The caterer has the final head count, you have confirmed (TWICE) every vendor on the list and handed out timelines to make absolutely sure when the cake cutting occurs followed by the bouquet toss and so on. Ready to just sit back and enjoy the big party, huh? NOT SO FAST...
Feed Me! Ask your Event Director or your MOH or other friend to bring you a plateful of those fabulous hors d’oeuvres and keep your champagne or beverage glass filled. Tell your MOH or other trusted pal what you want for dinner (if not sit-down), so you can stay and greet your guests and still try to eat. This also keeps you out of the line of fire of getting something accidentally spilled on your dress. The Best Man or a friend should also take care of the groom in the same manner.
Pay Up! Write final-payment checks for your vendors a few days before, and have a trusted friend or family member pass them out on the big day. Better still, pay everyone in full a few days in advance if you can. If you’re planning to tip, put the checks or cash in envelopes ahead of time, so they can be easily distributed.
Get a room! Find out if you can arrange for a separate room for you and your party to leave your bags and change into going away clothes (unless you‘re in a hotel and already spending the evening there). Make sure attendants remove all of their things from your room before you retire for the night so you’re not wading through all of their stuff and yours. A restroom will do in a pinch, but you’ll probably want a little more privacy and leaving your things in a public restroom leaves them open to theft..
Lose that baggage! If it’s not already there, ask a reliable friend to get your luggage into the honeymoon suite, or, if you are leaving after the ceremony, make sure it gets to the getaway car.
Bustle Me!! To keep your reception from being a total “drag“, make sure your Mom, Maid of Honor or other friend is available to bustle your gown or help you remove a removable train and safely pack it away . A few days before the wedding, show them how to work the complicated hook-and-eye configuration before you hit the dance floor.
Get a room! Find out if you can arrange for a separate room for you and your party to leave your bags and change into going away clothes (unless you‘re in a hotel and already spending the evening there). Make sure attendants remove all of their things from your room before you retire for the night so you’re not wading through all of their stuff and yours. A restroom will do in a pinch, but you’ll probably want a little more privacy and leaving your things in a public restroom leaves them open to theft..
Flower Power. If you aren’t giving your centerpieces away, arrange for someone to drop them off at a hospital, women’s shelter or nursing home.
I’m Starving! Have your caterer pack you and your new hubby a picnic basket of leftovers (buy a picnic basket at any store (Walmart, Kmart, etc..if you are having a winter wedding, buy it in the summer or on sale in the Fall and put it away until the wedding) . You probably won’t be able to eat more than a couple of mouthfuls of the meal you’ve agonized about for months. When all the craziness dies down and it’s just the two of you, you’re going to realize you’ve hardly eaten a thing and be starving for more than your man.
Leftovers, Anyone? Tell your caterer what to do with the rest of the leftover food if you have that option. Otherwise, ask your caterer to take the leftovers to a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.
The Getaway. Ask someone if they will stay and get cabs for guests who need them, and make sure your valuables—the gifts, cake knife, toasting glasses, etc.—get home safely.
Your Assistance, Please? Get a few people to take care of the dirty little details the next day. They can take your dress to the cleaners, return your husband’s tux to the rental shop and make sure your bouquet gets into some water, (if fresh) if you’re planning on saving it.
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