Make sure you eat something, especially the Bride and her Bridesmaids.

It is very important that in all of the hussle and bussle that you DO NOT forget to eat. This is usually not a problem with the guys. It is, however, a problem with the girls, most importantly the Bride. Having some crackers and water handy are a good idea.

"The kids will be so cute in the wedding party - NOT"

Really think about how old the kids are that you invite to be in your wedding party. I suggest, no one under 5 years old. I have coordinated over 400 wedding in my career and have found that it just does not work with children under 5. Take my word for it!

"Don't pull that loose thread!!"

Be it on the dress, veil or the tuxedo, when you see a loose thread, do not pull it. The best approach is to cut the thread. Keeping scissors handy on the big day is a must.

"Am I doing the right thing?"

It is you day, but don't ever lose focus on the fact that "the wedding is a day, but the marriage is a lifetime." If at any point the latter part of this statement becomes uncomfortable in any way, then it is always better to postpone the wedding until you know that you are doing the right thing.

Add at least one hour to the designated time at the Salon.

Do not assume that the stylist is running on time. Not everyone will be pleased with their hair dos the first time around so allow extra time for do-overs. If you all go to the same salon, please take at least two cars, this will allow for at least some of the people to move on and not make everyone late.

The tie is not here with the "Tux" and the pants are too long!

Please make sure the men in the wedding party get their tuxedos the day before and MAKE SURE THEY TRY THEM ON and check that everything is there including the cufflinks, cumberbund, tie, vest, suspenders etc. I had one groom walk in with pants 6 inches too long and it was too late for him to do anything about it. I have sewn buttons, pants and hemmed up sleeves on jackets last minute. Don't cause yourself the extra stress.

Who knows how to Bustle the Dress?

Make sure that at least two or three people know how to bustle the dress. If you only have one person who knows how to do it and they could not be present for some unknown reason you need a back up. Mothers are usually pretty busy greeting guests so try to have two of your bridesmaids go with you to the bridal shop to learn how to bustle the dress.

Who has the "RINGS"?

DO NOT tie the rings to the pillow. I have seen rings fly across the church when bored ring bearers start to swing the pillow back and forth. The best advice I can give is to have the Best Man hold on to them, as long as he is responsible.

Careful with " THE DRESS" !!!

I have seen everything from footprints to lipstick on a wedding gown. Brides please make sure that when you apply lipstick that you are protecting your dress. I saw one brides bright red lipstick slip out of her hand and fall down the front of her dress leaving a red smear that would not come out.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is that dates and locations are not verified with vendors. Please make sure that you call all vendors prior to the wedding day to verify dates/times and locations. Do not take for granted that GPS units are always right. Make sure that your vendors know the location that they are going to. Especially make sure limo drivers have the correct address and a phone number of someone that will be available to take the call the day of the wedding.