Pointers From Those who have gone before you

on the wedding day

Final Payments. Make out final-payment checks for your service providers in advance, and appoint a trusted friend or family member to pass out on the wedding day. You may want to settle all accounts a couple of days before. Either way you don't want to run the risk of being interrupted in the days event by someone asking for their money. 

Invite Jack. Jack of All Trades that is. Something small may become something large if not taken care of soon enough. Usually one of your Bridesmaids will have a husband/ boyfriend that is good with his hands and very resourceful. Ask them to get an "Emergency Kit" together. Things such as a sewing kit, stain remover, first aid kit and even an iron readily available can prevent small issues in becoming large ones.

Your Luggage: You may want to pack your bags a few days in advance and then assign someone who you can trust to ensure they are where ever you will be or need them. This way you have ready access to what ever you may need.

Wedding Dress Bustle. It can be cumbersome trying to instruct your bridesmaids or friends on how to work your eye and hook configuration when it is time for your first dance. Take them along to your fittings so the seamstress can show everyone how to bustle your train.

Remember To Eat The reception can be the most hectic time of the wedding day. You may find yourself running around to make sure that you say hi to everyone. From your parents to your fifth cousin, they are going to want part of your time You may want to ask a friend to make you a plate and to ensure your glass stays full. 

Plan for a Changing Room. Everyone who is in the wedding party will have some sort of bag or clothes to change in later. See if a separate room is available to act as a Baggage Room/Changing Room. 

Midnight Snack. One bride commented that she knew she ate something at her reception, but could not remember what or how it tasted. Ask you catering personal to set aside a basket of food for you and your husband to eat afterwards when you both can sit back, relax and enjoy the food.

Leftovers, Leftovers. There will be leftovers. Even though some of your guest will go back for seconds or even thirds, food that you paid for will be leftover. There are four options for you here: let your mother take the World's Largest Doggie Bag home with her; second, let the catering staff chow down on it; third, just toss it; or fourth you can send it to a soup kitchen or a local shelter. Also if you aren't giving your centerpieces to someone, help spread the joy of your day to others who may be shut-in. Arrange for someone to drop them off at a nursing home or a hospital. 

Last One Out, Turn Off The Lights: At the end of a night of celebration two questions will be on your mind. First, did everyone get home all right? Second, did everything get back home where it is suppose to be? To help those who have "helped themselves" just a little to much you may want to make arrangements for a taxi, a designated driver or as one bride did, arrange for a "Crash Room". This last idea may have cost the Bride and Groom a little money to rent a hotel room for the inebriated to spend the night, but they never have to share their wedding anniversary date with the remembrance of a lost loved one. Also plan ahead of time who will transport your gifts, glasses and other items home. 

The Day After: Tuxedos will need to be returned, flowers to be preserved and a host of other little dirty "cleanup" items need to be tended to. Assign someone to oversee their doing.