7 suggestions for Wedding Day bliss

It’s the big day. You may have been planning since you were six-years-old or only since you got the ring, but you want this day to be perfect. The first step in achieving this perfection is to relax. There are a few things you should know about weddings that no one ever thinks to mention:

1. Weddings are notorious for running late. It doesn’t matter that you are the most punctual person on the planet; something will take longer than expected. Be sure to build in plenty of buffer time and then go with the flow. Your hair and make up may take longer than the trial, or the best man may get caught in traffic. This day isn’t about a schedule; it’s about having a great time celebrating your love with those you care about. Don’t feel like you have to rush. Take the time you need to be the beaming beauty rather than the wide-eyed wild woman. Giggle with your friends, have a glass of champagne and enjoy the moments you’ll cherish forever. Remember, they can’t have the wedding without you.

2. Little imperfections of today are the funny stories of tomorrow. If the groom’s zipper breaks and his grandmother has to sew him into his slacks, don’t forget to end the tale with a stop by the convenience store to pick up a pair of scissors. Not everything will go exactly as planned. Your job that day is to smile and laugh and be happy and to let any of these little issues slide right off.

3. Put someone else in charge. Your wedding day should not be filled with lists and instructions. Plan all of the instructions during the week leading up to the wedding and sit back and relax while your little worker bees do their jobs. You are there to have fun and enjoy every minute. Think about hiring a coordinator. If you want to spend the day with your friends and family, you don’t want them fussing about the boutonnieres or that the programs are laid out just right. A coordinator can visit the reception site with last-minute instructions while you and your friends are sharing that glass of bubbly or while your mom is tearfully giving you great grandma’s lace hanky.

4. This is your day, not your best friend’s and not your mom’s.

While your friends and especially your mother want this day to be perfect for you, their idea of perfect may not align exactly with yours. Be sure to communicate with them that this day is about you and your fiancé, and while you truly value their opinion, you have always dreamed of having a blue cake rather than a white one.

5. Be willing to compromise. While this day is about you and your fiancé, don’t feel that you should proclaim yourself Queen. Choose the things that are most important to you. This is your list of things you will not compromise. Everything else is up for negotiation. If your mother insists that you need organ music for your church service but you have always envisioned yourself walking down the aisle to a string quartet, offer up one of your negotiable items in exchange. Occasionally you will have to put your foot down, but if you stand your ground on some items while giving way on others, you will have a much smoother ride through the planning process.

6. It’s a wedding, not a fashion shoot.

That is unless you want it to be. Make sure the vendors you choose understand your goals and are able to provide what you want. If you are looking for mostly candid photographs, you may want to think twice before hiring a photographer with a portfolio full of posed work. Before you start booking people, sit down and think about what is most important. Book those items first.

7. Eat!

You paid for the food, now enjoy it! You may be so busy enjoying your guests that you completely forget to sit down and have a bite. Ensure that someone knows to fix both you and your husband a plate. You may not eat until you reach the hotel, but often caterers will pack you a little picnic which you will definitely appreciate later.

Every wedding is unique, but there is one thing they all have in common. If you end the day married to the one you love, it is a successful day!

Claire Presnall

Rebecca Claire Photography

www.rebeccaclaire.com