Here are some tips for a stress-free wedding, from someone who has been witness to hundreds of weddings over the years! I hope you find this helpful.

Consider a first look

I have a whole blog post about some reasons why you might to consider a first look. This could definitely make your day easier - no jitters at the ceremony because you’ll already have seen each other, and it will allow you to relax during your cocktail hour and have fun with your guests!

Take some time

After your ceremony, take a few minutes just to yourselves to bask in your newfound wedded status. Regroup before you go out to celebrate.

Go with the flow

A wedding is a big affair, with lots of moving parts (and people!). If a small part of it doesn’t go as planned, try to take a deep breath and remember - the most important thing at the end of the day is if you and your love say “I do!”

EAT!

It seems obvious, but really… don’t forget to eat! Sit down and enjoy the food you chose months ago.

Have an Emergency Kit

Plan to have a small kit to take care of any dress or hair mishaps.

Some essential items:

Scissors
Nail file
Clear nail polish
Hair eleastics
Bobby pins
Fabric tape
Small sewing kit (and hopefully someone who knows how to sew - although I can step in in a pinch!)
White chalk (for dress stains)
Dryer sheets (for static)
Lint roller, floss
Eyedrops
Band-aids
Pain relievers
Tums/antacid
Q-tips
Tweezers
Tissues
Blotting paper (for face shine/oil)
Water

Point person for family photos

This is something I always recommend to all my clients! If you plan on having lots of extended family formal photos (ie, combos with aunts/uncles/cousins), pick out a person from both sides who can help round up the people for photos. Very important - do not choose someone from your immediate family or wedding party. We will need them for a large portion of the formal photos and don’t want them to get lost to the crowds of guests who want to chat!

Hire a day-of planner

If your wedding venue doesn’t have an event coordinator, or if you’re doing a back yard wedding, I highly recommend hiring a day-of coordinator. And this is a must if you are doing any DIY flowers, cupcakes or decorations that need to be set up. Believe me, you don’t want to be running around decorating on the day of the wedding (or even the day before). A day-of coordinator is a very worthwhile investment for your peace of mind!

Engagement session

Not all of my couples do an engagement session, but I know that it helps with those “I’ve never been in front the camera, what do I do???” feelings that most people have. After having some time in front of the camera, any nerves you might have will fade away. You’ll get a chance to see how I approach the formal photos, and I’ll get to see what poses and prompts will make you shine on your big day!

Make some time

Soon you’ll be making a wedding day timeline - and just in case- put a little padding in there!

Things come up - traffic, hair and makeup going long, limo is late to pick you up… So having a little extra time in there doesn’t hurt.

Above all, remember, the wedding isn’t going to start without you, so try not to worry too much! Have a mimosa handy and make the most of it.

Have a reception change of clothes

If you or your spouse are wearing a long dress with a train, I highly recommend this! Especially if you plan on being out on the dance floor all night. Most bustles are not made strongly enough to last through a night of partying. They invariably fail and then you’ll be trying to fix it every other song. Besides, who doesn’t want to wear an awesome jumpsuit on their wedding day?!

Feel the love!

Just remember, everyone will be there because they love you. If you’re anything like me, you many not be comfortable standing up in front of a large group of people and professing your love, for everyone to hear! This is of course the center of the wedding and what all your friends and family have come to celebrate. Just try to remember that everyone is there because they love you and want the best for you - they are cheering in your corner!