By Yemisi Suleiman

Okay brides, you have your dream dress, shoes, your ideal venue and finally the D-day arrives after months of planning. It is every would-be-bride’s dream to get married on her special day without any itch. However, when things do not go according to plan, you should strive to have the most perfect day and not let worries build up. Remember, it’s not worth worrying about things that are out of your control.

For you to avoid any big day stress and enjoy your wedding  morning and wedding day ultimately, follow these tips to start your day with smiles and end it in wedded bliss.

Dolapo Falilat Yussuf (M) with her bridesmaids

• PLAN AHEAD
  By now, your arrangements should all be made concerning your florists, cakes, venue styling, entertainment and make-up but it doesn’t hurt to get in touch again and finalise your plans. On your wedding morning, it is advisable to give yourself loads of time as everything will take longer when it’s surrounded by wedding excitement. If you are getting your hair and make-up done, book for them early and make sure you allow enough time for your brides maids and others to do same.

  – A Week Before:
  Now is also a great time to remind your brides maids and grooms men what roles you would like them to play on the day. Dish out the jobs to keep things manageable and relax knowing that all the plans are in place.

  – One Day Before: Have a good sleep
  The most important piece of advice is to get some sleep the night before as this will help you wake up early and stay refreshed for the day.

• YOU NEED A BIG ROOM
  Bear in mind that there will be you, your girls, maybe one or two friends, your make-up/hair artists and, in some cases, a photographer hanging around on your wedding morning. Make sure you are in a room with plenty of space and find a calm area to get ready.– Natural light
  Lots of natural light is key to getting that natural, radiant bridal glow. Find a big window and set up your make-up station there.

  – The right clothing
  Bring a dressing gown along for your wedding morning or a shirt. You need something you can take off without pulling it over your head so you do not ruin your hair and make-up.

  – Hang your dress
  Get rid of any small wrinkle by taking your gown out of its bag and letting it hang naturally. Keep it away from your make-up though.

• THE RIGHT GIRLS
  Keep your best girls close by to help keep you calm and bring in all you need for your finished look.

• DON’T DO THE WEDDING PLANNER’S JOB
  As the time of the ceremony approaches, brides begin to worry about logistics. While such nagging worries are understandable given that brides are usually deeply involved in planning, this is the time to put it all aside and let the wedding planner do her job. Take care of yourself and the rest will fall into place.
• GIVE YOURSELF SOME SPARE TIME
  Think about what time your hair and make-up will be done, remembering to budget time for the brides maids’ too. Consider when you will get into your dress, how long you will need for photos and even when you’ll grab a light breakfast.
  Give yourself some spare time so you do not end up keeping your groom waiting should anything be held up; it will also save you from any last-minute panic.

• BE HAPPY
  Even with the best-laid plans, last minute surprises can crop up.  However, if there is a bump or two, don’t let it rattle you; just keep smiling and be happy.