page 83 X metropolitan weddings X Summer / fall 2021
� Google Docs Yes , that is right , Google Docs ! We had list upon list of Google Docs that we shared with all appropriate parties . A timeline for the father of the bride , a processional and recessional list for the bridal party so they would know with whom and when to walk , a seating chart for the reception , a set up and clean up list so that everyone knew what their tasks were . Why Google Docs ? Because not only could we make last minute changes from our phones , or print them out to have a hard copy , but inevitably , a bridesmaid or groomsmen misplaced their list and we could instantly share them . They were able to instantly pull the Google Doc up on their cell phone , without missing a step .
� Dryer sheets Let ’ s face it – there will be static electricity in the air that night . Take a few dryer sheets , pop them in a Ziploc bag and voila ! Your maid of honor has a dress that will not lay down ? Lightly rub with a dryer sheet . Grandma ’ s dress is riding up and her slip is showing ? Use a dryer sheet . The adorable ring bearer has been playing with the balloons , rubbing them on his head before he walks down the aisle ? Smooth those flyaway locks with a dryer sheet .
� Garment Steamer No matter how hard you try , when a bridal party travels to a wedding venue with suits and dresses , there will be wrinkles . Go ahead and get your favorite aunt and uncle to camp out in the appropriate bridal party suites and begin steaming the guy ’ s shirts and girl ’ s dresses . The crease lines from traveling will not look good in your wedding pictures ! Plus a garment steamer is quick , easy and takes away the possibilities of a burn mark on delicate fabric . One tip to keep in mind – make sure there is air conditioning in the room with the steamer . It can get pretty warm in there !
� Cloth handkerchiefs You know there will be happy tears on this day , but what you do not want is small pieces of tissue stuck to your groom ’ s face . A cloth handkerchief solves the problem . It can dab tears without ruining makeup . It can wipe sweat without tearing like a Kleenex , leaving small bits of tissue stuck on the father of the bride ’ s forehead or in the groom ’ s short trimmed beard . It will not crumple into a wasted mess , leaving you searching for a trash can . The last thing you want to see in your wedding pictures are pieces of tissue stuck on your groom ’ s handsome face . Be classy , use a cloth handkerchief . You can even stitch a monogram and the wedding date on handkerchiefs for the bride and groom .
� Candle adhesive Yes , this happened . We were in a time crunch to set the tables for dinner and were swarming like worker bees placing table settings , greenery , votives and candlesticks with beautiful taper candles . As we finished and got ready to light over 100 candles , we realized that most of the tapers had slipped and were standing crooked in all of the candlesticks . Luckily , a smart thinking aunt came to the rescue with candle adhesive and we were able to quickly straighten the problem !
� crochet hook This small , but simple tool that costs less than $ 2 saved the day . When the bride needs to button 20 small buttons up the back of her dress that are fastened by a small string loop surrounding a covered button , a crochet hook is the only way to quickly , and without ruining or popping those delicate strings , fasten her dress . Plus , when you need to bustle the bridal train , use the crochet hook . Most trains have a small , almost invisible loop that when pulled up to the back waistline of the bride , affixes to a covered button . Instead of using fingers ( you cannot grasp it well ), or tweezers ( they can tear the fabric ) or safety pins ( takes too long and too cumbersome ), a crochet hook perfectly solves the problem . Once you get the loop around the button , you simply slide the crochet hook out backwards and the dress and bustle is fixed ! XmW