What Should Go In Your Wedding Day Bag

As a woman, you probably have a regular list of must-have items that you keep in your purse at all times— along with a few odds and ends that have found their way mysteriously into your bag. Your wedding day isn’t just any ordinary day, though; and to make sure that everything goes smoothly, your wedding day bag needs to have some extra “just-in-case” supplies. Find out which items you and your maid of honor should tuck into your tote bag before you head over to your beautiful wedding venue.  

For Your Nails 

You’ve probably already had your manicure done, but those pesky chips or scratches can happen at any moment. Bring clear polish or whatever color matches the one on your fingertips. A nail file is a good idea as well.  

For Your Face 

Bring your favorite shade of lipstick so you can touch up your look after that ceremonial first kiss, before you go into the reception space. You’ll need to bring along items to keep your skin fresh as well— things like blotting papers, powder, and face mist. Don’t forget concealer, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and other makeup supplies, as well as makeup remover in case a mistake occurs and you need to start fresh. 

For Your Body 

A travel-size lotion keeps rough skin silky-smooth, while perfume or body spray helps you smell delightful. You should also bring along baby wipes, a change of underwear, and deodorant, since the wedding day nerves might make you sweat a little more than usual. Tuck some tampons and liners into the bag as well; chances are, either you or one of your bridesmaids will need one at some point. Grab a razor and a travel-sized shaving lotion as well, just in case one of the girls missed a spot or forgot to shave altogether.  

For Your Health 

Some people get headaches or stomach trouble on a big day; so think ahead and prevent those issues by packing pain relievers and antacid medication. To keep headaches and indigestion at bay, take care of yourself and make sure that you stay hydrated and fed, even if you feel too excited to eat or drink. Without proper nutrition and hydration, you can turn into a bridezilla. Bring some straws so you can drink without messing up your lipstick. Toothpicks, breath mints, and floss are also handy for keeping those pearly whites fresh and clean after snacks. In case of mishaps, the wedding venue will have a first aid kit available, but you can also bring your own if you like.    

For Your Outfit 

You’ll need an emergency sewing kit, super-glue, stain remover, white chalk (for hiding wedding dress stains if any occur), white duct tape, safety pins, and a lint roller. With these supplies, you can fix almost any outfit emergency. 

For Your Peace of Mind 

If you’re nervous that you might not have everything you need, consult with the event coordinator at your wedding venue to find out what supplies they may already have available at the venue. The staff at Nanina’s in the Park have helped hundreds of weddings go smoothly; and they are happy to be there for you, too.  

5 Tips For Selecting The Right Wedding Band

Selecting your wedding band is a special decision, one that will stay with you for all the years you share with your spouse-to-be. You can wait on this shopping trip until after you’ve secured your wedding venue, chosen your colors, and made other decisions about the wedding. Consider it a fun, restful break from all the other choices you have to make, and turn the experience into a romantic date. After all, who doesn’t love picking out a new piece of jewelry? Follow these tips to ensure that your choice is practical as well as beautiful.  

Tip 1: Match the Metals 

If you’re engagement ring is white gold or silver, you’ll need to select a wedding band that’s white gold or silver as well. The same goes for titanium, platinum, steel, yellow gold, and other metals. If you really want a change, consider selecting a wedding band that incorporates a two-toned look with two different metals— one matching, and the other contrasting.  

Tip 2: Think About the Future 

As determined as you may be to remain your current size for the rest of your life, allow the possibility that you may gain weight— or lose weight. Pregnancy, illness, hormonal changes, and more can affect the size of your fingers. When you’re shopping for a wedding band, ask the jeweler about how easy or difficult it might be to resize certain designs. For example, a ring with gems all around its circumference may be gorgeous, but it will be expensive and tricky to resize it.  

Tip 3: Consider Durability 

Your wedding band will be on your hand every day. You may take it off occasionally for certain grimy or abrasive tasks, but for the most part, your ring will have to endure a lot of wear and tear. While 22ct gold may sound glamorous and rich, it’s really too soft for everyday wear. Instead, choose a ring with 14ct or 18ct gold, which includes tougher metals to enhance durability.  

Other metals known for their durability and beauty include platinum, palladium, titanium, tungsten carbide, and zirconium. Titanium is one of the best choices for men’s wedding bands, since the metal is extremely hard and stratch-resistant. 

Tip 4: Stay Within the Wedding Budget 

As a responsible couple, you have a wedding budget that accounts for all wedding needs, including the use of an elegant wedding venue, the flowers, the food, the decor, photography, DJ, and more. Make sure that your wedding bands are also a part of the budget. If you find rings that you absolutely love that are priced higher than the allotted amount, you’ll need to trim some money from another category of the wedding budget to make up the difference.  

Tip 5: Think Practically for Your Wedding Band 

You want to have a ring that reflects your taste and indulges your sense of luxury a little bit; but you also need one that’s practical for your lifestyle and your everyday look. The combination of your wedding band and engagement ring shouldn’t be too huge or heavy for your fingers, especially if you type frequently or work with your hands in other ways. Watch out for rings with chunky or pointed edges that might catch on things, and be aware that engravings or carvings, lovely as they look, can trap dirt and grime.  

Are you ready to choose the ring that you’ll wear for the rest of your married life? Enjoy the shopping experience, and keep these tips in mind so you can select the perfect wedding bands for you and your partner.