How to ensure your wedding prep goes smoothly

I always say that it’s better to be ready early so you can relax and pace yourself, rather than wait until the last minute only to rush and end up being late.

That being said, I am a firm believer in creating a timetable and sticking to it. It’s always a good idea to be organised for your wedding. You need to allot certain times for showering, hair, makeup, dressing and photos, particularly if there will be several people in your house or hotel room getting ready as well. This will ensure that everyone’s time is maximised and no one will be left waiting around.

Ideally, there should be someone in charge of making decisions, whether that is an event co-ordinator or the maid of honour. It should be someone who is organised, who can create and edit the schedule of events, especially if something isn’t going according to plan. Try to cater for a little more time than you think you actually need, so if anything else pops up, you can get everything done.

A makeup and hair trial will ensure that your bridal look is executed the way you want, without any surprises. If you end up being allergic to some of the products or you don’t like the way your hair looks, your day can be ruined. While it isn’t always mandatory, most wedding vendors will strongly recommend doing a trial.

When it comes to preparation, try to do as much as you can before the big day. Nails can be done one or two days before the wedding. If you can steam your clothes the night before, it will save you a lot of time. If you haven’t already, stick your insoles onto your shoes to make them more comfortable. If there are any tags on your dress, jewelry or shoes, remove them so you won’t be hustling to do that on the day of your wedding. Prepare an emergency pouch with safety pins, a needle and thread, bobby pins, double sided tape, mints, a nail file, a lint brush, tweezers, a stain remover pen, pain killers, lip balm, floss, a first aid kit, deodorant, a mini perfume, hand lotion and feminine hygiene products. Even if you don’t use any of it, the security of having everything will put your mind at ease.

On the morning of your wedding, have a little meeting. Inform everyone present of the timetable you all will be following. Remind them to keep negativity out of your day, and to keep smiling.

You will definitely want to eat breakfast before you do your makeup. Keep a straw handy so you can drink water and stay hydrated without messing up your lipstick. Wear a robe or button up while getting ready, so you can easily change your clothes without messing up your hair or makeup.

Keep distractions to a minimum while everyone is getting ready. If you’re in the chair for hair or makeup, or if your allotted time to shower or dress is up, it isn’t the time to be on your phone or attending to other people. When you’re done, then you can attend to others. If there are pets or children, either ask someone to keep an eye on them while you’re getting ready, or see about them before you sit down to get ready, and factor that time into your schedule. You will be surprised how that time can disappear on you.

Be mindful of the time that the photographer and videographer will be arriving. The bride should never go first for makeup; She needs to be fresh, and should not feel rushed by going last. Second to last is usually a safe time for her to get her makeup done. Her turn needs to be well documented, so co-ordinate it with the photographer and videographer.

While the bride is in the chair, don’t interrupt her. Don’t ask her questions, don’t talk about the time or being late. You don’t want to make her panic by saying something you shouldn’t. Don’t ask her how you look or what she thinks of your hair. If she opens her eyes to look at you and smudges her eyeliner, you would have robbed her of a few minutes of her time. Save any questions and comments for after she’s done.