7 tips from a wedding pro on how to slow down and enjoy your wedding day
As a San Diego wedding photographer, I’m often looking to share tips with my brides + grooms on how to soak in and enjoy their wedding day. Welcome guest blogger Kim Hayes of Kim Hayes Photography! She will be sharing 7 awesome tips on how to slow down and enjoy your wedding day. Enjoy!
I know that as a bride, it’s important to slow down and be intentional about creating special memories for your wedding day. These will be the memories that you will treasure for years to come… The great thing is; that you have a photographer that will gladly document everything!
1. Work with your photographer and/or wedding coordinator to create your wedding day timeline. Create your timeline well in advance: Make sure that you include plenty of cushion just in case someone is running late. Send it out to all of your vendors, family members and the bridal party so that everyone will be on the same page on the wedding day.
2. Consider doing a first look: I have never had a bride say that she regretted seeing her groom before the ceremony. There are so many emotions that you will be experiencing on your wedding day, but if you see each other for the first time (without 100+ people watching) you will feel more free to enjoy that moment together. When I was getting married, I was really concerned that I would cry (the ugly cry where your eyes get puffy and your makeup is ruined) while walking down the aisle. My photographer suggested doing a first look, and I was so happy that we saw each other beforehand. My husband actually cried more than me (the grooms usually do lol). We were able to pray together and I felt so happy and calm afterwards. All of my stress from that morning was completely gone and I was ready to say “I do!” We also got some of my favorite photos from the day during that time. *You could also do a first look with your bridesmaids or dad.
3. If you are close with your family or your bridesmaids, consider scheduling a time for them to give you a blessing or words of advice before the ceremony: This can be a special time in the bridal sweet toasting with the girls or maybe having the parents meet with you individually or as a couple after your first look. This can make for some of the sweetest moments, but make sure you bring some tissues.
4. Exchange gifts: There is something special about exchanging gifts and/or letters with your beloved on the wedding day. You both will treasure these items forever.
5. Request an unplugged ceremony: Think about posting signs or asking your officiant to announce that you would like for your guests to be in the moment with you, as you say your vows, rather than worrying about documenting it from their devices. You are paying a professional to photograph the ceremony. Smart phones and tablets being held up can get in the way and also be an eyesore in your photos.
6. Enjoy your first meal together: I have seen so many couples rush into the reception, excited to see their guest, or needing to get the dress bustled for the first dance, and hardly eat a thing. Even if you don’t feel like it, it is important to eat (especially if you are planning on drinking). Make it a point to sit down and enjoy your meal; maybe even have a private table or plan to eat in a different room. This will be the first meal that you eat together as husband and wife. Make this a meal that you are happy to remember. *Also, eat your cake! I was so busy at my wedding, that I only had one bite of my cake and didn’t even try the grooms cake. I wish that I would have.
7. Have a private last dance. As your family and guests prepare for your exit, enjoy a private dance together during the last moments of your night.
I hope that you will take the time to really enjoy your wedding and that it is the best day ever! It goes by so fast.
Kim Hayes
Dallas/ Fort Worth wedding photographer
About Kim: Kim of Kim Hayes Photography is a Fort Worth wedding photographer located in the DFW area. Kim is a wedding, engagement, family and humanitarian photographer serving Fort Worth, Dallas and the surrounding communities. Kim loves building relationships with her clients, taking fun, relaxed and beautiful photos. She also loves to travel with her husband and is the Child Sponsorship Director for Real 4 Christ Ministries in Mombasa, Kenya. You can see more of Kim’s work here.