6 Wedding Day Tips You'll Actually Thank Yourself For Later
There are plenty of wedding planning checklists out there. Thankfully, right?!
You'll never forget to organise the flowers, confirm your timeline, and make sure someone has the rings.
But there are a lot of little parts to a wedding day that no one can possibly inform you about. After all, every wedding is so different!
After photographing elopements (and getting married myself!), I’ve noticed the same thing over and over again.
The couples who walk away saying, "That was even better than we ever imagined!," aren't the ones whose day went perfectly. They're the ones who were actually present for it.
There are literally hundreds of tips to share, but here are six simple wedding day tips that I think every couple should know before they get married to help you stay fully present, and cherish your day for years to come!
1. Record a voice memo together at the end of the night
Before you head back to your accommodation or before the night completely disappears into a blur, steal five minutes alone with your new husband or wife.
Open your phone and record a voice memo or a quick video. Think of it as a time capsule for 30 years down the track.
Talk about everything.
How you felt standing at the altar. What made you laugh. What surprised you. The moment that made you cry. Your favourite part of the day.
Because here's the thing...
You only walk away from your day with a handful of memories. And sometimes, as time goes on, you’ll forget how you felt.
Months and years from now, hearing your excited voices while everything is still fresh will become one of the most special memories you have. If you're having a wedding film made, that audio also creates the most beautiful narration layered over your video.
I truly wish I did this! Future you will be incredibly grateful.
2. Walk slower than feels natural
I know this one sounds weird to think about.
But nerves have a funny way of making us speed everything up.
So many brides say they barely remember walking down the aisle because it happened so quickly and they were nervous.
So, take a breath before you start. Walk slower than feels comfortable.
Look at your partner waiting for you, and look at your family and friends (they are SO excited for you!). Notice the flowers, music, and how it feels to be walking towards the one you love.
It's one of the few moments during the day where everyone else is standing still, so make sure you actually experience it.
3. Hold your bouquet at your belly button
This sounds oddly specific, but it makes a huge difference.
Holding your bouquet around belly button height keeps your posture relaxed, lets your dress shine and means your face isn't hidden in photos.
And fun fact, most florists actually design your bouquet to be held at this height. So doing this means your flowers are shown at their best too.
It's a tiny adjustment that makes a bit difference.
4. Decide beforehand whether you'll hold hands during the ceremony
Have a quick chat before the day about whether you'd like to hold hands while you're standing together.
That way there isn't an awkward moment where you're both wondering what to do with your hands.
Instead, you naturally reach for each other and feel connected the whole way through.
Not only does it feel comforting when the nerves kick in, but it also photographs beautifully because it captures genuine connection.
5. Skip the bra while you're getting ready
Ladies, if you're wearing a strapless dress or something with a low back, this one is for you.
Try to avoid wearing a bra for a little while before you put your dress on.
Bra straps and tight bands often leave marks that can take quite a while to disappear, and those marks tend to show in your getting ready photos and once your dress is on.
A loose button-up shirt or robe is usually the most comfortable option while you're having hair and makeup done.
6. Sneak away from your reception for ten minutes
This might end up being one of your favourite memories of the whole day.
Once the formalities are over and everyone's enjoying themselves, slip outside with your photographer for ten minutes.
We'll create a few fun flash photos, but more importantly, you'll get a chance to simply breathe.
No one wanting your attention. Just the two of you, soaking in the fact that you're finally married! YAY! Those quiet little times together will be a tender moment you talk about for years to come.
At the end of the day, you won’t remember a single thing about the logistics.
The moments you will cherish most will completely surprise you. The uncontainable joy of your guests before the kiss, the sweet gesture from your mum or dad, the tears in your grandparents eyes, and that look your husband gives you of “ oh my gosh, we’re married!”.
I hope these tips help you savour your special day, and make the whole planning process a touch easier!
If you're planning an elopement or intimate wedding in Brisbane or somewhere beautiful in Australia, my biggest hope isn't just that you end up with gorgeous photos. It's that you actually get to experience your wedding day while you're living it.
And don’t worry, the best photographs always come from moments you genuinely felt.