Wedding Day Planning

As an engaged bride- or groom-to-be, the big day is going to be here before you know it. You have the perfect venue picked out, your menu arranged, and your bridal party chosen. However, have you thought about all of the day-of details? Time is going to fly before walking down the aisle, so it’s important to ensure you’re prepared with all of the items you might need – applicable to both the bride and the groom!

For the groom

Make sure you everything you need to complete your wardrobe, including accessories. Whether it’s a matching tie, pocket square or lapel pin, it’s important to coordinate with your bride and/or the rest of the bridal party.

Grooming products are always a good idea, whether it’s shaving that beard you’ve been growing out for months or simply reshaping. It could also come in helpful for fellow groomsmen that need a quick touch up to look their best.

Brides aren’t the only ones that need to have a good hair day for their wedding; grooms should too. Whether it’s a small dab of hair gel or some hairspray, be prepared with any hair products you might need.

Freshen up before saying “I do” with some mouthwash, floss, mints or even a travel toothbrush and toothpaste. It seems obvious, but make sure you don’t forget deodorant or your cologne. It can be easy to forget the essentials in all of the excitement.

Brides and grooms often give each other a small gift the morning of their wedding. It can be as simple as a heartfelt letter or as elaborate as a diamond necklace for her to wear down the aisle. Coordinate with your wife-to-be beforehand, so you can get each other a gift of equal value.

For the bride

As brides get ready to walk down the aisle, one of the biggest “to-dos” is putting on the wedding gown. Make sure your gown fits flawlessly and ensure that you have the support you need for a long night of dancing by getting a a comfortable strapless bra option.  It’s also a good idea to wear the bra to your dress fittings beforehand for a flawless fit, since your seamstress or tailor will likely measure you down to the centimeter.

Just as with the groom, brides want their hair to look beautiful. Whether you’re doing an updo or wearing your hair down, have extra hair pins, a hair tie and a large clip on hand, especially for keeping hair out of your face as you get your makeup done.

Some makeup extras that you might want to include are some clear brow gel, finishing powder, setting spray and concealer. Your everyday makeup look might not hold up to the sweat and happy tears of your wedding. These items will help make sure everything stays in place down the aisle and onto the dancefloor.

Wardrobe malfunctions can happen, and often do. However, it’s nothing that a small sewing kit and wardrobe tape can’t fix. The wedding dress bustle is often something that goes, since a small thread typically holds up the entire train. With a needle and thread on hand if needed, you can be more relaxed as you tie up your dress after your ceremony.

Whether heading straight off to your honeymoon, going back to the hotel suite or heading home together, make sure you can comfortably transition out of your wedding reception into spending time with your new husband or wife. Pack a small bag with a change of clothes, makeup remover wipes and flip flops or flats. If you are going right to your honeymoon, make sure you have your license, passport and other necessities ready to go.

Bride and groom essentials are going to vary for everyone, and what’s on this list might not cover everything that you need as you prepare to walk down the aisle. Think ahead, give yourself time to get ready, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you. After all, everyone is there to help you celebrate your big day.