Great Expectations...
Posted by dlhgphoto on Apr 8, 2008 at 9:52 p.m.
Great Expectations... tips to staying calm and what to expect on your wedding day…
This is the number one piece of advice I give to all my friends, family and clients for their wedding day:
"Don't expect your wedding day to be 'perfect'. Perfection is an impossible pursuit and things will go wrong on your wedding day. If you accept this fact, and embrace it, you'll be much happier on your wedding day - and those mishaps will probably end up as funny memories."
I've seen an endless list of mistakes and mishaps - even at my own wedding, and by that point I had been in, at or worked for an insane number of weddings. Our officiant gave the wrong reading, my husband's wedding ring fell through the second story deck to the overgrowth below, even the standard "issues" with wedding party members and guests. Because my husband and I knew that no amount of planning would prevent some of these things from happening, we ended up laughing it off and easily dealing with it. Those mishaps are now some of our humorous memories.
A few "mental" tricks I've used myself and with brides and grooms I know.
When you start to feel stressed, close your eyes, take a deep breath and think of walking down the aisle. What do you see - your fiancé. All the other things: color of the flowers, disagreements or uncooperative wedding party members, anything all melt away.
Next - think of the kiss. That is what you're doing all of this for.
On your wedding day, takes breaks whenever you need them. If you need a break away from everyone then say so. Kindly tell your attendants that you need a few minutes to yourself, and ask them to watch the door so that no one disturbs you. Need a break from photos - take a break. Sometimes just taking a couple minutes of silence and alone can really do the trick.
When scheduling the itinerary of wedding photography for your wedding day make sure you allow for people to run late and little breaks. Don't try to fit all of your family and bridal party photos into 20 minutes. Everyone will stress out and you won't have any fun.
While you're getting ready before the ceremony have a tv playing some of your favorite movies or a cd player with favorite tunes. Having things to laugh or sing along to are a great distraction.
If there are certain people that you know will stress or upset you before the ceremony don't allow them to visit before the ceremony, or have a plan that your wedding party will find a way to escort them out after a quick "hello". Better yet, put a sign on the door the room you'll be getting ready in that says "bridal party only". Guests and family will often try to find the couple to say hello and visit before the ceremony starts. This is where your wedding party can come in. Have them kindly explain that you're either in the middle of something, doing photos, getting dressed, or just flat out that you're not seeing guests before the ceremony. If it means you keeping relaxed and calm, it's worth it.
Make sure to have some snacks and something to drink around when you're getting ready (avoid alcohol if you can). Just like the movies and music, a little comfort food can go a long way.
Overall - remember to have fun and enjoy the day. That's what it's all about.