As your day draws closer, the organized bride you thought you were suddenly starting to come unhinged. You thought of everything but somehow, you’re sure you forgot something big and you can’t narrow down your options. Your thinking is scattered and your stress level high. You skim your wedding planning binder, and you skip over the things that have nothing to do with what you’re doing for your wedding. (Should have used that sharpie after all).

You’ve decided to do things a bit untraditionally and so the how-to books and workbooks are useless. Etsy gifts haven’t arrived yet and you’re pretty sure that the place cards have in fact been, misplaced. All brides like to put their own stamp on their weddings because after-all ideally, you’re only doing this once.

Let’s focus on some things that you might not have set aside a specific period to take care of. Skincare for instance. Though it’s best to always take care of your skin, the stress level of planning your big day can bring on breakouts even on the most careful bride. If you don’t already have an aesthetician don’t freak out. There are things you can take care of yourself at home. Start at least 3 months prior to your wedding by taking on a full skin care regimen. This will include removing all your makeup, cleansing your skin, using toner, moisturize (face, eyes, and lips) and of course get good sleep! Do this every day twice a day. You will see a difference in your skin right away and you’ll thank yourself later.

Touch base with your makeup artist. She/he will have already provided you with the itinerary for your big day letting you know when they will arrive and what time you’ll be ready. If your artist is not also your hairstylist, you’ll want to be in contact with them as well. (My 2 cents book them separately). This will give your day a smoother feel. Someone can be getting their hair done while someone else is getting their makeup done. If you have a manicurist join you, she can make sure everyone’s nails are shiny and ready for “showtime” too!

Next, make a binder of your own to include things that matter to you. Even if it’s just a checklist of photos you want to make sure the photographer remembers to get or a special song you want to make sure is played for your grandparents. Whatever it is that is unique to your wedding should be included.

Now, this next suggestion is a big one. I understand that due to budget constraints many brides want to do everything themselves. There is also the adage that if you want something done right you have to do it yourself. I totally get both ways of thinking however, did you know that there are wedding planners who will agree to only make sure that your “i’s” are dotted, and your “t’s” crossed? Yep, that means on your big day that person will have your slim binder of reminders and MAKE SURE that everything you want to be done, gets done. I’m not talking about hiring one from day one, I mean someone that will manage your wedding day the DAY OF! Imagine that, you’re able to enjoy your wedding day KNOWING that after it’s all said and done and you’re at home with your new husband you’re not lamenting that such and such didn’t happen, or did you forget to have such, and such done. If you’re lucky enough to land Taia Younis of Inspired Occasions, then you can breathe easy. (Seriously, check out her site).

Your wedding is a wonderful memory that you’ll share with your children, should you choose to have them, your grandchildren, friends, and family. It’s one of the most important days in your life, so taking steps to ensure that it goes off without a hitch is at the top of any bride’s list. Since the big day is coming whether your reception is ready or not, just stop for a second. Soak in a warm bath with some bubbles, sip that glass of wine, breathe, and think about how epic your big day is going to be, and just take a few extra steps to shave off some much-needed time from your prepping by check-listing it all 🙂