2020 Wedding Planner

BEMIDJI

Weddings 7 12

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A

HONEYMOON DESTINATION THE EVOLUTION OF

WEDDING FAVORS

A publication of

&

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Bemidji Weddings

BEMIDJI

Weddings

04 HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING CEREMONY Setting the tone for the rest of the festivities.

06 WEDDING DRESS FITTING GUIDE Tips for navigating the process of finding and being fitted for a dress.

07 CHOOSING A HONEYMOON DESTINATION Factors to consider when choosing a locale for your honeymoon.

08 WEDDING FLOWERS BECOMING LARGER THAN LIFE Hot trends for couples to keep their eyes on.

09 LEARNING ABOUT RECEPTION LIGHTING RENTALS Tips to make your reception a sight to behold.

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IN THIS ISSUE

10 CATER WEDDING MENUS TO GUESTS’ DIETARY NEEDS Ideas to consider when planning for a wide array of food choices.

11 MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOUR WEDDING CAKE Showing your creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes.

12 THE EVOLUTION OF WEDDING FAVORS Trends couples may want to incorporate into their own celebrations.

14 HOW TO CREATE A WEDDING DAY SCHEDULE Strategies to ensure your wedding day goes smoothly.

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Bemidji Weddings

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wedding ceremony HOW TO PLAN A

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onths of planning is par for the course for couples about to tie the knot. Much of that planning concerns the reception, and rightfully so. Receptions last longer than ceremonies, and couples are often involved in every reception detail, from picking the appetizers to serve during cocktail hour to choosing the final song before everyone calls it a night. But it’s equally important that couples devote considerable attention to their wedding ceremonies.

A wedding ceremony might not last long, but it is the most crucial component of a couple’s wedding day and can even set the tone for the rest of the festivities. From choosing readings to honoring loved ones to immersing oneself in his or her faith, these tips can help couples plan their perfect ceremony.

• Give the ceremony equal footing with the reception. Spend time trying to put a personalized spin on the preceedings, whether that entails writing your own vows or choosing moving music that means something to you. When given ample attention, seemingly minor details can make for a special, memorable ceremony.

• Choose a ceremony location that is close to the reception site. If a ceremony will take place in a house of worship, try to choose a reception venue close to the ceremony site. This keeps guests, some of whom may be out-of-towners who have already traveled extensively, from spending too much time on the road during the day of the wedding.

• Get to know the officiant. The officiant should be someone with whom you both feel comfortable. This person should know you well enough that he or she can preside over the ceremony and add sentiments that come across as authentic and personalized.

• Do your best to avoid especially lengthy ceremonies. Couples will need to meet the religious requirements if they are getting married in the faith, and there may be some aspects of the ceremony that you cannot cut short or modify. But if you have wiggle room, try to keep the ceremony to around 30 minutes; otherwise, you run the risk of guests getting antsy, especially if children are in the audience.

• Decorate the ceremony space. While the altar and aisle are key places to draw attention, couples also can dress up the chairs/pews, ceiling (if allowed), and entrance to the space to make it welcoming and romantic.

Even wedding ceremonies that likely won’t run long can benefit from some pre-wedding planning.

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Wedding dress FITTING GUIDE Metro Creative Services

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ecause fashion preferences were once ornate and dependent on precise fits, ready-to-wear clothing really did not become widely available until the early 20th century. Such attire is now available in just about any retail store.

Because ready-to-wear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items. In fact, a couples’ wedding may be the only instance in their lives when they require the services of a seamstress or tailor.

Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how brides-to-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress.

• Try on sample gowns. The first step is to make your rounds to various gown shops and try on the samples they have available. Most sample sizes will not be the size you wear every day, so expect them to be ill-fitting. Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order the gown according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide. Again, this can be shocking, since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes. Some shops will also order a little larger to allow for adequate tailoring.

• Schedule the first fitting. The first fitting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an online wedding information provider. This is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take even longer. Brides should also budget a minimum of $500 for alterations, which may or may not be included in the price of the dress.

• Bring shoes and undergarments. Remember to bring along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown. A change in shoes or bra/ corset can result in the alterations fitting poorly the next time. Bring these items along to all subsequent fittings.

• Speak up. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at fittings if anything is uncomfortable or needs tweaking. Seamstresses are masters at their crafts, but only if they understand the desires of the bride.

