Ladies, let’s face it—being a bride is magical in theory, but dealing with all of the nitty-gritty details can turn your beautiful bride status into a full-blown bridezilla status. The key to handling all of your wedding duties is keeping a level head. That, of course, is far easier said than done. After months and months of planning, your big day is finally fast-approaching. Whether you’re a couple of weeks out or a counting down the last few days, you’ll want to complete all of the necessary preparation before you exchange your vows. But what exactly should you be doing?
The hard part is over, now comes the fun—make sure you leave yourself enough breathing room to truly enjoy your big day. With these tips, you’ll head into your perfect wedding day without a hitch.
1. Prep your toes & break in your shoes
Stepping into the next chapter of your life in a pair of brand new bridal flats or heels shouldn’t leave you with painful blisters or nagging discomfort. Since you’ll be walking, dancing, and celebrating all night in your new shoes of choice, you’ll want to make sure your toes are protected, comfortable, and prepped to take on the day. Make a point to wear your wedding day shoes for a short period of time each day around the house so they feel worn-in and cozy.
2. Take your dress for a test-drive
In addition to making time to pick up your dress days ahead of your wedding, you’ll want to make sure everything looks absolutely perfect. Try on the full ensemble, dress, veil, jewelry, shoes, and all. The last thing you’ll want is to walk down the aisle in an ensemble you’re not in love with. Speaking of walking down the aisle, be sure to practice your walkwhile you’re suited up.
Pro tip: Test out going to the bathroom and dancing in your dress as well!
3. Check the status of your marriage license
The whole point of getting married is to make your love legal, right? Make sure your marriage license is in order before the morning or day leading up to your wedding. You might even want to designate someone to keep track of it on the day-of to ensure its signed correctly and kept somewhere safe.
4. Prioritize self-care
During the weeks leading up to your wedding, be sure to employ a regular skincare routine that leaves you feeling clean, light, and lifted. The day before your wedding, schedule an appointment to get your nails done, too. Your newly anointed ring finger will be the center of attention after exchanging your vows, so you’ll want your nails to be in tip-top shape for all the inevitable ooh-ing and ahh-ing.
5. Prepare your payments
Weddings are expensive. You know that better than anyone else since you’re likely the one footing the bill (or forking over the check). Get all of your final checks and payment methods ready for the vendors at your wedding. Be sure to calculate gratuities as well when you finalize checks and contracts.
6. Get enough sleep
On the days leading up to your wedding, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting enough sleep so your mind and body feel great. While excitement and stress levels may be high, you’ll need to make a conscious effort to get the rest your body needs for all the liveliness your big day requires.
Pro-tip: If you’re having a hard time catching z’s, download an app on your smart device of choice to battle your insomnia. Try out these helpful sleep-inducers:
- Sleepio
- Relax Melodies
- Sleep Genius
- Inscape
7. Confirm the details of your honeymoon
So you’ve picked out the perfect honeymoon destination and all of your flights and accommodation have been long-reserved and ready for takeoff. Now all you need to do is confirm that everything is in proper order so the only missing piece is you, your spouse, and your luggage.
8. Practice your vows
Maybe you’ve written your own or maybe you’re going with a set of standard vows—either way, you’ll want to practice them in front of a mirror before doing it in front of all of your family and friends. Read your vows out loud to yourself several times to get comfortable with the pace and flow of the words.
What are your tried-and-true wedding day preparation tips? Let us know in the comments below!