Over the last 20 years, The Shrewsbury String Quartet has performed at over 200 weddings each year.

We have seen many disasters that could have easily been avoided.

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Here are some ideas that could make your special day run smoother:

1. Be ready early.

   Nothing will stress a bride more than having to rush to the ceremony.

2. Get plenty of rest the night before the wedding.

3. Start your wedding on time.

   It is very rude to your guests if your wedding starts late.

4. Practice walking and more importantly practice sitting in your wedding dress.

   Trains, hoops and strapless gowns can be problematic. (Also, practice using the ladies room, you will probably need help!)

5. A few weeks before the wedding, wear your shoes for several hours making sure they are broken in and comfortable.

6. Limit your alcohol intake (and also the groom’s).

   There is nothing more upsetting and disrespectful to your guests than a sloppy bride or groom. (Some of our photographer friends have told us that pictures of “tipsy” brides or grooms often do not turn out as well as wedding couples would have liked.

7. Put your engagement ring on your right hand until after the exchange of rings.

8. Make an emergency kit

   and also have the groom and groomsmen carry small packets of tissues in their tux jackets.

(Google wedding emergency kits for ideas of what to include in the kit.)

9. Ask your officiant to keep the sermon to less than 3 minutes

   or better yet have no sermon at all. (Usually, anything beyond 3 minutes starts being about the officiant, not about the bride and groom.)

10. Keep your ceremony short.

    Most guests will only remember your processionals, vows, first kiss and introduction as husband and wife.

11. Do not deal with any wedding day minutia.

    Let someone else deal with it. Your wedding will not be perfect. Something will go wrong and mistakes will happen and that is what you and your guests will remember and talk about years from now.

12. Keep smiling and enjoy your big day.
    Remember, it’s not about the wedding, it’s about the marriage.

13. Here is an excellent article. This bride really handles it well.