Before you walk in:
Take a few deep breaths to relax. Breath deep, in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will relax your entire body. Don't worry about straightening your dress or adjusting your veil - your wedding planner or the event coordinator will make sure you look fabulous! If you don't have a planner or coordinator, consider hiring one for the day ("Day-Of Services") or asking a friend who is not in your wedding party to be there for the last minute adjustments.
Take those first steps:
Use your dad or escort as a crutch, or just to steady you. Don't grab his arm; just place your hand in the crook of his elbow.
Hold your flowers at "belly button" level - don't cover that gorgeous gown with your bouquet! This is the best position to make your arms look the thinnest; holding it any higher makes you look tense - the idea is to look like it's the most natural thing in the world to carry a bouquet, so don't hold it with an iron grip.
Keep pace with the music, but don't do that "step-pause-step-pause" rhythm that movie brides use. Just walk a beat slower than you usually do. There's no need to rush - like my father told me at my wedding, "Let's take it slow. We only get to do this once!"
You're on your way to the altar:
Remember to look around and smile! The photographer will be snapping away, and you're the star - let your guests know that you're happy and excited by looking around and smiling at them!
If you cry, it's okay - keep a lovely handkerchief in your hand and carefully dab. But if you're really bawling, try to refocus. Look at your groom - lots of brides find themselves calmed by his gaze; or try to divert your thoughts by looking at something concrete...like your bouquet, or the antics of the ringbearer, or the guests. Waterproof mascara is a good idea if you think you're going to cry!
When you reach your groom:
Smile at him, and smile at your father. You'll know what to do from there, because your officiant will let you know what comes next and you've practiced it at the rehearsal. Also, you'll have worked out how to pass your bouquet, pass the rings, and any other physical logistics at the rehearsal, so it's a good idea to take some kind of a bouquet with you then. Lots of brides use one that is made up of the bows from their bridal showers.
You'll be calmer on your wedding day if you practice at the rehearsal. Go over it until you're comfortable!
ABOUT THOSE FABULOUS SHOES...
New shoes, especially dress heels (even low heels) can be slippery and uncomfortable. The best way to avoid slipping and falling, as well as blisters and pain, is to break them in a week before the wedding. My source recommends scuffing the bottoms on a sidewalk or sandpaper so the bottoms lose their slippery newness. Then wear them around the house for a few days, so the material and your feet can get aquainted. It's also a good idea to wear shoes with the same heel height to the rehearsal so you get an idea of what it will be like during the ceremony.
So, you don't need a planner - but what about help on the big day? I offer Day-Of Services to make your wedding day run smoothly. I'll be there at the rehearsal, then I'll be there two hours before the start of the ceremony until you and your new husband are introduced at the reception. It's an invaluable service, and if you'd like that for yourself, don't hesistate to give me a call or text at 513-407-7165 - or just simply comment on this post! Happy Wedding!
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