At Tara Wilson Events, it isn’t hard for us to prioritize what’s most important about the big day. From a personal standpoint, here are our top ten things to remember when it comes down to the final 24 hours:

1. Smile! All the planning, prep-work, and perils you faced on your way to this day are officially behind you, so don’t worry about what didn’t get done. Relax and have the time of your life!

2. Eat: With all the nerves, running around, and trying to get into that gorgeous gown, it’s no wonder that a lot of brides forget to eat. Don’t let the champagne toast get the best of you; make sure someone’s looking out for your sustenance and you’ll be grateful.

3. Socialize, but not too much: Make sure your planner (or a close friend) knows your expectations for the evening. Yes, you want to have a great time, but you don’t want guests leaving because it’s three hours into the event and you haven’t even cut the cake. Make sure your planner can whisk you away from Aunt Jane’s crazy conversation.

4. The Marriage License: The entire purpose of legalizing your marriage and making it (really) official rests in obtaining an actual license. Check with your state departments to see about specific requirements. I would advise leaving the license with the officiant the night before so it can be signed, sealed, and delivered the next day!

5.  Don’t Experiment: Your wedding day is not a day for deviation from the normal routine. For instance, don’t try a hot yoga class in the morning, a new scented body wash, tanning in the back yard, or applying false eyelashes if you haven’t tried it before. The last thing you want to be is light-headed, broken out, burned, or blinded.

6.  Love Something: You’ve put all of this effort into an event that lasts only a few hours, so you need to savor what you’ve worked for. Pick one element that you will promise to pay attention to. For example, if you worked very hard on the floral design, make sure you take a moment to admire the flowers!

7. Don’t discount live video: Even if you’ve opted against hiring a videographer, make sure someone in the audience is filming raw footage throughout the night. My biggest regret is not having something captured on film!

8.  Bridal Branding:  All in all, a wedding should be a direct reflection of the couple. Make sure that no matter what you do, the choices are yours and the wedding reflects the new life you’re starting together.

9.  Through the generations: Take time to acknowledge the importance of the cultural act of marriage. Including pictures of parents and grandparents on their wedding days. Make sure you have that something borrowed or blue—things that often mean the most when coming from previous generations.

10.  Let go: Don’t worry about whether or not your friend is having fun with your groom’s old high school buddy, and don’t attempt to say goodbye to everyone before you leave. Hug your parents and then, it’s time to take off and start your new lives together!

Photos from Photography Salt Lake, 88db, and Wedding Reception Centerpieces