o Give your marriage license to the minister

o Pre sign the license with witnesses and minister

o If accounts are not settled, do them prior to the wedding.　 Put any final payments and tips to vendors in discreet envelopes

    Put offiant gratiuity in a sealed envelope and give to best man to officiant prior to ceremony  

o Go through any last minute instructions with the minister, planner and photographer

o Remember to assign tasks to the bridal party members so that you have few or no duties this day.　 Give them verbally and in writing.  Bring     pens, guestbook

o Ask minister, planner and photographer if there are any ceremony tasks to be assigned to bridal party to arrange who does what when

o Bring any instructions or schedule with you and make sure all members of the bridal party have one

o If dinner is not on location, bring written instructions or map and have one of the bridal party members distribute them

o Give rings to Maid of Honour and Best Man prior to ceremony beginning

o Get Maid of Honour or bridesmaid to distribute flowers and rose petals and make sure any last minute decorating is completed by the bridal party

o If you are bringing bubbles, seed or rice (where permitted) have usher distribute them to guests

o If you are having a champagne toast after the wedding, assign Best Man or Ushers to open the bottles immediately after the ceremony ends and distribute glasses

o If you are having a cake and champagne ceremony, usually the Bridesmaids and Ushers serve the guests so ask the Maid of Honor or who you assign this to to speak to the planner ahead of time

o If you need a cake topper, special bridal knife or guest book assign this to a member or give it to the planner

o Much of your time will be spent with the photographer who may not know family and important guests you want photographed, be sure a bridal party member has a list of important people and let her bring them to the photographer.　 If an outdoor wedding, make sure at least one photo of these guests is done prior to the wedding when everyone looks their best

o Guests sometimes interfere with the photographer's taking photos by their flash going off or standing in the way (or in the back of your soon to be photo).　 Let them know there will be plenty of time to obtain their photos when the photographer is not working and afterwards.　 Since they are usually not aware, you also could assign someone who is not part of the bridal party to run interference when necessary and politely explain. This will ensure you get great photos from your professional.

o Spend some time with each of your parents today individually and together

o Spend a few minutes together by yourselves to relax and exchange any personal gifts

o Have a bridal party member pick up marriage certificate, binder and other wedding items for safe keeping after the ceremony for you

o Arrange for someone to have your bridal gown professionally cleaned immediately after the wedding and return any rented items

o With everything assigned well ahead of time, relax, smile and enjoy every minute of your most special day.

Things to Ponder