March 15, 2022
Being in the present moment can mean enjoying the little things in life. It can also mean, choosing to love who you are. It can also mean being warm towards yourself and others. It can also mean forgetting life’s worries. All of these are true. On a wedding day, the need to be in the moment; To be present right there and then reap amazing rewards. A bride and groom can find themselves bombarded with a million questions on their wedding day. It’s easy to get caught up in the details and lose track of what this day is really about – committing yourselves to one another. If you want to experience your wedding fully and learn how to be more fully present on such a monumental day, keep reading.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed many brides and grooms miss out on truly enjoying their wedding day. Because they were too busy worrying about what I like to call, “vendor things”. My wife is a perfect example as she stressed about a cake topper and cake knives during the cocktail hour that went missing and the wrong seating arrangements for distant cousins. All of these things are important, yes, because she did spend money on them, but they also deterred her focus away from her special day.
I always tell my clients to focus on the present moment, and soak it all in, minute by minute, second by second, because my job is to document everything that happens. So you not only get to relive the day but experience all the fun events that happened as if you were a guest at your own wedding.
1. Don’t sweat the small stuff
A wedding day has many many different moving parts. There’s bound to be something that happens that was not in the original plans. Whatever may go wrong, be it unexpected bad weather, late-arriving flowers, a missing cake topper, or wrong seating arrangements, don’t let these minor mishaps ruin your day. Instead, let them roll off your back because they are not as important as the moment you are about to share with friends and family. Your wedding day will be much more enjoyable and also much more emotional.
2. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
The more you can delegate on your wedding day, the less stressed you’ll be. Ask your friends and family to help out with things like setting up chairs, getting drinks for guests, and even keeping an eye on the kids. Trying to do everything yourself is a surefire way to introduce stress into a day that is supposed to be stress-free.
3. Practice Mindfulness
One of the best ways to stay present on your wedding day is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings at the moment. In other words, if you are standing at the altar and your mind is on what you need to make for dinner tomorrow. Then you are not present in the moment. I know that was a really extreme example, but it really brings the mindfulness concept home.
Mindfulness when taking photos:
The best photos are those where you are relaxed- your body language radiates joy! If you’re tense, it will show in your photos. Relax your shoulders, smile, and enjoy the moment.
Here’s a quick exercise to help practice mindfulness:
Take a few deep breaths throughout the day and focus on the positive. If you start to feel overwhelmed, step away from the situation for a few minutes and clear your head.
4. Stop and Take It All In
The day will move fast. Really fast. It will be a blur of many activities, camera clicks, and snap emotions. I want to remind you, and even encourage you to stop and take a few minutes to yourself throughout the day.
Step away from the crowd for a minute or two, turn off your phone, and just smile. Smile at the fact that you did it! Smile at the fact you have someone else to share experiences with you, FOREVER! Smile that your family and friends have traveled to see you and share your day with you! Depending on when you do this, you may have already been married or just preparing to walk down the aisle. Take in the sights of the decor, the sounds of the favorite songs you both picked out to accompany your day, and the smell of the flowers.
5. Invest in Quality Vendors
Investing in quality vendors will reduce stress and anxiety on your wedding day. When you have vendors who you trust and who have good reputations. They will give you one less thing to think and worry about.
Your wedding vendors will be experienced professionals who will make sure your day runs smoothly because they care just as much as you do about making sure you enjoy your day. The reward for hiring good quality vendors is knowing that you can relax, enjoy and present on your wedding day. Because they are invested in you and your wedding just as much as you are invested.
6. Gratitude
There is perhaps no better way to stay present on your wedding day than to practice gratitude as much as possible. Appreciate all the people who gathered to share this milestone and be thankful for this amazing event occurring in your honor.
A wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s a day to celebrate your love and commitment to each other – a day that signifies you and your partner beginning your journey together. As much as the cake, the guests, and the speeches are important, it’s crucial to remember that this day is about your love. Take a moment to sneak away from the crowds and just have a private moment together. It’s the perfect chance to express your love and truly appreciate your beautiful wedding day of yours.
Is there a particular idea from above that stands out to you more than the others? I’d like to hear from you. Leave a comment below.
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