Planning a wedding in the breathtaking Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is a dream come true for many couples. The serene beauty of East Tennessee provides the perfect backdrop for your special day. As your wedding day approaches, it’s crucial to ensure everything is ready to go so you can have a stress-free, unforgettable experience. Here’s a helpful guide on how to prepare for your micro wedding day at our charming outdoor wedding chapel.
Take Care of Yourself
First things first, make sure you’re in top shape for your big day. Get a good night’s sleep before your wedding and stay hydrated. You don’t want to be the bride or groom who faints in the middle of photos! Eat a light, healthy meal to keep your energy up. A well-rested, nourished couple is a happy couple.
Avoid Visible Marks
Ladies, if you’re wearing a dress that shows your back or sides, consider going braless for a few hours before the ceremony. This prevents any unwanted bra marks from appearing in your photos. Trust us, your photographer will thank you for it.
Prepare a Wedding Day Essentials List
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth wedding day is to make a detailed list of all the items you need. Here are some essentials to include:
- Wedding rings (including engagement ring)
- Wedding attire
- Specialty hanger (if you aren’t using the venue’s)
- Undergarments
- Marriage license
- Florals
- Shoes
- Jewelry
- Veil
- Hairpiece
- Extra lipstick
- Vow booklets (if you’re writing your own)
- Extra foundation (in case you sweat a little off)
- Mints
- Lash glue (if you’re wearing falsies)
- Perfume/cologne
- Invitations
Having these items with you when you arrive ensures your photographer can capture all those beautiful detail shots right from the start. Typically, the bride arrives first to get dressed on the property, so make sure she has all these essentials.
Stocked Bridal Suite
We strive to have everything you might need on hand in our bridal suite, including:
- Extra bobby pins
- Double-sided tape
- Spray deodorant
- Lotion
- Static guard
- Q-tips
- Makeup wipes
- Safety pins
- Dry shampoo
- Hair spray
These little extras can be lifesavers in those last-minute moments of preparation.
Conceal Blemishes
If your significant other has a pimple or razor burn, a dab of concealer or foundation can work wonders to camouflage it for photos. This simple step can make a big difference in your wedding pictures.
Delegate Responsibilities
If you have children or pets, appoint someone to be in charge of keeping an eye on them. This is one of the most important things you can do when thinking about how to prepare for your micro wedding. Our forest setting is beautiful, but it does come with natural hazards like snakes and poison ivy. Ensuring someone is dedicated to watching the little ones and furry friends will keep everyone safe and sound.
Inform Your Guests
Let your guests know their arrival time and make sure they understand they may need to stay in their vehicles until you’re ready for them. This gives you a chance to have your dress photographed and get your decor set up without any interruptions.
Delegate Tasks
If you’re setting up a cake table or a favor table, have everything boxed and labeled clearly. This way, whoever is helping can easily find and set up items without needing to ask too many questions. If you have an event manager, having things organized will help them set up efficiently and beautifully.
Create a Rough Timeline
Finally, create a rough timeline for your wedding day and send it out to everyone involved a few days before the event. This ensures everyone knows where they need to be and when, helping your day run smoothly.
Preparing for your micro wedding day doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking care of yourself, making a detailed list of essentials, and delegating tasks, you can ensure your wedding day is as magical and stress-free as possible. Our charming chapel in East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains is the perfect place to start your new life together, and we can’t wait to help make your day unforgettable. Happy wedding planning!
By incorporating these tips and preparing thoroughly, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment of your special day. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to make your wedding day the best it can be!
Photography: Star Noir Studio