• Check the details. The second fitting is designed to check that all issues from the first fitting have been addressed, the gown is comfortable and you can move freely. At the last fitting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she understands how to bustle or help you handle complicated straps or closures.

Open communication with a seamstress and bridal shop can ensure bridesto-be get a dress that fits like a glove.

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TIPS FOR CHOOSING A

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honeymoon destination Metro Creative Services

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nce couples have tied the knot, hit the reception dance floor and thanked their friends and family for joining them, their thoughts might start looking ahead to their honeymoons.

Statistics vary in regard to how much couples spend on their honeymoons, but those heading overseas can expect to pay thousands of dollars on such getaways. Couples planning their honeymoons want to get the most for their money while also ensuring their first trip together as newlyweds is as memorable as possible. The destination couples choose can go a long way toward making that happen, and couples can consider various factors as they work together to choose a locale for their honeymoons.

Activity level

Some couples might want their honeymoons to be filled with activities, while others might prefer more low-key trips spent relaxing at seaside resorts. Couples can discuss which types of trips they prefer and be willing to compromise if their desires differ.

Travel

Some couples may prefer to travel throughout their honeymoons, while others may want to stay at the same resort for the duration of their trips. Couples who want to travel may find a backpacking trip to Europe is a romantic way to indulge their sense of adventure, while those who prefer something more quiet may find a beach resort more to their liking.

Budget

Budget is a strong consideration for many couples as they plan their honeymoons. Because honeymoons can be expensive, couples who don’t want to sacrifice on their first trip together as a married couple can begin planning their trips early, even looking for ways to cut costs on their ceremonies and receptions if their honeymoons are a bigger priority.

When planning their honeymoons, couples also can take steps to save money. For example, delaying a trip until a few months after the wedding can help couples get back on their financial feet and enjoy their dream getaways.

Couples visiting resorts also may want to opt for all-inclusive packages, which can provide great value, particularly on food and beverages.

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Wedding flowers

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BECOMING LARGER THAN LIFE Metro Creative Services

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ove over bouquets and centerpieces. Flowers are taking over weddings in a big way. While wedding trends come and go, flowers will always have a place at the wedding table.

The blooms brides and grooms choose and how they decide to display them can say much about the couple’s style. Many modern couples are opting for statement pieces with their flowers to rival the big and bold ideas they’re incorporating elsewhere into their occasions, such as in cakes and clothing. In fact, floral designer Tom Uberuaga says traditional hurricane vase centerpieces are outdated and only focus the eye on the middle of the table. He prefers guests enter the wedding and have their senses stimulated by flowers from all angles. Large flower installations, as well as blooms popping up in unexpected places, are some of the hot trends for couples to keep their eyes on.

Floral chandeliers

There’s no need to worry about seeing over table centerpieces or flowers getting in the way of photo moments. Thanks to hanging flowers and floral chandeliers, flowers are quite literally moving up in the world. Hanging floral pieces can add instant drama and make a large visual impact. Florists can hang flowers from beams over tabletops to increase visual impact, whether as individual baskets, single stems or floral swags. Hanging floral chandeliers are dramatic but naturally expensive. Think about a large installation that forces guests to look up into a sea of greenery and flowers. The smell and the sight can be breathtaking.

Welcome wreaths

Why should wreaths only be reserved for front doors and holiday decor? A welcome floral wreath can be placed by the entryway to a chapel or reception hall with a heartfelt sentiment that shows guests how much they’re appreciated.

Fairy-tale flowers

A floral curtain of hanging flowers can line a chuppah or drape the altar in beautiful blooms. Couples who would like a fairy-tale entrance also can make their debut as a couple by coming through a flower curtain at the reception.

Martha Stewart Weddings says a cascade of flowers and greens can be romantic and elegant.

Dance floor blooms

Who says flowers have to be overhead or on a table? With a plexiglass dance floor, or one made from some other transparent material, flowers can be underfoot, creating a magical floral carpet.

Floral necklaces

Brides needn’t carry their bouquets, they can wear ethereal and whimsical floral pieces around their necks or on their waists instead.

Couples are urged to speak with their florists about the innovative ways they can make flowers an even more awe-inspiring component of their weddings.

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LEARNING ABOUT

reception lighting RENTALS Metro Creative Services

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ouples experiment with various trends to make their wedding receptions unique. One of the more popular trends in recent years involves utilizing lighting in innovative ways.

