It may sound impossible, but we truly believe the couples we work with can feel fully present during their wedding weekend. With proper planning, a bit of trust and awareness of what elements you anticipate to cause you the most stress, you can get ahead of your worries and fully plan to enjoy the celebration.
HIRE A PLANNER
But, of course, I’d say that. But truly, hire a planner. It can be a month of coordinator if you’d like but keep in mind that you want someone who knows your expectations intimately and who you trust to implement. The areas where most couples get distracted has to do with something not being executed properly, a vendor not arriving on time, and other mishaps that come up on the day. Often couples put so much thought into every detail that it can be hard to accept when the caterer didn’t fold the napkins how you hoped or that the lighting palette is not what you planned. It’s great to have someone you can depend on to make sure those little decisions are implemented as envisioned. Month of coordinators can relieve a little pressure but if you want to feel the most comfortable, consider investing a bit more to have a true partner throughout the process.
BE REALISTIC & ADJUST ACCORDINGLY
Be realistic about your family dynamics and adjust accordingly. If you have a strained relationship with your cousin, or if you tend to get stressed when your mom is also stressed, consider creating some boundaries on the wedding weekend. This could look like having a separate hair and makeup room for family members who you want to honor but may not want to soak in their energy. Or it could look like making sure you have your own space to retreat to when you start to feel a little anxious. Either way, think through those relationships and determine what accommodations need to be made so you can truly enjoy yourself.
PLAN IN ADVANCE
To truly remain present your wedding weekend, try to have every detail planned in advance. Leaving things like the seating chart, payments or even the smallest decisions to the last minute simply leaves you exposed to have to answer questions all weekend long. Try to have all major decisions signed off 30 days prior to your wedding and then little tweaks complete 10 days prior.
BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT TIME WITH VIPS
With so much happening and so many people around, it can be very challenging to actually soak up time with your partner, your parents and son on. Not only do you want to ensure you can be present with your guests, but it’s also good to be super intentional about finding moments with those closest to you. This might look like ensuring you have a first look with your dad, making sure to get a moment with your mom while dressing or planning a moment alone with your new spouse right after the ceremony. If you don’t get the time to spend with those most important to you, it will be that much harder to be present and enjoy your weekend!
