Pack Snacks. For Real.

You’d think there’d be time to eat. You’d be wrong. Between photos, hugs, and speeches, you’ll forget. Toss granola bars, gummies, or even a sandwich into your bag. Your future hangry self will thank you.

Sneakers Are Your New Best Friend

Those gorgeous heels? You’ll hate them by 7 PM. Toss a pair of flip-flops, comfy flats or sneakers (don’t forget the socks!) under your table. When your feet are screaming, you’ll be SO glad you did.

Flower Hack: Avoid the Water Spots!

If you’re using real flowers (and they’re hanging out in vases), pull them out about an hour before the ceremony. Why? So the stems can dry! Otherwise, you and your bridesmaids might end up with water spots on your dresses. Nobody wants damp polka dots in their photos, ya know?

Blotting Papers!!!

Shiny forehead? No thanks. Between nerves, dancing, and hugging 100 people, you’ll get a little sweaty! Blotting papers will keep you photo-ready all day.

Bathroom Hack: Sit Backwards!

You and a big dress, plus tiny stall equals chaos. Face the back of the toilet. Trust me on this one. And bring a bridesmaid for backup, this is not a solo mission.

The “Oh Crap” Kit

Make one. Or better yet, delegate it to someone you trust. Fill it with:

• Makeup Touch-ups
• Safety pins
• Bobby-pins
• Double-sided tape
• Tissues
• Painkillers
• Mints (not gum unless you want it in photos!)
• Deodorant

Sneak Away for 10 Minutes

It’s your day! But it’ll fly by in a blur of hugs and high-fives. Sneak away with your new spouse for 10 minutes. Just breathe. Soak it in. Maybe even eat that sandwich you packed.

Your Dress Will Get Dirty. It’s Fine.

The bottom of your dress will pick up dirt, grass, maybe some champagne. It means you lived in it. And if you ask me? That’s perfect.

Extra Water. Always.

Hydrate or die-drate. Kidding (sort of). Between the nerves, the bubbles, and tearing it up on the dance floor, water is your BFF. Drink way more than you think you need! And while you’re at it, pack some electrolytes. (I swear by the ones linked, they’re my ride or die. Honestly, I’ll probably be sipping one while I’m chasing you two around with my camera!)

Boutonniere 101: Pin It Right!

It goes on the left lapel, over your heart. Flower up, stem down. And tell your guys, no one wants a sideways boutonniere in photos. Also look up magnetic boutonnieres!!! They are genius!

Learn How to Tie the Dang Tie (Before the Big Day!)

This one’s for all the tie wearers out there. Please, for the love of timelines, learn how to tie your tie ahead of time! I can’t tell you how many wedding mornings have turned into a YouTube tutorial marathon… or a frantic search for someone who knows what they’re doing. (True story: we once lost 40 minutes hunting down a tie tying hero because nobody had a clue. Spoiler: it wasn’t me…)

Steam Attire the Night Before (And Hang Them Up High!)

Creases are sneaky. Steam everything the night before and hang it somewhere safe. Low-hanging dresses and curious pets or kids are a recipe for wrinkles and paw prints.

Assign a “Stuff Wrangler”

Phones, wallets, vows, lip gloss, extra boutonniere pins… someone has to hold all the things. Pick a reliable person to be in charge of random belongings so you won’t stuff pockets at the last minute.

Make a Family Photo List

Family photos can be time-consuming if you’re not organized. Before the big day, make a shot list of who’s in each photo (think "Bride + Parents" or "Both Families Together") and give it to your photographer and someone who knows who’s who.

• Pro Tip: Assign a “Family Wrangler” (usually a loud cousin or helpful aunt!) to round people up. Uncle John always disappears when you need him…