Modern couples are using lighting to add drama and other special effects to their weddings in various ways. While lighting may have not been on many couples’ radars in the past, it is now being used to create a wow factor.

Couples interested in adding extra lighting to their weddings can utilize these tips to make their receptions a sight to behold.

Illuminated letters/words: Illuminated letters can be used as a trendy monogram in lieu of ice sculptures or framed initials. Illuminated words that describe how you feel as a couple or words that describe you both are fun, too.

Uplighting: Uplighting is a popular lighting trend and a great way to transform a venue, according to the wedding resource Rent My Wedding. Uplights are essentially small lights that are put on the floor around the perimeter of the space or underneath key design elements. The lights will shine up and create immediate drama.

Gobo projector: Many people have probably never heard of a gobo. Also known as monogram lighting, gobo, which stands for “goes before optics,” is a growing, special effects-heavy trend. A gobo projector projects an image on a wall or dance floor. It can be used to showcase a monogram, names or wedding date.

String lights: Christmas-inspired lights are not exclusive to the holiday season. When strung around tree boughs, ceiling rafters or other architectural elements of a reception hall, these lights can be breathtaking. It Girl Weddings suggests hanging them against an exposed brick wall to light up the space and add drama. Bistro lights are similar to string lights and can be used as well.

Hanging candles: The warming glow from candles can be used to transform spaces instantly and create great photo opportunities. Candles can be hung as makeshift chandeliers over banquet tables or used as sconces on walls for antique appeal.

Lighting can transform a wedding reception venue and has become a focal point for many couples.

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CATER

wedding menus TO GUESTS’

dietary needs Metro Creative Services

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Save the Date with Us We can accommodate your special day Overlooking beautiful Lake Bemidji For booking info and catering menu see our website

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one are the days when wedding reception menus were limited to the onesize-fits-all offerings of meat, chicken or fish. Thanks to modern diets, couples hoping to accommodate guests may need to provide a wide array of food choices.

It is impossible to pinpoint an exact number, as there are no definitive surveys classifying all dietary preferences, but there are believed to be around 7.9 million people in the United States who follow a vegetarian-based diet. Of those people, around one million are strictly vegan, according to data in The Economist. In addition, NYU Langone Health says one-third of Americans are trying to avoid gluten. The Gluten Free Agency, which is a consulting group dedicated to helping advertisers, says some nine million people in Canada are going gluten-free now for medical or personal reasons. Toss in the scores of people with peanut or other allergies and even more caution is needed when designing wedding menus.

Savvy couples who have guests’ health and comfort in mind recognize the importance of offering a varied meal plan for wedding-related parties and receptions. The following are some ideas to consider when planning wedding menus.

• Consider a buffet-style service. Although couples might like the tradition and flair that a seated/plated meal offers, it creates a much more limited selection of meal options. Buffet-style dinner service often provides couples with multiple choices, and it’s much more likely they can come up with a combination that caters to any food allergies or dietary restrictions guests may have.

• Opt for food stations. In lieu of one long buffet table, a modern approach is to have staffed food stations. Foods as well as their ingredients can be clearly stated on food table placards so guests can make appropriate choices.

• Offer alternatives for dessert. Wedding cake can be a challenge to someone with a gluten sensitivity or an egg or a nut allergy. While not every guest indulges in dessert, make it a point to offer an alternative to cake. Perhaps a groom’s cake can be revamped into gluten-free cookie bars or a nut-free trifle.

Couples who know in advance which types of dietary restrictions their guests have can work with caterers to devise a menu that suits everyone.

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MAKE A

statement WITH YOUR

wedding cake Metro Creative Services

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rides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like. Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes.

Many couples now eschew the classic three-tiered white cake in favor of a dessert that garners instant attention. Whether the cake is brightly colored or hand-painted, a towering architectural marvel or shimmering in metallics, couples are opting to make a statement with their confections. Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served.

• According to the Perfect Wedding Guide, a rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. This artistic expression can be especially stunning in boho-chic weddings.

• Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier.

• Martha Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can be used to make a statement. Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart. Guests may not be sure if they can consume all aspects of some cakes. But delicate sugar flowers taste as good as they look.

• Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stained-glass effects of religious windows and want to add that feel to the tiers of the cake.

• Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. Even an all-white cake can be dressed up with interesting textural effects. Ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes are different textural components that can be incorporated in cake designs.

• Couples also may want to tell their unique stories with cake. Individual tiers designed to reflect various milestone moments from the couple’s relationship can be quite engaging.

• Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes -- even a black tier -- or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself or its design elements.

Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married.

Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples.

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wedding favors

THE EVOLUTION OF Metro Creative Services

offer guests. A coupon for free drinks at a nearby brewery, a tour of a local attraction while guests are in town or a group excursion for guests attending a edding favors have changed — and in many cases for the better. Favors destination wedding can be fun and will help guests create lasting memories. have evolved from the inexpensive trinkets purchased in bulk into more personalized mementos that guests can cherish.

Some couples feel that favors are wasteful and would rather set aside a porToday’s couples are interested in customizing their weddings and offering guests something meaningful, or at the very least, edible, so that favors don’t tion of their wedding budgets toward giving back. In such situations, a donaimmediately get relegated to the trash can. According to Heather Jones of tion to charity in guests’ names can be the way to go. Guests can vote on two Wente Vineyards in California, favors have moved from “goodie bags” toward favorite charities advertised on a special table at the wedding reception. The items that are experimental and fun. Wedding planners from across the coun- one with the most votes will get the proceeds. try offer these wedding favor trends that couples may want to incorporate into their own celebrations.

After a night of celebrating, some guests may want the festivities to continue, but may need some extra sustenance to make it through a few more hours.

Rather than take-home bags, welcome bags have replaced the traditional Some couples are eschewing traditional favors in lieu of making room for extra favor trinket at some weddings. Many weddings have become multi-day events food or beverage expenses that can include after-party treats. These may run that ask guests traveling from out of town to attend a wedding weekend. To help the gamut from wood-fired pizzas to food truck vendors to extra desserts. A greet them and make their experience memorable, couples may fill a gift bag tasty take-home option also may be given, such as fresh zeppolis or beignets, with items guests can use or enjoy during their stay — like a bottle of locally or even a personalized bottle of wine. Even if the food and drink is not consumed right away, there’s a good chance it will hit the spot when guests return sourced maple syrup or some handmade soaps from a nearby shopkeeper. to their hotel rooms.

Wedding favors are changing to keep up with the times and keep guests feelInstead of a candle or a monogrammed cake server, think of experiences to ing extra special.

W

Charitable donations

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Bemidji Weddings

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HOW TO CREATE A

wedding day SCHEDULE

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edding days can be hectic. In fact, many couples note after tying the knot that their wedding days were so busy that the ceremonies and receptions were over before they knew it.

Creating a wedding day schedule can seem like a daunting task. Couples tend to have lots of things to do before saying “I do,” and organizing everything so ceremonies begin on time can seem as puzzling as a brain teaser. But certain scheduling strategies can help couples ensure they look their best and make it to the altar on time.

• Start with the ceremony. Couples can establish a framework for their wedding day schedule by working back from the ceremony. Once the ceremony time is set, couples who plan to take photos before their ceremonies can then work with their photographers to determine how much time they will need for photos and where they want to take the photos. Bridal parties may need transportation to the photo session, so determining when and where to take photos before the ceremony gives couples an idea of when to arrange for pickup.

• Confirm when the wedding venue is open to the wedding party. Before booking hair and makeup appointments, couples should confirm when they will be able to access their wedding venue. Brides may want to get their hair and makeup done at the ceremony sight, but that may only be possible if the venue opens early for the wedding party. If it does not, then brides must account for transportation time to the ceremony sight when making their wedding day schedules.

• Determine how much time is needed for hair and makeup. Weddings that feature large bridal parties will require more time for hair and makeup than ceremonies with small bridal parties. Grooms and groomsmen often take care of their own hair, though some grooms might want to schedule hot shaves for themselves and their groomsmen. Grooms should ask groomsmen if they want a hot shave and then work with their barbers to determine how much time it will take to tend to all participants. Brides with large bridal parties may need to book more than two hair and makeup artists so everyone can get done on time. Wedding hair and makeup sessions can last several hours for large bridal parties, so brides should schedule their sessions early if their parties are big.

