07/10/2021
I wrote this years ago, but the advice still stands. I'd only add to it;
If you're staying on Tybee and your wedding's on Tybee, don't leave Tybee on your wedding day to get your hair done or nails did. Traffic can be a bear and it *always* takes longer than you think.
From about 2009 ~
Some practicum advise for before, during and after your wedding ceremony:
* Getting sun for a nice wedding glow? High sunscreen and NO straps on your bathing suit. (white tan lines under a strapless white wedding gown are not as cute as you'd think). Guys, you too (sunglasses, hats…).
* Drinking might quell your nervousness and blow off a lot of pent-up steam, but hangovers suck on the day you've been planning for so long. They are also dangerous in the sun. This goes for girls and guys!!
* Put someone in charge to get you home the night before your wedding, not encourage or egg you on to drink more or stay up really late. It might seem fun at the time, but you'll be sorry you're so tired at your wedding. You've been planning this and looking forward to it ~ don't ruin it by feeling fuzzy or ill.
* Hydrate a lot in a.m. but not much later in day ~ it's hard to p*e in your dress.
*Don't pluck eyebrows or have a facial on the day of your wedding. Your face/brows will be red and tender looking (Guys, you too!).
* Eat healthy snacks, even just a little, throughout the day. Ask caterer about a 'to go' box for you and the groom, because you probably won't eat a lot at the reception. Ask a parent to be in charge of a picnic basket of leftover wedding food with maybe a bottle of wine or champagne for later.
* Elaborate hairdos looks awesome but can you fix it after the beach ceremony (think wind, humidity)?
* Practical jokes are fun, but doing things like saying wedding is off right beforehand is NOT funny, even it's been a running joke. Emotions are running too high to be funny.
*You may be stressed and excited right before the ceremony ~ well-meaning family and friends or not ~ it's a big moment. It's OK to say so and to ask for a few minutes of space (nicely, please). It's also OK to ask for help ~ it's really all people want to do (at the expense of getting on your nerves, sometimes).
* First dance ~ practice a little, and do something. Everyone is excited for your first dance but 3 1/2 minutes of the circle shuffle can seem like an eternity ~ to everyone. You can still do that, but mix it up a little ~ do a simple twirl, do a simple dip. It will make it that much more fun. If you both have 2 left feet and the right one isn't any good either, then maybe cut the song down a little bit.
* Clean up from reception ~ pay someone! It might seem like a good idea to save money, but you and your family/guests are going to be tired. Worth the cost.
* ENJOY! This is it!! Take a deep breath and let all the petty stuff go! Even though you've been planning and dreaming for months, you only get THIS moment (and it goes quick!!) ~ be there!!