Photo: Kristyn Hogan

Practice makes perfect…at least that's what they say right? Turns out, your wedding day is no different. You've got to put in the work to ensure everything falls into place perfectly. From scheduling a hair and makeup trial to learning how to bustle your wedding dress, here are 10 things you'll definitely want to practice before your big day.

1. Your first dance

We always encourage our clients to take dance lessons if they have “two left feet”, says Jenny Orsini, Owner and Creative Director of Jenny Orsini Events Inc. “Having formal lessons under your belt before the wedding can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with dancing in front of a large crowd.” Plus, it's always good to get the basics down.

2. Vows and speeches

This one pretty much goes without saying! Even if you've written down notes and will have them with you at the wedding, it's still a good idea to practice reciting your vows or saying your speech out loud a few times so you get comfortable with it.

3. Your hair and makeup

A hair and makeup trial is an absolute must, according to wedding planner Leah Weinberg, owner of Color Pop Events. “It's important to make sure that your stylist knows what you want and can successfully achieve it. There's nothing more heartbreaking than a bride who isn't 100% comfortable and feeling amazing on her wedding day.” We agree!

4. Posing for the camera

Weinberg also recommends that couples do an engagement photo session in order to not only help them get comfortable with the photographer but with each other in front of the camera as well. “For most people, weddings are really the first time a couple will be professionally photographed together so it will make everyone much more relaxed if you get a little practice session in first.”

5. Your walk down the aisle

Anything you can do to tame your nerves is a good thing, right? That's why Florida-based wedding planner Aviva Samuels of Kiss The Planner encourages couples to practice their walk down the aisle. “Having butterflies on your wedding day is completely normal and being able to walk through the ceremony figuratively as well as literally prior to the wedding day will hopefully allow you to be more ‘present' once the big moment arrives.”

6. Bustling your dress

Although when you have a wedding planner we can usually figure out how to bustle your wedding dress without any instruction, notes Charleston-based coordinator Francesca DiSalvo-Follmer of Pure Luxe Bride. However, it's definitely a good thing for you, your mom and maid of honor to have down just in case!

7. Tying his tie/bowtie

Don't worry; this one is for him to master! Because, as event planner and designer Kristine Cholakian Cooke of Simply Charming Socials points out, every guy could use a refresher on tying a tie or bowtie before the big day.

8. Walking in your wedding shoes

Always practice wearing and walking in your weddings shoes, advises Jyl Deering of Chancey Charm Boston. You'll want to break those bad boys in and ensure they don't give you mad blisters (because that would suck).

9. Ending conversations gracefully

Sounds strange, but trust us, this one will come in handy. As you greet your guests, you'll find that everyone will want to hold a conversation with you, explains wedding planner Chandra Keel, owner of Chandra Keel Events in Phoenix. “If you let them go on too long it'll take your night away.” She suggests practicing phrases and sentences that warmly and concisely express your gratitude for your guests' presence and then a polite closure that helps you move on to the next table. “Something like, ‘I am so happy you could be here! Thank you for coming. Please, enjoy your dinner and the bar is over there when you're ready for a refill.' This makes you a gracious host and happy bride all at once!”

10. Deep breathing and remaining calm

“You'll use this a ton on your wedding day, but if you can master it sooner, the more at ease and relaxed you'll feel throughout the planning process,” notes Chancey Charm Charlotte wedding planner Miranda Tassi.

This article was written by Elizabeth Mitchell for Brides.com.