As a professional Wedding Photographer, I am often asked about the best ways for couples to enjoy their wedding day. Drawing from my experience as both a Wedding Photographer and a bride myself, I would like to share some valuable insights with you.
Here are some of my top 10 tips to ensure that your wedding day is unforgettable and as stress-free as possible:
Don't skip breakfast. On your big day, you may be too busy (or excited!) to eat later on. As much as it might be tempting to skip breakfast so that you don't feel bloated for the day ahead, you wouldn't want to feel faint or dizzy during the ceremony, so be sure to eat something that will keep you going. It's a busy day and by the time you've finished having your photographs taken, much like your guests, you'll definitely be ready for a good meal afterwards!
Allow plenty of time to get ready. It may seem like a given, but getting ready on your wedding day can take longer than expected - grooms: take note! It's better to start early and be prepared rather than rush at the last minute. Also allow extra time for wardrobe mishaps - I was photographing a wedding recently and the groom prep was going as expected, until at the last minute, the groom's zip broke leaving him trouserless and very stressed. My husband, who was a guest at the wedding at the time, made a mad dash to the nearest shops (which were half an hour away from the venue) to buy the groom some new trousers! (Now that was a close one).
Think about your bridal prep playlist. Music can set the tone for the day and help you to relax. Compile a fun playlist for you and your bridal party to get into the right mindset. Personally, I'd recommend music you love to listen to on a day-to-day basis - this will allow you to feel more yourself - afterall, each wedding is individual and you don't have to be listening to love music if that's not what you're into. You can find pre-made playlists on platforms such as Spotify, if you don't have time to make your own.
Take your time walking down the aisle. Your wedding day will pass by quickly, so savour every moment, especially when walking down the aisle. Take in the sight of your partner waiting for you, your guests and all your loved ones who have gathered together to celebrate your special day. My top tip: Hold your bouquet to the centre of your tummy and pop it out, so the flowers are facing outwards, and ask your bridesmaids to do the same! Much like in your planned shots, this looks better for photographs - and means that your flowers won't take away from you.
Embrace the unexpected. Let's not dance around it - something will probably go t*ts up, at some stage! But, don't let that spoil your day. Focus on the fact that you're marrying the love of your life and that's all that matters. I've photographed so many weddings and very rarely it all goes to plan! And if it does, and everything goes 100% perfectly on the surface, there's always something behind the scenes that you might not even notice. Our venue dropped a mic down the back of one of the fridges in the kitchen - they told me afterwards and I laughed about it, thinking I've seen it all before in my job photographing weddings! My top tip: Delegate tasks to the venue staff as they will be more than happy to accommodate on your special day.
Communicate clearly about speeches. Make sure to communicate with the people giving speeches at your wedding and provide them with clear guidelines. This will ensure that their speeches are appropriate, and you won't have to worry about feeling anxious or uncomfortable. My top tip: Ensure that your venue and your Photographer / Videographer have the accurate information RE schedule. Not everything goes in an exact, timely order, but a guideline is a good way to keep suppliers informed so that they can suitably accomodate your wishes and do their best work.
Bring comfy shoes for your reception. Wearing high heels can be exhausting (I find it's the kitten heels that can be a killer!), so pack a pair of comfortable flats (or, my personal favourite atm - good old sliders!) for your reception. You'll feel much better and be able to dance the night away without worrying about sore feet!
Put your phone away. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you don't want to be distracted by social media, texts, calls and the like. Leave your phone in your bag, or give it to your maid of honour, so that you can be fully present in the moment. You've hired a professional Photographer, so you don't need to take photos, unless it's the odd selfie - but I'm pretty sure your guests will make up for the moments you may miss!
Personalise your wedding day. Make your wedding day unique to you and your partner. Incorporate traditions that you both cherish, and eliminate the ones that don't resonate with you. The more authentic your wedding day is to your personalities, the more fun, enjoyable and memorable (for the right reasons!) it will be to you both.
Spend time together. Your wedding day can be hectic, but try to make a conscious effort to spend as much time as possible together. Greet guests together and enjoy each other's company. This is your special day, and you'll want to remember it as a couple. My top tip: The couple's photographs are the perfect opportunity to have a little quiet, reflective time to yourselves away from the hustle and bustle of your wedding guests. If your Photographer is subtle and makes you feel at ease, this is a time you can really relax into just 'being' together: chatting, laughing and enjoying one another's company.
In conclusion, remember that your wedding day is about the celebration of love, commitment, and the start of a new journey together. It's easy to get caught up in the planning and details, but don't lose sight of what truly matters! Take deep breaths, savour each moment, and let the day unfold naturally. Trust in your preparations and the professionals you've hired to make everything go smoothly. Above all, stay present with your partner, friends, and family. After all, these are the memories that will last a lifetime. With a relaxed mindset, your day is guaranteed to be nothing short of spectacular. And remember, I'm here with you every step of the way: ready to capture those priceless moments, always happy to help and offer a word of encouragement where needed. Here's to a wedding day filled with an abundance of love, happiness and long-lasting memories.
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