By Alysa Seeland
In this series we’ve talked a lot about saving money on weddings. Everything from how to have a wedding on a budget, how to save up for a wedding, and ways save on your wedding. As we draw this series to a close, you’ve accomplished a lot of things. You’ve chosen a venue, food, decided decor, found the perfect wedding dress, DIYed party favors and even tasted the cake. As you’re dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s - I wanted to give you the best advice anyone ever gave me - stop thinking and enjoy your wedding.
If you’re like me that’s a lot easier said than done, especially when you’ve put so much time into massaging the budget and performing all kinds of financial gymnastics to pull of this day. For that reason, I’ve included a list 5 ways to help you to sit back, and relax.
1. Eat lots of food
One of the easiest things to forget to do is eat! You’re greeting people, taking your entourage to the restroom with you, running from dancing to cutting the cake, to taking pictures with your 3rd cousins. It is precisely for all these reason that you need to take time right at the beginning and park it until you finish it. This is especially necessary if you’re leaving that night for your honeymoon getaway.
Smart Brides: Pack a snack for you plus one! Trail mix, vitamin waters, whatever tickles your fancy and can give you a quick burst of energy. That way whether you’re between photo shoots or sprinting to catch your plane you’re prepared!
2. Sneak away with your love and photographer
The best way to make this day special is to schedule an intimate photo session with your photographer between the ceremony and reception. Even if it is in the same location, taking time to celebrate this day just you two will keep you mindful of the reason you’re going through all this madness and will make the most precious pictures for years to come!
Smart Brides: Strike a pose! Whether you go Zoolander fierce, twitterpated duo, or jump in the air, letting loose will help you relax and make for some great mug shots!
3. Laugh when things don’t go as planned
I have some bad news for you...something is going to go wrong at your wedding. It may be as simple as mixing up a seating arrangement, or as large as breaking the clasp on your dress (like I did, in the powder room, by myself, right before I walked down the aisle). The important thing is the laugh. High stress situations can catapult us into hyperventilation and panic which inhibits clear thinking. Laughing at the situation not only diffuses tension, but allows you to think more clearly and solve the problem faster!
Smart Brides: Have a go-to girl who is not in the bridal party be “on-call.” For example, my aunt was by my side 24/7 to solve any crisis that might occur, wedding or reception. The Maid of Honor is great for pre-wedding prep but during the ceremony she has her own crisis to deal with!
4. Survey the scene
Dana from Broke Ass Bride says it better than anyone, “Take a deep breath and look around. Often.” The day is a whirlwind of white, hugs, kisses, food and cake and by the time you fall like a rock into bed - you can find yourself wondering what happened. While you will have pictures to help you remember, it’s better to have memories of your own.
Smart Brides: Know not to blink. Ok, so that’s a bit much. Take 1 minute every hour and just stare at something. You’ll catch the most amazing things; your dad squeezing your mom’s hand, your sister shedding a tear, your loved one with a twinkle in their eye - these are the moments too precious to miss!
5. Invest in you the day before
If you’re a runner, go for a loooong run. If you like getting your nails done go the salon and stay all day. If you’re a writer, find a place and journal. Whatever you like, spend some time alone doing that the day before. The worst thing you can do is run around trying to get last minute odds and ends to where they need to be, especially since the thing people will be looking at the most is you!
Smart Brides: Find someone else to do the last minute odds and ends - you’ve got a big day tomorrow.
It has been so fun to share my tips, thoughts and remenisce with you! Knowing how to enjoy your wedding day is so valuable and I am so thankful to everyone who helped our wedding day be a success. Now, I’d like to hear from you!
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