5 Tips for an Authentic & Joyful Wedding Day
There is no sugarcoating that wedding planning can be stressful. You’re putting an insane amount of time, energy, and resources into planning an awesome love celebration and sometimes it can’t help but be exhausting!
At the end of the day though, it’s like I always say to my couples: if you’re not going to have fun on your wedding day, then what’s the point?
Why stress yourself out for months, sometimes years, only to have planned a wedding that is too big of a production where you’re exhausted, uncomfortable, and don’t even get to spend time with your guests?
This post isn’t about comparing doing your wedding one way or another! I’m here today to chat about how you can get the most enjoyment, fun, and value from your special day: no matter how you decide to plan it :)
Tip #1
An easy but IMPORTANT one to start you off.
LET THOSE EMOTIONS OUT AND ALLOW YOUR HEART TO FEEL!!
Many people tend to quell their emotions or are uncomfortable expressing them (which is totally understandable!), however your wedding is a special day where you’re going to be FEELING ALL THE THINGS! Allow yourself to laugh, cry, express your joy, and you will be liberated and totally open to soaking up all the goodness around you. I’m a major advocate for having an open heart so I can’t stress this enough- plus it will help me create incredible photographs for you when you share your happiness with me.
Tip #2
Look at your planned structure for the day and be honest with yourself if it’s what you really want.
There’s no right answer to how to structure a wedding- what’s right for you is right for you. Regardless of how you’ve imagined it, talk through the ideas and potential plans to see if you can imagine enjoying the way the wedding will unfold! You may be more prone to stress, just prefer a more chill day, or you may thrive off a party and want something as fun-packed as possible! Ignore judgements and negative opinions, because the most important thing is to know yourself and your partner, and to make plans that are right for you both. I’ll be there right by your side to document everything no matter how it goes :)
Tip #3
REGARDLESS of your plans, always allot more time for things than you think you’ll need!
I can PROMISE YOU: the structure of your plans DO NOT MATTER when it comes to the need to enjoy yourself and breathe. :) I’ve photographed over 60 weddings and no one likes to spend all day rushing around like crazy to do everything! Give yourself a bit of leeway in the schedule for bathroom breaks, food stops, traffic, and general delays. Schedules are important to keep your day flowing, but it will help you SO much to know it isn’t super-strictly timed down to the wire.
Tip #4
Make a point to enjoy the company of your family and guests!
Forgetting this IS THE #1 THING I’ve heard couples regret after the wedding! With all the goings-on, you may hardly get to talk to everyone you invited… and then your dance starts and you’re all in party mode!
The adventures I’m photographing on your day are of course super important to get those priceless memories, but there’s numerous ways you can spend time with people that fits right in. Set aside time for a little get together mid day, or have a cocktail hour before dinner. You could even do a casual, cocktail-style reception if that’s what you dig! From experience, I can tell you that my couples taking a bit of time with their guests somewhere really enriched their day- and you’ll get some truly beautiful candid photos of you enjoying time with your loved ones :)
TIP #5
This day is for you and your partner to celebrate your commitment. Take time to appreciate that together.
Like I said in Tip #4, your wedding is an amazing opportunity to spend time with everyone you love and that remains important! BUT. It’s totally, 100% okay to not be at the centre of everything all day. Just take a breather for a minute and do a bit of nothing if you need it.
Go have a drink together, take a walk for a bit, drive your own vehicle so you can be with one another, or even have a quiet few moments together in a side room before entering your party. There’s limitless ways to stop, soak it all in, and appreciate your commitment amongst all the activities of the wedding. You’ll thank yourself for taking a quiet, grounding moment together to remember how far you’ve come and to appreciate the day.
Take these tips and go forth to plan the wedding of your dreams!! Keep love, gratitude, and an open heart at the centre of it all. You got this, and I cannot WAIT to be along for the ride documenting all your happy adventures! LETS DO THIS!