Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and love. Staying present and fully engaged on your special day is the most priceless gift that you can give to yourself and your partner. Amidst the celebration and commotion, it’s essential to stay grounded in the present moment.
However, we understand that being fully present on this particular day, filled with so many emotions and moving parts, can be challenging to say the least. We’ve compiled a list of thoughtful tips to help guide you along the way, savoring every moment and create lasting memories:
1. Alone Time with Yourself
Upon waking up, before reaching for your phone (its okay, we’re guilty here too!) – take a moment to practice mindfulness. Feel present in your body, acknowledge the ground beneath your feet, and give yourself space to breathe in the moment. These solitary moments will ground you amidst the whirlwind.
2. Yoga + Breath work
Practice yoga or breath work to center yourself before the celebrations begin. Setting your intentions for the day ahead, manifesting peacefulness and ease will set the tone for all the magic to come.
3. Engage Your Senses
Be intentionally mindful of your surroundings. Notice the scent of flowers, the touch of your partner’s hand, the taste of local coffee. Engage all five senses to stay present and take it all in.
Our favorite simple meditation – 5 breaths acknowledging 1 thing you taste, 2 things you smell, 3 things you hear, 4 things you feel, and 5 things you see.
4. Visualize + Set Expectations
Visualize your ideal wedding day – set your intentions and expectations that will prepare you for those moments when they finally arrive. Then, communicate your vision and those expectations with family, friends, and your vendor team. Set clear expectations to avoid unnecessary stress.
5. Alone Time with Your Partner
Meet the morning of your wedding to silently sip coffee together or share a sweet first look and twirl in the courtyard before meeting at the aisle. These private and intimate moments are simply priceless.
6. Write Love Letters
Capture the essence of your story by writing love letters to each other before you meet at the end of the aisle. These handwritten notes are a beautiful sentiment that will express your feelings and serve as cherished keepsakes for years to come.
7. Read Private Vows
Before the ceremony, steal a quiet and intimate moment with your partner to read your vows privately. These heartfelt words will remind you of your love and commitment, grounding you in the present.
Need tips for writing wedding vows? Check out our blog here!
8. Sneak Out for a Beach Shoot at Sunset
Escape the reception or post-ceremony cocktail hour for a magical beach photoshoot during sunset. The soft golden light and crashing waves will provide a serene backdrop for intimate moments.
9. Share a Meal at the Sweetheart Table
Amidst the dinner portion of the festivities, consider sharing your meal intimately alongside your partner at a secluded sweetheart table. You’ll be able to reflect on all the magic of your event in real time while sharing a delicious meal together, relishing the flavors and each other’s company.
10. Moderate Alcohol Intake
While celebrating, be mindful of alcohol consumption. You’ll want to remember every single moment, so be careful to avoid overindulging.
11. Delegate and Breathe Easy
Delegate tasks to loved ones. Your wedding day should be about joy, not stress. Let friends and family handle small logistics, like timekeeping or family portrait wrangling, so you can focus on being blissful. More often than not, loved ones are thrilled to contribute in making the big day run smooth and seamlessly.
12. Give Gratitude
As often as you can, pause and express gratitude. Thank your loved ones, the universe, and your spouse for each step that led up to the joining of your love story. Thank the sunset for showing out, and express appreciation for all those who traveled to celebrate. Gratitude keeps you anchored in the present, celebrating each and every blessing along the way.
13. Journal or Snap Pics For Memories
Carry a small journal or a disposable camera. Write down snippets of joy, laughter, and love or snap pics of those candid behind-the-scenes moments throughout the day. These memories will be treasures to revisit.
14. Wiggle Room in Your Timeline
Plan your timeline with flexibility and plenty of room for delays. Unexpected moments are likely to arise, and having wiggle room ensures you stay calm. While staying on schedule is important, planning room for some pauses will allow you to take a deep breath when you need it.
15. Embrace Imperfections
Accept that some things might go “wrong”, but that these little idiosyncrasies make your celebration genuine and authentic to you. Imperfections add character to your day and become part of the love story that is uniquely yours.
Most importantly, give grace – to yourself, your wedding parties, your families, the vendors and everyone involved in your celebration. Nothing will be perfect, and it doesn’t need to be to have a beautiful day.
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, joy, and the unforgettable journey of two souls coming together. Stay present, breathe deeply, and soak in every beautiful detail!
Looking for more tips on how to feel your best on your wedding day? Check out our blog that covers how to prep for your wedding day weeks and months in advance!
Posted in Timeline, Wedding Planning Tips
