It's Here!
If you’re like most brides, when your wedding day dawns, you’ll feel nervous. Butterflies in the tummy, clammy hands, a wild desire to giggle, or sometimes to shed a few anxious tears. All this (and more) has been experienced by hundreds of brides before you and it’s all absolutely natural. Despite all the hard work you’ve done over the past weeks, you probably woke early this morning to the realisation that you still have a few more tasks to finalise. But really, if you’ve reached this stage with them still undone – are they really that important? Probably not. And even if they are vital, couldn’t you delegate them to someone else? You probably could. So give in and let go – you’re about to marry the man of your dreams. What else could possible matter?
Start your day off with a good breakfast. You may not feel like eating, but do it anyway. Once things get underway, the next time you’re even likely to think about food is when a meal suddenly materialises in front of you at your reception. Also, most brides like to celebrate (or calm their nerves) with a glass or two of pre-ceremony bubbly, and that’s simply not a good idea on an empty tummy.
Have you packed your going away bag? Yes? Wonderful! Hope you remembered everything: toiletries, cosmetics, lingerie, hair care products, travel documents …. And aren’t you glad that you asked the best man to call by and pick up your going-away outfit and honeymoon luggage. Make sure you explain exactly what needs to be done with each item. You’ll probably want your outfit taken to the reception venue, but you may have arranged for your luggage to be stored by the concierge at your wedding night accommodation. So give clear instructions, address details and phone numbers to prevent any mistakes.
The front door bell rings and it’s the florist carrying a box overflowing with your bouquet, your bridesmaids’ posies, the corsages, buttonholes and a few other floral delights. Where are you going to put them? Not next to an operating air conditioner or heating unit, and certainly not where the family pet can attack the box and its contents. The laundry or the garage are probably both potentially safe and temperature friendly options. By now your bridesmaids have arrived, and they will no doubt be enjoying all the pre-wedding action. The excitement level in the house is probably rising alarmingly so avoid pre-marriage meltdown with a soothing cup of tea and a few deep breaths. Most brides give their bridesmaids a gift on the morning of the wedding – a special thank-you for all their help and support (and for being patient with you and hanging in there even if you did have a few bridezilla moments). It’s up to you what this gift is. You might choose jewellery to go with their outfits, perfume, or you might have decided to cover the cost of their professional make-up or hair styling.
Which brings us to the next point. When you book your hair and make-up professionals for the big day, make sure your appointment allows you sufficient time to revel in the luxury of a thorough pampering before you have to race off to get dressed. Also, keep in mind that your hair and make-up should be done after your bridesmaids’, so that you can look your freshest for the ceremony. Back to the house and it’s nearly time to get dressed. But before you do, crack that bottle of chilled champers you bought, sit down with your Mum, Dad and your best girlfriends, fill their glasses and propose a very special toast of your own to thank them for their love, understanding and support. Let them know how much you appreciate them and how big a part of your life they really are. You must accomplish this without shedding tears yourself, or making them cry. You have, after all, just had your make-up done (not your Dad of course). Your photographer has now arrived to take shots of you all getting ready. Among these photos will probably be some of your wedding day favourites: your bridesmaids laughing as they help each other into their dresses, your Dad struggling with his tie, your Mum buttoning up the back of your wedding gown. Allow at least thirty minutes for photos, so that there’s plenty of time for your professional to capture images of you with your attendants, and with your parents before you leave for the wedding venue.
Suddenly the flurry of activity is over and there’s nothing left to do. Your bridesmaids are dressed and they look wonderful. Your Dad’s dashing in his tux and your Mum’s sensational in her new outfit. The cars have arrived and you turn to check yourself in the mirror one last time. And there you catch a glimpse of a beautiful, wide-eyed bride in a fairytale gown, glowing with happiness, and about to be married to the man who has stolen her heart away. This is the moment you have spent months planning and preparing for. You have earned this special time. You pause for a moment before going to join your father in the bridal car - and as the car pulls away from the kerb, you hold his hand tightly and enjoy the special moments you have together before you arrive at your wedding venue.
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