• Make lunch arrangements. Some couples choose to tie the knot and host their receptions at the same venue. In such instances, if brides are getting their hair and makeup done at the venue, ask the venue representative if lunch can be provided to the bridal party. Some venues may include small lunch buffets in their reception costs, while others might charge extra. Confirm the availability and costs, and if it’s unavailable or too expensive, then arrange for lunch to be delivered. Either way, couples should not skip lunch, as it may be their only chance to eat until after the ceremony.

• Distribute your schedule to one another and the bridal party. Once the wedding day schedule has been devised, couples should share it with each other and their wedding parties. Grooms’ wedding day to-do lists might not be as extensive as brides’, but grooms should still be kept in the loop regarding the schedule so they can help if anyone has questions or if something goes awry.

Sharing the schedule with the wedding party decreases the chances of someone being late or missing an appointment.

Couples can solve the riddle of scheduling their wedding days by working backwards and asking their vendors to cooperate in laying out the day’s events.

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BEMIDJI 6 to 12 months before O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

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Weddings

Select a wedding date and time.

Make a preliminary budget.

Determine the type of wedding you want.

Determine the size of the guest list.

Reserve your ceremony and reception location.

Determine who will officiate ceremony.

Hire a wedding consultant, if you plan to use one.

Decide on your color scheme.

Determine your wedding theme or style.

Start compiling names and addresses of guests.

Select bridal attendants.

Have fiancé select attendants.

Plan reception.

Check catering facilities if at a club or hotel.

Select a caterer, if one is necessary.

Select music, entertainment and DJ for reception.

Select a professional photographer.

Select a reliable, creative florist.

Select your dress and headpiece.

Announce engagement in the newspaper.

Select bridesmaids’ dresses.

4 months before

O Make final arrangements for ceremony O O O O O O O O O O

(deposits should be paid, contracts signed).

Make sure all bridal attire is ordered.

Have both mothers coordinate and select their dresses.

Register at a bridal registry in the towns of both families.

Order invitations and personal stationery.

Complete the guest lists and compile them in order.

Select the men’s wedding attire and reserve the right sizes.

Check requirements for marriage license in your state.

Shop for wedding rings.

Start planning the honeymoon.

Begin shopping for accessories.

planning checklist 2 weeks before O Attend to business and legal details.

Here’s a helpful checklist to keep you on track.

2 months before

O Address invitations and announcements.

O O O O O O O O O

They should be mailed four to six weeks before the wedding.

Finalize all details with caterer, photographer, florist, reception hall manager, musicians, etc.

Order wedding cake.

Finalize ceremony details with officiant.

Make rehearsal arrangements.

Plan rehearsal dinner.

Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon.

Make appointment with hairdresser.

Arrange accommodations for out-of-town attendants or guests.

Finalize honeymoon plans.

1 month before

O Have a final fitting for your gown and O O O O O O O O O O O

bridal attendants’ dresses.

Have a formal bridal portrait done.

Complete all physical or dental appointments.

Get marriage license.

Make transportation arrangements for wedding day.

Purchase gifts for attendants.

Purchase gift for fiancé, if gifts are being exchanged.

Have the bridesmaids’ luncheon.

Purchase going-away outfit.

Keep a careful record of all gifts received (write thank-you notes immediately instead of letting them pile up).

Make sure you have all accessories, toasting goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, etc.

Select a responsible person to handle guest book and determine its location.

Get necessary forms to change names on Social Security card, driver’s license, insurance and medical plans, bank accounts; make a will.

O Prepare wedding announcements to be sent to the newspaper.

O Reconfirm accommodations for out-of-town guests.

O Finish addressing announcements to be mailed on the wedding day.

1 week before O Contact guests who have not responded.

O Give the final count to the caterer O

O O O O O

O O O O O O O O

and review details.

Go over final details with all professional services you have engaged. Inform them of any changes.

Give photographer the list of pictures you want.

Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception.

Plan the seating arrangements.

Arrange for someone to assist with last-minute errands and to help you dress.

Practice having your hair done to make sure it comes out properly, and determine the time it will take.

Practice using any makeup in the same lighting you will have on the wedding date.

Keep up with your thank-you notes.

Pack your suitcase for the honeymoon if leaving immediately after wedding.

Make sure you have the marriage license.

Make sure you have the wedding rings and they fit.

Make sure all wedding attire is picked up and fits.

Have a rehearsal with all participants, reviewing their duties.

Attend rehearsal dinner party.

Stay calm and enjoy yourself.