15 days ito marriage and so far things are going great, things feel the same as they did before except even better, so I am pretty much an expert on the whole marriage thing, right?! Maybe not yet but one thing I do know through professional and first hand experience is about wedding planning.
People will tell you that your wedding day will go so fast. You’ll hear this said often. Everytime I heard it I was thinking, “Yeah yeah I’m at weddings all of the time I know how they go.” *Insert eye roll* And also it was a little annoying to hear all the time because I felt like the wedding was over before it even started.
But guess what you guys? They are not kidding!! It felt like someone was pressing fast forward on time.
I am happy to say that there is not a single thing about my wedding day that I regret or would change. It was an absolute dream. I also know that unfortunately not everyone can say that. So today I am sharing five ways to be fully present on your wedding day.
1.Hire Professionals
You didn’t really think I would write this whole blog and not mention how important it was to hire industry professionals did you? I mean this from the bottom of my heart though. The second that I see that friends are doing hair or makeup, or members of the bridal party are coordinating tasks on a wedding day I know we are already going to be behind on time. Professionals know what they are doing and will be upfront about the work they do and the time that it takes. As a bride, it is so freeing to not have to micromanage on your wedding day or through the planning. I didn’t tell the florist a color palette, didn’t send the photographer any poses, I didn’t tell the DJ what music to play.. Because why should you? Hire talented people who you trust and who understand your vision. The last thing that you want to be doing is cleaning up, setting up, figuring out errands when you should have a mimosa in hand and enjoying every second.
2. Be organized and intentional in your planning
Planning can be really stressful but a well thought out and thorough timeline (with cushion time) changes everything. Again, hiring a professional will help you with this. If your dress has a ton of buttons, plan for that time. If you want sunset photos, make sure that it will work with the sunset time. If you need time to bustle your dress, make sure someone knows how to do it. Make sure ALL of the vendors, family members and bridal party all know what is going on and when. Communication is key here.
3. Take it all in
This goes with being intentional. We had a few opportunities to really take a step back and witness the celebration and it was absolutely magical. I cannot recommend this enough. Take some time to just be there in the moment, fully present, and witness what your wedding is. We had a sweetheart table so we could have some time alone to have a meal together and sit back and witness all of our loved ones gathered together. We also had sunset portraits so we had a little time to be alone and soak in the newlywed bliss while our party happening. Our wedding coordinator also grabbed us for a minute during the reception and we stood outside together, in the dark, just looking through the windows at the dancing and laughter and everyone who travelled near and far celebrating and having a great time. It was a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life. T
4. Ask for help
Seriously. You can’t do it all. Ask your parents, your siblings, your aunts, friends, bridesmaids, whoever it may be, for help if you need it. Someone can bring lunch, pass out hotel bags, pack coolers with you beforehand, drop things off at the venue, etc. Your loved ones WANT to help you and you are going to need the support and extra hands!
5. Keep your cool & let go
I know that this is easier said than done. I have seen a lot of brides who are absolute angels and are so joyful and sweet all day long. I wanted to be just like them. I have also seen brides let stress steal the joy from a room. You have one wedding day. ONE. The planning is over. You have likely spent months planning out every detail and guess what? No one will notice if anything is wrong… probably not even you. I didn’t even get to see my centerpieces. Or what was in the restroom basket. Or where the koozies were or even where the cake was after it was cut. But I did get to take selfies with my mom, watch my friend’s and sister’s feel beautiful and appreciated, have champagne toasts with our party, dance with my new husband and watch him keep touching the ring on his hand. I promise you those are the moments you planned for. The moments that will be engrained on your heart forever. Do not miss them <3
