As the big day approaches, the sound of those wedding bells may start to buzz in your ear as you find yourself crossing off the final few items on your master to-do list. So while you’re glossing over the finishing touches and plotting out what belongs on your day-of timeline, here are 6 important things to make sure you save time for during your wedding day.

 

1. Extra time to get ready

When you’re planning out how much time hair and makeup will take for the bridal party and yourself to complete on the wedding day, add an extra hour time buffer in there. That can be used in case someone is running late, doesn’t love their hairdo and wants to start from scratch, or in case another family members wants to squeeze in and get beautified with you.

 

2. A break to chow down a quick meal

You’ll be running around getting ready and posing for photos, so make sure before the ceremony starts, you carve out some time for lunch. Plan ahead the kind of food you’d like to have and schedule a 30-minute block in the day to sit down and enjoy a nice pre-wedding lunch.

 

3. Alone time after the ceremony

Once you and your brand new husband have said your “I Dos” you may want to spend some alone time together chatting about the day so far and resting before the reception beings. You can schedule this time during the first half of cocktail hour or immediately after the ceremony ends.

 

4. A makeup refresh

Even if your hair and makeup crew is already gone, schedule 15-minute between the cocktail hour and the reception where you can retreat to the bathroom and refresh your hair and makeup. Ask a member of the bridal party or someone who is skilled with bobby pins and mascara to come along and help.

 

5. A round of hello’s and thank you’s

Maybe you want to schedule in some time during the cocktail hour or as the first course is served during the reception to go around and say hello to all of the guests. Be sure to make time to do this so you can give a hug to all of the people who came to celebrate your special day with you.

 

6. Clean up session

If the venue wants you out of there by midnight, make sure you end the party with enough time to pack up your belongings and decorations and head out. If not, you may find the clock ticking, feeling like you’re going to turn into a pumpkin when the click strikes 12.