Top 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day

The big day is almost here!

You’ve been planning it for months.

You’ve nailed down the guest list, the vendors, and the do not play list. (Gonna pass on the Chicken Dance for this one…)

The wedding day of your dreams is in within your grasp. Here are a couple of my best tips to keep it fun, love-filled, and stress-free.

1. Assign a point person.

Your wedding day is busy. Between the hairdos and the nerves, you won’t have the time or energy to deal with all the little issues that may come up. After all, as detail oriented and crafty and amazing as you have been in the 18 months up to this point, today you just need to focus on walking down that aisle without tripping over your train, loving on your partner, and schmoozing with your guests.

But someone does need to keep everything together. Today, you need another you!

This can be anyone, so long as they can 1) think on their toes and 2) prioritize your happiness. If you have a day-of wedding planner, you’re all set. Go you! Move on down to tip #2.

If you don’t have a wedding planner, choose someone you trust. Give the vendors that person’s cell number, so they can address any issues as they arise. When Uncle Bob comes charging toward you because they won’t play his song request (“Really Uncle Bob? The Chicken Dance?”), use your point person as a human shield and get back to your party.

When I was this person, I hailed grandma a cab to get her from the hotel to the venue. I very nervously drove a leftover cake from the party to the after party in someone else car. (Pretty sure there’s still a frosting stain on the seatbelt. Don’t tell.) I rummaged through the garage of a rented house for flashlights, so people could have more light to sign the guestbook.

I did it because I love my friends and I just wanted everything to be perfect for them on their wedding day. Tap into that well of love. Something will go wrong, but a great point person will handle it without you even noticing.

2. Make (or buy) an emergency kit.

Put together a little bag of things you might need on your wedding day and give it to your point person. Some of the things I’ve seen come in handy are:

• Safety pins
• Lipstick
• Stain wipes
• Make up remover wipes
• Floss
• Headache medicine

You can go wild with this, or keep it simple. You can even buy an emergency kit online, if you don’t want to bother with the DIY.

I’ve seen bustles break and wine get spilled. While the best of us can laugh these things off, it’s even better to have a quick fix ready to go.

3. Eat something.

Trust me on this one. Your nerves are high. Your family is driving you insane. There’s probably alcohol. And you want to make sure that the most expensive dress of your life fits perfectly. (It will. Don’t worry. Metabolisms don’t work that quickly.)

If you pass out or go full on HANGRY on your guests, I kind of think it will put a damper on your day.

So eat before and during your wedding. If you sit down for a few minutes to eat, your guests will come to you to keep chatting. And when you’re done, your amazing point person will be right there with your lipstick, ready for a touch up.

4. Trust your vendors.

Hire people you trust and trust your gut to find them. Wedding vendors are just people and you want to work with people you like.

Do these people seem like they will come through for you? Do they care about your story and vision? If you have doubts, it’s probably not too late to see what else is out there. But if you’re feeling good, just let them do their thing.

Which leads me to…

5. Choose awesomeness.

If you’re Type A, like me, it may be hard to let go of the reins on your wedding day. But I give you permission. Do it. And if you’ve followed the tips above, I hope you can feel more comfortable about letting go.

Because now you’re armed with knowledgeable vendors who are looking out for your best interests. And your trustworthy point person, who’s right there to deal with whatever comes your way. You’re nourished. You’re energized. You’ve done the hard work already. And this party is going to be awesome.

And maybe the wine spills and maybe it doesn’t. (Bonus tip: consider white wine.) But this is your big day and if you decide it’s going to be awesome, then it will.

Now go have the best wedding ever.

Maybe I’ll see you there!