It is obvious that it will take the bride-to-be much more time to prepare for the wedding day than it will the groom-to-be.  Hairstyle, make-up, and the manicure/pedicure all need to be done on the wedding day, but there is much more than that to do.  Getting into the wedding gown and the other paraphernalia that accompanies it can easily take as long as an hour.  Then pictures, must be considered.  All of these things help make late afternoon weddings popular. 

While most young grooms don’t have a clue how to get into a tux, there is likely to be plenty of mothers or aunts around to help them accomplish this feat.  A splash of water on the face, a comb through the hair and viola the groom is ready.  As long as he doesn’t get lost on the way to the ceremony, he’s pretty much accomplished his tasks for the day.

Joking aside, there are still tasks that must be accomplished even on the wedding day.  Many have been confirmed and reconfirmed, so the only thing needed is to have someone be responsible of making sure the ceremony and reception locations are ready, that the decorations, flowers, favors, DJ, photographer, and food are all in place.  One option is to hire a wedding coordinator for the day.  Be certain to re check the transportation to ensure that it arrives at least 20 minutes prior to the ceremony or picture time to pick up the bridal party. 

If the couple has carefully planned, the wedding day will generally be a success.  It should be noted however, that even the best wedding planning is subject to falter or change and this should be understood and expected.  Most of the things that go awry on the wedding day aren’t even noticed by the guests because they were unaware of the plan to begin with.   The couple should relax and let the little problems go.

The best man has a number of important responsibilities including, getting the groom to the ceremony, keeping the rings and his speech in a safe place, and controlling the money paid for services rendered on the wedding day.

It is important for the bride and groom both to take a few moments before the wedding begins to speak to family members and thank them for all the help and love they have been shown throughout their life.  It is also pertinent that all members of the wedding party to eat.  With the nerves and anticipation of the upcoming ceremony it is easy to not feel hungry.  Anyone that will have to stand throughout the ceremony should eat prior to the event as the combination of nerves, heat and no nutrients flowing through the body can lead to an embarrassing event such as fainting or becoming ill. 

More important than all of the above listed items is to keep smiling and try to stay relaxed.  Think about the beautiful honeymoon and life that are waiting only a few hours away.

Becky Pavlik is the author of this article, and recently renewed her vows with her husband. Her site is a fruition of that ceremony. Please visit Wedding Planning and Budgeting when you get the chance.