Welcome to #WeddingWednesday
Hello! #WeddingWednesday is a space created for education and exchange of ideas on topics related to Puerto Rico, wedding photography, and weddings in Puerto Rico. Here you'll find a very broad range of information on stuff I think will help you plan a better wedding in Puerto Rico, and have proper expectations for it.
Weddings are filled with details. That, and a couple stressed out, usually adds up to just a small amount of totally-preventable chaos. I'm a problem solver by nature. That means that on the wedding day I do far more than just take photos. I've sewn bridal dresses, fixed bouquets, and I'm the one who puts the boutonnieres 90% of the time. Some friends even say that I should start a Wedding Planning business, but I enjoy capturing the memories too much for that.
Being in the spotlight of the action, I'm always the first who notices or experiences most of those little mishaps throughout the day. So I decided to compile a list of the things that are most likely to never make it to the ceremony, needed essentials that are seldom packed in the day-of bag, and things that everyone should have at their event. Feel free to bookmark this post, since I'll probably be updating it Saturday after Saturday, as my anecdotes continue to pile up.
Versión en español aquí.
Wedding Day Transportation
It sounds like common sense, but it's one of the most forgotten details on a wedding date, and more than once I've ended up carrying a couple of bridesmaids in my car, which is full of photo equipment. If you have separate venues for your wedding, remember to do the car seat count beforehand your bridesmaids come to your getting ready session. Also, some couples go to the airport directly from the reception venue. Making luggage transportation arrangements is essential, so there's no lost luggage nor unnecessary wedding drama.
Don't Forget the Bridal Veil
The bridal veil is the most forgotten bridal accessory on many weddings! About 10% of these items never make it to the ceremony venue, because the bride leaves it at home. Remember to pack the veil, or put it alongside the dress, so they remain together! Also, let your hair and makeup artist know you have a veil so they can help you put it on before they leave.
Bring A Nice Wedding Dress Hanger
Most wedding dresses come packed in the ugliest, least-photogenic hangers ever. Make sure you bring a decorative hanger for the dress, it will do wonders!
Don't Forget the Groom & Groomsmen's Boutonnieres
If professionally made, boutonnieres are usually handed on the wedding day along with the bouquet. If the bride & groom are staying at the same venue for their preparation, have someone assigned to carry and place the boutonnieres right away. If not, they might be left behind!
Don't Forget the Emergency Kit and Essentials
Here's a list of necessary stuff you should have in your "wedding emergency kit"! You can find some online, but make sure these are among the items in the kit:
- Deodorant
- Scissors
- Nail clippers and file
- Stain remover
- Extra pair of shoes
- Feminine hygiene: pads, tampons, etc.
- Sewing kit, with sewing thread on the wedding party colors
- Medication for upset stomach, diarrhea, and pain
Write your Vows on Paper
Picture this: It's your wedding day, and, along with all the last-minute troubleshooting calls and text messages, EVERYBODY is excited and sending their congratulations on Facebook, Instagram, and whatnot. Those are a lot of notifications, and even the best cell phones might not make it to the ceremony.
Always have your vows written on paper, or a cute vow book, along with any details you may need to retrieve from your smartphone throughout the day (example: vendor phone numbers, wedding itinerary, etc.).
Wedding Cake Knife and Server
Oops! Always check with your cake vendor, venue, or caterer to check if they bring their cake cutlery. If not, you might need to bring it!
Refreshments for Guests
Puerto Rico is beautiful. It is the perfect destination for a wedding all year round. However, being awesomely close to the equator means we have high temperatures for most of the year. Most of my weddings are held outdoors, which means that along with a backup plan in case it rains, you need to make your guests feel comfortable and fresh during the event.
Paper fans and water/lemonade booths are quite welcome by guests and should be on your list.
What other stuff have you seen/heard that should make it into this list? Help a fellow bride by commenting below! I hope this has been helpful!
XO,
Cami
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This blogpost may contain affiliate links that won't make anything cost extra to you but will help me keep making value content for my wedding planning couples.
