7 Last-Minute Wedding Checklist

Wedding planning is no easy task. The list of things to do seems to be never-ending. Especially in the days leading up to your vows, there is just so much to do, it is nearly impossible not to forget things. No matter how many lists and sticky notes you make, you’re bound to forget something–and it won’t be the end of the world.

However, today we are sharing a 7 Last-Minute Wedding checklist to help you remember those pieces that often get forgotten.

---

1. Make sure a bridesmaid knows how to bustle your dress, then practice! They can be really tricky, so I recommend bringing her along to the final fitting for a lesson.

2. You can’t make your marriage legal unless the officiant signs off on the license, so don’t forget this important piece of paper. Either drop it off with your officiant ahead of time or give it to a trusted member of the bridal party who you’re sure will remember it.

3. While you’re certainly concerned with getting your vendors their final payments, you might forget about the gratuities. Try not to leave this for the last minute; instead, place all of the tips in separate, labeled envelopes and give them to one of your wedding coordinator or bridal party members to pass out during the big day.

4. You’ve got gifts for the bridal party and favors for all of the guests, but what about your groom? Don’t miss out on giving a special present to your soon-to-be husband. Even if it's just a heartfelt note on your wedding day, get creative!

5. Your dream wedding day heels will probably get really uncomfortable after hours of wearing them. Plus, they're not exactly the most practical footwear to dance in. Bring a pair of pretty sandals or flats to your reception for you to slip into when your feet really start to get sore. You'll be so thankful that you did.

6. Designate a friend or family member who will be responsible for getting the wedding gifts from the venue to your home. You will be too busy saying goodbye to guests to deal with it, plus, it's your special day so you don't need the added responsibility. Organize a plan and put a member of your bridal party in charge so that you don't risk anything getting left behind.

7. Leaving for your honeymoon shortly after the reception? Pack now! Even if you have a day or two in between your flight and the ceremony, this tip will allow you to get a jump on thank-you cards, spend more time with family while they’re in-town, or even just rest your feet a bit after all that reception dancing.

Check them off the list and now you are ready to tie the knot! Happy Planning!

XOXO

Photorgaphy by: Poppyseed Photography

Surviving a Bridal Show

On January 5th & 6th, we will be at the Arizona Bridal Show from 9:00am to 3:00pm - Phoenix Convention Center. You can purchase tickets - for $12 here. Before you head out on Saturday, do yourself a favor and read the 5 tips below to come prepared for the show! 

Download the NEW Bride Scan App!

The new app, BrideScan lets you scan potential wedding pros and other brides you meet during a bridal show via QR code. The app does all the heavy lifting for you. Once you scan another BrideScan profile - whether that's a fellow bride or a vendor - your contact information exchanges. From there,

• You can rate vendors on a star level to reflect your amount of interest

• Reach out to anyone you've scanned directly via email, website or phone number

• Touch base with vendors you're actually interested in. No more wading through tons of business cards and brochures.

Download BrideScan on any iOS or Android mobile device to start connecting with others.

Create Stickers Labels
As you visit the different tables, vendors are going to request your basic contact information. Save yourself a lot of time by becoming friends with AVERY Labels -print your name, address, email address, and wedding date (if you haven't chosen a date yet, put TBD). Not only does this give the vendor an easy way to reach you after the event, but it also enters you to win door prizes.

Make a Wedding-Only Email Address
Let's be honest, you are not interested in every vendor and you don't need them contacting you after the wedding. Creating a separate email address for wedding vendors eliminates the clutter from your regular inbox and let's you focus wedding information in one location. This should not be confused for a fake email address but rather an email you will use for all the wedding information you need to communicate. 

Map out your trip

Find the Vendors you really NEED! You probably don’t need to find every vendor necessary to complete your wedding day. So, make a list of the three different types of vendors you need to see at the show, and only stop at those types of booths. Also, if you’re just engaged, then you probably need a venue, caterer, and a wedding planner. So, those are the three you need to look at first before you start looking at wedding cakes or shoes. Staying to a strict vendor-type list will make the show more enjoyable for you, and also less overwhelming. Trust me.

Two Bags Please!

Yes! 2 bags upon arrival, (usually provided by the bridal show sponsors) and use one bag for actual vendors that you would like to follow up with, while the other is for vendors that you have no intention of doing business with but enjoyed those freebies.  This will make your whole entire life easier when you get home from the bridal show and decide to view 600 flyers! 

At the end of the Bridal Show you will need to recharge yourself for Monday but trust me you will be smiling like this - it's all DONE!! See you there 

XOXO

PS - IF YOU WANT TO WIN A FREE WEDDING - COME SEE US The Wright House 

Grooms Corner: Groomsmen

Meagan Gibson Photography

Let’s have a little moment for our Grooms- what we like to call Grooms Coroner! Today we are looking into groomsmen responsibilities and duties as they play a big role in helping the Groom stay on task. Groomsmen let’s remember being a part of someone’s wedding day is a big honor.

Top 5 Groomsmen duties:

Here are out top 5 duties:

1.       Formalwear – It goes without saying that you’re going to have to look your best on the wedding day. The cost in purchasing or renting your formal attire for is up to the groomsmen

2.       Pre-Wedding - Attend all pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party, wedding shower, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

3.       3. Bachelor Party- help the best man plan and pay for the bachelor party. This can include offering ideas, researching, and booking flights and the hotel.

4.       Wedding Day Prep -In most cases, the groomsmen meet the groom at one central location to relax and get ready together.

5.       Party Starters- At the beginning of the wedding reception, you’ll be introduced, along with a bridesmaid. After you have fun taking center stage, it will be your job to keep the party going throughout the evening. If guest see that you’re having fun on the dance floor, it’s most likely they will join in too!

Cheers to being a Groomsmen

XOXO

Content by: Contemporary Wedding Magazine

Photos: Meagan Gibson Photography