6 Tips For Avoiding Wedding Day Regrets
You’ve planned your butt off, and now the big day is here. What advice do former brides offer so you won’t have any regrets on your wedding day?
1. Do a Hair & Veil Dry Run… no matter the cost. I didn’t. My stylist (highly recommended by an A-list TV star) proceeded to put my hair into Shirley Temple ringlets, took twice the amount of time scheduled and made me miss the brunch given by my sisters. I left the salon with my BFF and immediately broke into huge bridal tears. Luckily, two friends saw my ‘do and said, “Oh, no,” wet down my head and restyled my hair to how I really wanted it. Needless to say, I was late to my own wedding. ‘Nuff said?
2. Do Eat. With 70% of brides (according to a recent study) wanting to lose weight for their wedding day, I know you’re thinking to keep that flat tummy you’ve worked so hard for and don’t eat until the reception. Uh uh. Getting sloppy drunk on your wedding day is one sure thing you will regret. And that regret can stick with you and spoil a honeymoon, too. So, what to eat? For breakfast you need protein and something light–like two poached eggs or broiled fish and some fruit or fruit juice. Lunch can be a light salad and again, some protein such as tuna or chicken. Hydrating yourself with electrolytes and carbohydrates can be good for you, too. Try Gatorade or my personal favorite because it’s zero calories, PowerAde Zero orange flavor. And why not tuck a sugar free protein bar into your handbag. Whole Foods sells a line called Think Thin and peanut butter is their tastiest flavor at 20g of protein and only 240 calories.
3. Wear The Right Shoes. I committed this no-no just last weekend. I went to a club dancing, deciding to wear my brand spanking new five inch heels. After three hours no amount of alcohol could have masked the pain I was feeling in my feet. Many brides regret that they were not more comfortable at the reception and shoes are a big reason. Have a backup pair and don’t wait until it’s too late to change into them. Once that foot pain starts up it’s hard to stop, but if you need a quick fix: soak them for a few minutes in ice water and have new hubby give you a quick foot massage, flexing those cramped muscles and bones. (Another tip: if new shoes are a little tight, take them to your local shoe repair and have them stretched. The best $10 you will ever spend and you won’t be breaking them in on your wedding day!)
4. Get Every Shot. Somehow, some way, my brother never was in the family photo at the church after the ceremony. In all that excitement and stress to get them done fast and onto the reception, he was MIA. Some brides never get a pic with her and all the groomsmen… or miss out on the flower girl who may be taking a nap after all the excitement. Whatever it may be, you want all your memories from that day. Make a list beforehand of every shot you want and then give that list to a trusted friend who can check them off and work with the photographer.
5. Have a Thank You Speech. I know that lots of toasts will come your way, and you and hubby have vows to write as well, but remember that many guest spent money too and some have traveled from afar. The gracious bride will remember to say her thank yous at the reception as well. There are lots of people who will have gotten you to this day, and especially if you turned a little Bridezilla–your thank you in front of all the guests will go a long, long way in making your peace.
6. Remember That You Are Marrying Your Husband. Don’t get so caught up in all the stress of the day and every last detail that you can’t just go with the flow and enjoy once you get there. Shit will happen, few hitches go off without a hitch, but don’t let it bother you. If your stress level is too high, see your groom before the ceremony. I know that it’s seen as bad luck, but it’s one of the top 10 regrets that most brides have. The whole day will pass by so quickly that a quiet moment together before it all starts may just be the thing to remind you what this whole shindig is about–the love you feel for each other. The party is so secondary. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
