TOP TIPS TO ENJOY A STRESS-FREE WEDDING

As wedding photographers, we get to meet a lot interesting couples. And generally we have found that they fall into one of three categories. 

The “I-am-here” type. These couples turn up on the day, and just let it go. They are present in the moment, leaving the stresses to everyone else, and just enjoying their wedding.

The “I-am-here-there-and-everywhere” type. These couples tend worry about even the colour of the water being served. They like to control every little detail, and go through the day very stressed.

The “I-am-here-and-I-need-you-there” type. These couples are a mix of the two above. They may appear calm and composed, but people around them are not. They spend their day dishing out instructions to everyone. 

Whatever type or personality you fit into, there are 5 strategies to combat the wedding day jitters and organisational chaos. And as every good bride knows, it all starts with planning.

Plan like a boxer

Professional boxers train very hard when they are preparing for a big fight. They perfect their form, physique, technique, and movement in the early part of their training. As they get closer to the big day, they do very light training just to sweat. They conserve their muscles and energy for the actual day.

Be a boxer. Plan the hell out of that wedding in your early days, even if it’s a year away. As you get closer to the big day, start relaxing and letting go. If you have been good with your planning, you would have covered all essential elements by then.

Wind down around 3 weeks before your big day. Take time to pamper yourself with spa treatments or massages. They help relax the body and mind, and reduce your stress hormones. Spend time with family and friends and build deeper connections.

If you have anything on your list that remains to be done, use your enviable position as the bride or groom and delegate. Find a reliable family member or friend, and hand over your list to them. It’s their responsibility now to ensure it gets done.

Delegate. Delegate. Delegate. 

Who doesn’t like to be in control? But with great control comes great stress.

The mantra you want to follow during your wedding preparation is “if this thing is causing me stress, I’m going to delegate it to someone and let them manage it.”

Have someone you trust and can rely on be your second in command. Talk through your ideas and vision with them, and prepare a specific checklist that they need to follow through. Explain each item in the list and what needs to be done, and by when. If it helps, download a planning app that notifies and reminds when a task is due or done. 

Chances are, if they know you really well, you will not need to spell it all out.

Once you have gone through the list, hand it off. Really, just hand it off and step back. Trust them to deliver and know that if there are any issues they can’t resolve, they will find a way. Their only objective is to ensure your wedding day goes smoothly, and you are calm and relaxed on your big day.

Pamper yourself.

Get a massage. Do the facial. Get a manicure. Go to a spa. Brides, even you should do it! 

Your wedding day is the day of communion, and a celebration of love. Imagine the two of you are walking through a beautiful garden. The roses are in bloom, the jasmine is intoxicating you with its fragrance, and there are beautiful marigolds adorning the path you are walking on.

You stop for a moment, turn and look into your partner’s eyes. You see the love and beauty shining back at you. There is nothing but bliss in that moment. And then, like the Incredible Hulk, you say “I love you so much and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it. But that’s typically how most couples feel on the day. Stressed, angry, anxious, confused and ready to battle.

Prepare your mind and body to destress at least 2-3 months before your big day.

Meditate. Eat healthy. Drink lots of water. Exercise. Spend time with family. 

Calm the Hulk down.

Unplug on the day. 

Have you ever noticed that when you go to a concert or an event, most people are on their phones recording the event rather than watching or enjoying it?

We have become so obsessed with creating and capturing a digital life that we forget to live those real life moments. There is a reason why you hire a photographer and videographer for the day. Let them do the hard work of capturing those moments.

Encourage your guests and family to just sit back, and be present in the moment. Encourage them to witness and be part of the union that is about to happen. 

A very common concept in the West is for the couple to announce to the guests that they would like for everyone to put their phones away, be seated and just be present with them in the moment. You have created this experience for everyone to come and enjoy, so let that magic happen.

Ask your guests to join you on this journey, and if possible, hand over a mic to the priest and ask him to explain what is going on with each step. It will stop guests from talking and will allow them an opportunity to become a real part of the ceremony.

Live your magic

You’re Walt Disney. You have envisioned this for years, planned it for months and finally created this magical ride, and you have been dying to sit in it yourself and experience it. Not only that, you have been really excited about how your family and friends are going to feel on this ride. You want them to be as excited as you are.

When you inaugurate this ride on the big day, you are a little anxious. A little nervous. A little excited. A little high. But as you get on this ride and your family and friends are behind you cheering, your magic is coming alive. Your vision is coming to life.

The ride starts, and there’s excitement and anticipation. Goosebumps. You can’t contain your laughter, your joy, and you can feel the love of your family and friends around you. The magic is really coming alive. You can’t believe how happy you are and the emotions you’re feeling. 

You turn around, and you see that you are surrounded by the people you love. They are all on this journey with you. Cheering. Laughing. Crying. Your eyes make contact with each person, and you feel their love for you.

But you’re still searching. And then you stop. You’ve seen those eyes before. And you can’t take your eyes off them. Tears roll down, and in that moment, you know this magic will last forever.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, we would be honoured to document your day. Get in touch with us here.