Bride-to-be Checklist The StylinBride.com must-do list for every Bride-to-be!
The bridal verse- something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue- well this is a wonderful time to talk with your Mom and Dad about their wedding memories and to see how you might include some element of their experiences from their special day into yours- maybe it is a small portrait of your family that can't be with that day that could be tied into your flowers or at the table where guests might sign your wedding book ,you could have framed photographs from your parents, your grandparents, and other special family members' weddings.
How about fabulous blue shoes under that gorgeous gown? Who says you have to have ivory or white or champagne color to match? For my something blue, I wore a ring that my Dad had given my Mom when my twin sister, Lydia and I were born in March- Aquamarine is the birthstone- My Mother-in-law had an embroidered hankie with our intitals and our wedding date so I could carry it that day. (Then you pass it along to your child by adding their names and date for their wedding).
Send your Mom a beautiful flower arrangement or a special basket of her favorites goodies so that it will arrive after the wedding. Your card should say" thanks for all the special thought you put into making my day extra special- now here's something that shows how special you are to me".
Will you have children as guests or as part of your attendant group.... plan to feed them as early as possible. If you can arrange a special space for them, have kid food available, like chicken fingers or macaroni and cheese and chocolate milk, so they can eat while the receiving line and other guests mingle. Their tummies are often on a different time schedule than adults. Plan on a special activity just for them- consider playing videos or hiring a magican. Have goodie bags, filled with "clean" activity items like coloring books, stickers, Hot Wheels™, and other interesting items to help keep them active and busy. Their parents will then have a chance to enjoy themselves- and won't have to deal with tired, hungry and crabby children. think about hiring a "kid wrangler" for the evening- someone that can keep them organized and also can tell when a parent needs to be summoned.
Ask your Mother In Law to be to put together a book of her son's favorite recipes for you to have.... think extra brownie points for this! Maybe she could also give you a special datebook with important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Wouldn't it be fun to know what time of day your future husband was born and how long and how much he weighed?
When you are thinking about the return address for your invitations, think of using a hand embosser with the return address for your replies- and a new set of plates with your new home address so you can use that after your wedding.
Think of favors that incorporate your family and theirs- for instance shortbread cookies with tartan ribbon for a Scotish and irish family blend.
