1. Have a meal (or a snack) before you get dressed.  And, have that last cup of coffee or tea before the dress, too.  If you are thirsty after your dress, have clear liquid – water, ginger ale, sprite.  Or rinse your mouth with water.  Remember that what you put into your body will want to come out soon. 
2. Remember to go to the bathroom before wearing your dress.  Those fluffy skirts are difficult to maneuver while you. . . And, who knows when you’ll get a chance to use a restroom again – there is the ceremony, the pictures, the well-wishers, and then the reception.  Who has time to pee?
3. Have your hair done and your makeup applied while still in your housecoat.  Hair spray, face powder, lipstick, liquid foundation!  None of these things will look good on your white dress, and even a stain stick won’t remove mascara without leaving a stain 
4. Try to put on your deodorant about five minutes before you slip into your dress.

1. Did you remember to try on your undergarments with your dress at least a week before your wedding day to make sure no seams are showing, to see that there is no panty line, and to make sure your bra is comfortable and below the neckline of your dress (unless it is supposed to show).  Are your undies a bit too tight?  Are you well supported?  Will you be comfortable wearing them for hours, and hours, and hours?  The day of is way too late to make undergarment decisions.

1. Slipping your dress over your head – have your Matron of Honour help so you don’t rub your dress past your recently made-up face.  If you have to put your dress on over your head, try covering your hair and makeup with a silk scarf before you put on your dress. Can you step into your dress instead?  No, ask the hairdresser/makeup artist to stay to do a touch-up on your hair after the dress is on.
2. If you are slipping the dress over your head, put your shoes on first.  Or, ask the Matron of Honour to help with your shoes.  If you’re stepping into your dress and have your shoes on, be careful not to step on your clothing and trip.  Better to ask for help.

 Your jewellery goes on before your dress, and the veil goes on after your dress.

Who is putting on your veil?  If it is a short veil, ask your hairdresser to do it after she does your make-up and hair.  If you are not having your hair done just before your wedding, take your veil to the hairdresser and ask her to show you how to put it on so you don’t ruin your hair or the veil.   If it is long, ask your Matron of Honour to use bobby pins to hold the veil firmly to your hair.

 Do you have a hide-out to keep tissues?  Even happy tears may ruin your beautiful makeup.  If there is no place for a few tissues on your person, have some on the table where you will sign your register.  Let the bridesmaids know where they are (and to get them if you cry – or your husband-to-be cries).

1. Are you walking downstairs?  Carry your dress/veil train and ask someone to guide you.  All the fabric in your gorgeous wedding dress will make it difficult to see the stairs. 
2. Ask your Matron of Honour to wash their hands before they help you with your dress – And wash your own hands thoroughly, too.