If you’re planning your wedding right now, is everyone telling you that your wedding day will be a blur? Are they saying that you won’t remember a thing? That it will be over before you know it??
I get it. Most of the time, this is true.
Most of the time.
HOWEVER, Jeff and I believe that this DOESN’T HAVE to be true.
From our years of walking with our couples through countless wedding days, we know that if you take the time to stop, pause, and savor moments throughout your wedding – squeezing your bestie, smelling the flowers in your bouquet, holding your new hubby during your first dance – you will be able to soak in so much more than you realize, and you’ll smile knowing that all your dreams have become a reality.
You CAN remember your wedding for many years to come, and I’ve put together five easy things you can do on the wedding day to make your memories last.
1. Zzzz’s and Proteins
Resist the urge to stay up toasting with family until the wee hours of the morning at the rehearsal dinner. A full night of sleep can do wonders for your memories and will wake up the morning of your wedding feeling refreshed for your big day.
In the morning, fill your tummy with a breakfast high in protein and good (or at least tasty) carbs. You’ll need the energy to avoid a mid-day slump. The more energy you have throughout the day, the more you’re going to remember!
2. Check, Check, and Check
Jeff and I live by the saying, “Spontaneity is the reward of preparation.”
Do as much preparation as you can before the wedding, but then once the day starts, let your fabulous team of vendors work their magic. Prior to your wedding day, sit down with your wedding planner and run through the timeline and her checklist for the day. If you have any last minute concerns or questions, address them before the morning of your wedding… and then go to bed.
Your amazing team of vendors will take care of making sure your day is nothing less than perfect, so you can spend your energy taking in every wonderful moment of the wedding!
3. I Will Survive… with the Help of Comfy Shoes and a Kit
Comfort is KEY to enjoying your wedding day! Remember that time you put on a brand new pair of heels and comfortably strutted around town all day without a blister or foot cramp? Oh wait. That never happened, because every woman who has ever worn a pair of stunning heels knows that they are the opposite of comfortable.
Save your soles – and your soul – by breaking in your fab heels before the wedding. Then pack some stylish flats to throw on at the reception after you’ve looked absolutely fabulous in your gorgeous pair of Manolo’s at the ceremony.
While you’re at it, pack yourself an emergency day kit with items like a bleach pen, tampons, a sewing kits, bandaids, a mirror, mints, tissues, powder, chapsticks, and anything else you may need to battle mini disasters.
The more comfortable you are, the more you’ll be able to relax and savor the most meaningful moments.
4. Smell Your Flowers
It’s so important to take a few moments throughout the day to pause, breathe, and look at what’s happening around you, so Jeff and I actually tell our couples to smell their bouquet whenever they want to remember something important.
This act of pausing to take a deep breath and smell something that’s unique to your wedding day will ground yourself in the present and lock that memory into your brain – for always.
Our most favorite moments to pause and smell your flowers? During the First Look, just before walking down the aisle, and the moments before entering your reception.
Take a deep breath and listen to the laughter of your loved ones at the cocktail hour. Feel the breeze on your skin as you look at your new husband during the ceremony. Watch your parents dance with each other in the midst of the crowd at the reception.
These are the kinds of moments that will stick with you for years to come if you take the time to savor them.
5. Let it Be
You may envision your wedding day going smoothly, so when things don’t go as perfectly as you’ve imagined, focus on the details and the moments that are turning out fantastic.
You’ve hired a dream team of vendors that will take care of every little detail, so that you can focus on the joy of the day. Remember what’s most important: you are marrying the man of your dreams!
In the midst of all the fun and celebration, remember what brought the two of you together. Remind yourself of why you’re there.
At the end of the day, your wedding is about your love and commitment to one another. Don’t forget it. Go celebrate! Dance your little heart out, my sweet friend — you deserve it!
Hugs,
Erin
