How To Be More Present On Your Wedding Day
When it comes to weddings, there is a LOT that goes on behind the scenes. A "perfect day" doesn't just happen overnight, but involves months (in some cases years) of careful curation, preparation, and delegation to bring your vision to life. With so much time and effort invested, it's easy to get caught up in the anxieties and stress of it all, that you forget to actually enjoy the event you’ve created! Living in the moment requires conscious effort, but is more attainable than you think.
Here are the top 5 things you can do to be more present on your wedding day.
Photos by Sarah Rubin Greene Photography
1. Hire a wedding planner/coordinator (of course!)
A wedding planner is the person you can trust wholeheartedly to represent you and your wishes on your big day. Despite any issues that may arise, you can count on your coordinator to remain a calm, relaxing and positive presence no matter the circumstance. We’ve seen it all and there is quite literally nothing you could say or do that would make us panic. The confidence in our services, preparations and vendors allow you to relax and enjoy the day knowing all of the details and logistics are handled.
2. Let your vendors do what they do best.
Professionals are professionals for a reason! Allow them the space and freedom to do what they do best, and save most of the DIYs for another time. Not only will this relieve unnecessary stress and anxiety, but will ensure that your wedding runs smoothly and efficiently. As tempting as it may be to recruit friends/family in place of industry experts (whether for budgetary reasons, obligation, or otherwise) I strongly encourage limiting family involvement on your wedding day. With that being said, it's still important to have a good support system in place for minor tasks that may come up; such as buying/delivering alcohol or last-minute trips to the store, etc.
3. Leave extra room in your timeline (buffer time) to avoid rushing between events.
There is nothing more stressful than running around from place to place, photo to photo, and feeling like you have no control over your day. Building a timeline with buffers in place will help you enjoy each passing moment without feeling like it went by in a flash. Even if it's just 10 minutes, buffer time is crucial for staying present on your wedding day!
Pro Tip: Your timeline is not set in stone! Feel free to switch things up if you need a break here and there. For example— if you have your bouquet toss scheduled in the middle of the reception but are needing some alone time, DO IT! Your timeline works for you, not the other way around.
4. Personalize your day with moments of intention.
Setting aside designated alone time throughout the day will help you to stay grounded and in the moment. Each section of your day, both big and small, should be cherished and celebrated. It goes by faster than you think! Sprinkling intentional moments into your timeline can make all the difference in creating an exceptionally meaningful experience.
Here are a few suggestions of extra special things you can incorporate into your day:
Write each other personal letters to read while getting ready.
Exchange heartfelt gifts with your partner and/or parents.
Do a first look with your bridesmaids and/or close family members.
Plan a small celebratory brunch with your wedding party.
Do a first look, first touch or private vow reading with your partner pre-ceremony.
Be very intentional about your meal time! Sit down for your meal together for at least 15 minutes.
Share a private last dance while your guests prepare for the send-off.
Pro Tip: Make sure to monitor your alcohol consumption and drink plenty of water throughout the day! This will not only help avoid dehydration, but allow you to stay fully present with your guests and loved ones.
5. Remember what the day is all about.
Inevitably, unexpected things will happen on your wedding day whether it's an unforeseen traffic delay, a forgotten boutonniere or a bridesmaid wardrobe malfunction, etc. Whatever the case may be, at the end of the day you are there to celebrate your love and that is ALL that matters! Don't sweat the small stuff.
