Heartland Signature Ceremonies

If you are traveling abroad make sure you have all your identification and your passport, boarding pass, etc.somewhere where they will be safe and handy when you get ready to leave for your honeymoon. I generally keep everything in a pocket of my carry-on.

Don't try packing for your honeymoon on the morning of your wedding! You will have too many other things to take care of. Take time in the days prior to your wedding to get things in order.

Write up a reasonable time plan for what should be happening prior to the wedding and approximately when. Be flexible and leave plenty of leeway so that if the hair appointment runs long it doesn't turn into a crisis.

Most suppliers and service providers wouldn't dream of letting you down. Our reputation and your wedding would both be compromised. However, feel free to call your vendors and suppliers a few days ahead of the wedding so there are no last minute mixups or delays. Make a list of who is coming and when, photographer, florist, officiant, etc. Knowing what's coming next will eliminates last minute concerns.

Make a list for your photographer of who you want in certain photos and save yourself from being questioned about details.

Eat something light like toast and tea, fruit or yogurt the morning of the Big Day! No one wants to pass out at the altar. It's a long day and a bite of food will settle your nerves as well.

Stay away from alcohol and salty snacks aside from perhaps a celebratory glass of champagne. Drinking may take the edge off but will make you feel worse in the long run, especially if you haven't eaten much.

Alcohol and salty snacks can cause your fingers to swell making it difficult to slide your wedding rings on. (To make sure rings slide on easily wash them in soapy water prior to the ceremony). If you find that your rings do not go on easily, don't force them. Just slide them as far as they will go and fake it. No one will notice.

Don't hesitate to get outside, go for a walk or a jog, whatever you want to shake off the nerves and get some fresh air.

Create your makeup kit before the wedding day and have everything you may need together in one place, including hair spray, deodorant, needle and thread, extra pantyhose and nail polish for unexpected runs and a pair of slippers to wear at the reception.

Assign your Maid of Honor or a Bridesmaid to keep check on your appearance so she can alert you if you need a touch up or something put back in place.

More people surrounding you creates more opportunity for chaos or panic. Choose friends and relatives that you want to have nearby for support, who will keep others at bay and have a calming influence and not get themselves or you wound up. Delegate. Assign someone to answer your phone. You need to be able to enjoy yourself and relax, not be bothered with every detail.

Good posture is the foundation of good comportment. Not only will you walk, sit and generally move more gracefully when your body is in alignment but you will appear to glide down the aisle as the wedding goddess you are! Think of a string attached to your spine, holding you in alignment yet allowing your shoulders and arms to relax.

One of the best tips I can give the couple is to breathe. Practice taking long deep breaths. Short ones will make you dizzy and lightheaded. Especially good times to stop and take some deep breathes are just prior your processional down the aisle and once you reach the altar. As your officiant begins speaking take a couple nice deep breathes and relax, look at your future spouse and connect to one another. Be in the moment and let the rest of the world go. Enjoy this place you have come to in your hearts.

Let someone else know if you have concerns about Aunt Betty getting up the steps or pregnant Cousin Jill standing too long. Ask individuals to address these concerns and look out for your infirm guests. Again, delegate.

Try not to worry if the band is late setting up or if the first dance doesn't begin exactly on time. Don't get excited if things take a little longer than expected. You will only upset yourself if you do. Relax. Everyone will be having a good time and it doesn't matter. The day will turn out fine if you stay calm, happy and go with the flow. Make every memory from this day joyful and peaceful.  

Remember that everything at the reception venue will have to be taken home and/or returned to the proper venue. Think about who will do this for you and make arrangements in advance. Remember gifts, cards, guest books, cameras, leftover cake, props, candle holders, etc. Again, delegate.

Take a time out from the reception. Share a few intimate moments. Slip outside for a few minutes or find a quiet corner to escape to together and just sit for a little while, connect, and gather your thoughts.