than a church/temple?  You should look at the background for pictures, mirrors, microphones, etc.

 

If you are having wine at your ceremony use white to prevent stains.