Last minute wedding details

By Esther Muchene

As the big day nears, depending on how much or little planning you’ve done, some last-minute details may greatly determine how your wedding turns out. If you’re the organised type of bride, you may feel confident that everything is in order but that may not be good enough, considering all the details that need to be double-checked. To make it easier and bearable, go through a checklist to ensure all the necessary things are taken care of.

Here’s a start.

• If the hair and make up are being done at the bride’s house, ensure the vendors have the directions and timings right. Have someone in charge of accessories such as hairpins, bridal jewellery and veil.

• Ensure all the vendors know what they are supposed to deliver, where and the timings.

• Make all the necessary payment balances and ask for receipts.

• Designate the role of transport manager to a trusted relative or two who will draw out all the day’s maps and routes to be used. Have them liaise with the décor vendor and decide where and at what time to meet for the car decorations, which could be very early on the wedding day or the eve of the wedding day.

• Run a last-minute detail check with your photographer to confirm he has a list of all the photos you would like taken. Contact your entertainment vendor and run through the play list again as well.

• Have pens, envelops, stickers and other necessary items at the gift tent or placed on guest tables and delegate a relative to be in charge of the cash gifts and drop offs.

• Should you be spending your first night in a hotel, ensure you check in or have a relative do it and drop off your luggage earlier.

• Confirm the florist has obtained all the necessary flowers, including the men’s boutonnieres.

• Confirm with the best man he has the wedding bands.

• Don’t go through the wedding with an empty stomach. Take a balanced breakfast.

• Carry an emergency bag with pins, painkillers, sanitary towels and other items you may need.

• Carry extra money to cater for miscellaneous expenses that may arise.

• For your honeymoon, ensure the groom has all the necessary travel documents.