SLEEP!

My husband and I planned a three day destination wedding with events that started Friday night and went straight through until Monday afternoon. Because we were so busy with last minute planning and organizing neither of us slept for the three nights leading up to the wedding. By the time guests started to arrive I was ready to go to sleep and by Monday morning, when all of the adrenaline had worn off, I felt physically ill. You wedding is such an incredible time, and there are so many people you will want to spend time with that you need to be well rested to really enjoy it. Do whatever it takes to get the rest and time off you need leading up to the big day! You will want to remember every moment - an impossible task if you are only half awake.

Reader Comment:
Although many brides opt for a prescription sleep aid - there are a number of natural ways to ensure a good night sleep. The most natural way to sleep is to avoid afternoon caffeine, exercise and practice deep breathing. If that doesn't work, and it never does for me, you can do what I do and take an herbal supplement like Valerian. Works like a charm.


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Let it go

Many brides report that they felt disproportionately sad or angry (a la bridezilla) when something went awry on their wedding day (and something always does). Instead of obsessing over the fact that the topiaries are in the wrong place, the frosting is the wrong color or the programs didn't get distributed just LET IT GO. Your wedding is an amazing day - an opportunity to spend time with friends and family and to enjoy all of your hard work. Think about how amazing it is to be getting married and to be sharing the day with all of your loved ones. They won't care that your first dance was to the "wrong" song or that the aisle runner was missing so neither should you. Just do your best to get everything organized before hand and then let it all go on the day of your wedding and just have fun!

Cleanup advice = communicate

One thing that I learned from our wedding was that no matter how good your intentions are it is essential to give the cleanup crew a list of what you want saved (the candles, the chargers, the framed table numbers, etc.) or some recyclable/reusable/resalable things WILL go into the trash can.  We lost almost $1000 worth of dishes and decorations because of bad communication!