Weddingbee PRO

As a makeup artist I witness the “getting ready” process every weekend and here are my top dos. The most common cause of stress that I witness on the wedding day is the bride answering emails, texts and phone calls. Technology is great, but it isn't necessary for everyone to have access to you on that day. Do yourself a favor and give your phone/pda to your BFF.

Set the Mood

Don't forget music. You'd be surprised by how many nice hotels only have a crappy clock radio, so check ahead of time. Music can help you relax or help to get the party started. Ask for a room with good natural lighting, it will be much better for hair, makeup and photography.

Snacks

Plan for food that will give you energy on your long day. Bite-size, easy-to-eat food is great when you are beautifying. A mimosa or two can be fine as long as you match each drink with a glass of water. It easy to become dehydrated during the stress of your wedding day.

Expectations

Be very exact about what your expectation are of your bridesmaids, mother, fiance. Stress that being on time is critical and can cause you a lot of stress if they are late. Explain that traffic is not a valid excuse (there is always traffic) and they need to plan ahead. It can also mean losing valuable time with a photographer or hair/makeup person. If someone in your group is always late, pad their time (lie!) and have them show up 30 minutes earlier than necessary. Tell you fiance exactly what he needs to bring, wear, and tell his groomsmen. Tell people not to call you unless it is urgent and preferably have a bridesmaid field the calls. Remember, most people are completely clueless to the complexity of planning and putting on a modern wedding!

Plan Ahead

Ask one your peeps to screen your calls for you on your wedding day and let people know that you will not be responding to your phone or blackberry except for emergencies. It is amazing how many people email or call to ask about basic information which is on the invitation. This is your time to relax - put your phone away. Ask each vendor for a contract with the balance due the week before your wedding and prepare vendor payments in envelopes ahead of time. I have witnessed harried brides running around looking for their checkbook and double checking charges on a contract. Don't think “I will just do that when I am getting ready” do it before your wedding day - trust me!

Timing

Don't underestimate the time it takes to get ready. To ease your stress, create a schedule for the day. Decide what time you want to walk out the door and count back from that. I recommend allowing at least 30 minutes to get dressed. Have your accessories organized, your shoes broken in and padded (if necessary) and your bag ready to go and your veil or wrap wrinkle free. Your bag should include a pressed powder to keep your t-zone matte and your lip color.

Must-Haves

List of vendor phone numbers and of all key wedding attendants. Sunglasses (think white or a pair that will complement your look) breath mints, double-sided tape, scissors, pressed powder, hairspray, shoe pads, tissue, body lotion, SHOUT wipes, deodorant, safety pins and medications. If your photographer is doing still photos of shoes, dress, etc. bring one of your invitations and any other special wedding items that you may want photographed.

Bridesmaids

Ask bridesmaids to bring a choice of lip colors if you have an artist doing their makeup. They may have their makeup done, but they need to have something to touch up with. Have bridesmaids get dressed before the bride – takes a while for a group of woman to get dressed and then they will be ready to help the bride dress and get out the door on time.

Most Important!

SMILE, SMILE, SMILE, and laugh. Everywhere you turn there will be a camera and everyone (I mean everyone) looks beautiful when they are smiling and laughing. Also, smiling and laughing will relax you.

Lauren Slusher Photography