by Johanna Osborne

We all love a handy hint or two so we have compiled a list of our favourite Wedding Tips – just for you. Prepare to handy hint yourself from tip to toe! More to come in the next few weeks!

 
1. Rain? So what? Whilst we all dream of sunny and warm, it might just rain on your big day. If it looks like that might be the case, go with it but go prepared. Purchase umbrellas for the bridal party and also guests, make them nice ones in your colour scheme. You might just be surprised how totally awesome the photos turn out. Embrace what mother nature rolls out at you, and remember rain on your wedding day is good luck!

2. Sparkle! Have your engagement ring cleaned and ready for the big day so it matches your brand new wedding band.

3. Kids? If you are inviting little guests think ahead. Hire a babysitter/party entertainer, have activities and bits and pieces ready for them – balloons, colouring in gear, little gifts and trinkets. Happy kids = happy parents. Not to mention no screaming tantrums during your precious “I do’s”!

4. Take a few moments out from mingling and hob-nobbing. Sit at the head table, link arms with your new hubby and look around. Soak it all in. Watch everyone having fun. It’s your party and they are all there celebrating your love. This stuff is gold and make sure you take lots of mental pictures of that very special once-in-a-lifetime scene unfolding right in front of your eyes.

5. Make sure you eat. Have your caterer get you some food during the photos or even to take back to your hotel. You will not have enough time to eat and you will be starving! Look after yourself and enjoy your divine wedding fare.

6. Pick your best look. It’s fun to look awesome but remember to let your style (dress, hair, makeup etc) reflect you. You want to feel like yourself, be comfortable and look good, and you can only achieve that if you feel like you are being true to you. Not to mention your hubby, if he thinks he sees Dolly Parton coming down the aisle he might beat a hasty retreat!

7. Honey! The honeymoon is just as important as the wedding. It’s your chance to be together, unwind and bask in your newly married glow. Make sure you prepare for it, research the weather and pack accordingly, have your flight information and passports ready – especially if you leave soon after the wedding. Last thing you want is a frantic last minute search for the important documents.

8. Guests remember food, drink, music and ambience. Their enjoyment largely depends on the “party” you put on. So don’t scrimp on food and drink. They will have a good time, relax and enjoy themselves and go home with good memories. Your speeches add to the mood and tone of the night, so don’t hold back, get emotional if you want to. It’s a love fest after all!

9. Rent a photobooth. See above point. The photos will be priceless keepsakes and also double as party favours! ‘Nuff said.

10. RSVP. On your RSVP cards let guests write a song they would like played at the wedding. It will make for a happy dancefloor!

11. Shoes. Sure your dress is the main thing but don’t neglect your footwear. Pick a great pair of shoes, gorgeous, glitzy ones if that’s your thing and make sure they are comfy. You will be dancing and strutting in them, make sure you can move. And even better, if you love them you can and will wear them again!

12. Sweaty Betty. Ha ha. Gotcha. Don’t sweat if you can help it. Seriously, don’t sweat the small stuff! Rise above it. No one will know if something went wrong, and even if it does, so what. It’s not a performance, it’s a party and parties never follow an exact plan. Go with it and enjoy every moment.

13. Style, good taste, great time planning, the ability to think ahead and communicate clearly – they are things unrelated to any budget yet can make or break a wedding plan. If you can put into words (or find pictures of) what it is you want then others will share your dream and goal with you. Just remember no one is a mind-reader.

14. Speak! Oh boy, most of us would rather jump in the ring with an angry bull than take the microphone, but trust me, you won’t regret it. A bride who speaks sincerely and from the heart – however short – will be a bride that gives everyone a piece of love to take home. Not to mention how chuffed and proud your groom will be!

15. Dance. Oh yes, dancing isn’t for everyone, but if you can try to take some lessons. Simple steps, a jovial, gorgeous song. Your first dance will be a memory forever and everyone will love being part of it. It’s worth making the effort and you will be so proud and glad you did. Best of all, no one will see your footwork under your big gown, even a simple shuffle will look elegant as your beautiful dress spins around. Good luck, be brave, you can do it!