It was my first time getting married. And I guess that's the same case for most of the Filipino women I know who are tying the knot soon. With this said, it can be difficult to "learn from experience" on how to do this event the right way. It is also a church wedding, so needless to say preparation is a must. Thank goodness there are wedding coordinators who will shed tears of blood to make your special day truly eventful. Still, they are not the bride, and their experience can differ. So, I have compiled a few tips to make this memorable day a little bit more comfortable.
1. The Gown. You spent a small fortune for your gown, so it is only right that your couturier is there with you on your big day to clothe you with his/her creation. If this had not been discussed before, ask. Couturiers usually do this so you shouldn't have to bargain for it. There is something reassuring to have her there at your rescue in case anything will happen (although we hope not). From a small rip (which can grow big without you knowing), to some parts that doesn't quite fit right. It is best that your couturier is there for all of this. It is your day, and your gown have to be perfect. But in case your couturier is not really available, have someone else be there during your last fitting who knows how to work you gown and make it fit perfectly.
2. The Shoes. If you haven't broken it in yet, it's too late for that now. But at least make sure you can walk in it. High heels are very nice to look at, but you will wear it for a long time. At least one hour during the ceremony, although you will most likely be sitting most of the time, you will have to be standing afterwards to take photos and videos. If you really want to wear super high heels, have plans to change into something you can really walk with after the ceremony. Remember that your photographer might ask you to run going out of the church. Include band aids in your bridal pouch. Put them on already even if it doesn't hurt yet, you may never get the chance to put them once the ceremony started.
3. First Aid Kit. Tell your coordinator to have it. If you don't have a coordinator, give it to one of your bridesmaids but make sure to give it to someone who doesn't have a major role in the ceremony as they might forget to bring it. Make sure you have different kinds of medicine to cover everything - flu medicine, loperamide, anti hyper-acidity tablets, vapor rub,band aids etc. This will save you in case you forget to bring your band aids. And if you or anyone from the entourage is feeling ill, you know that they can find relief in your kit. Same goes with your working crew, especially for the photographer. Sometimes the discomfort they may have can reflect in the quality of the pictures.
4. The Photographers/Videographers. Yes, you hired and paid them and they owe it to you to be professional and suck it up to capture the best photos from the great event in you life. Still, know that they are only human and they have needs. Make sure that they have eaten and hydrated, They will not be able to work if they would pass out as you say your "I do's". The ceremony is about one hour only, but take into consideration that they also capture all the preparations and that might cover the whole day for them. Plus, they might work extra hard if you are nice to them.
5. Bridal Pouch. I never thought I'd need one. In my mind, I will just walk holding a bouquet. I don't need a pouch or any kind of bag to put some stuff in. And I was so wrong. Living in a tropical country, you need a fan if you want to stay fresh before getting out of the bridal car. The air conditioning in the car is good as it is made for this purpose. But still, when you are tensed and nervous, you tend to sweat so you need a fan and some tissue to wipe the sweat from your perfectly made up face. You can also put your vows in there, as well as your phone. You see, the groom has pockets, a lot of them, in his pants and suit. While you don't. So make sure you have something to put the essentials into. Remember, only the essentials. You wouldn't want stuff bulging out of it and you wouldn't want to be carrying something heavy during the ceremony.
But the best tip I can give is to know that
your wedding day is the happiest day for you and your husband as you become one, blessed under the sacrament of matrimony. And nothing can happen that will make it otherwise. So keep your cool, you are getting married. Sit back and enjoy the show.
I hope these tips are helpful for the future brides out there. If you have questions, just shoot me a comment. :)
