Wedding days can be a lot to handle. They are full of excitement, emotion, and a little bit of chaos. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable to be stress-free on a big day, but there are plenty of things you can do to minimize that stress and keep things flowing smoothly. Remember, at the end of the day – it’s about presence, not perfection.

Tip #1: Hire a Planner

It’s common for people to think that wedding planners are just an extra thing to add on to your day, or just a nice addition to the planning process. In reality, a wedding planner is what holds the entire day together behind the scenes. Any little issue that comes up? They’re there to adjust accordingly and keep things simple for you. They manage timelines, vendors, and unexpected hiccups, and keep things moving. This takes a huge weight off your shoulders on your wedding day, ensuring that you’re not spending your special day answering questions and putting out fires. As a photographer, you can always tell the difference between a wedding with a planner and a wedding without one. I’ve had a wonderful experience working with @michaelaelyse_events. They work so hard to make their couple’s day a success and execute every vision perfectly.

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Tip #2: Add Buffer Time Into Your Timeline

The number one stressor for weddings is rushing! A time crunch is the last thing you want when you’re trying to savor every moment of your big day. To try and avoid this, it really helps to add some buffer time in between your key moments. That means giving 10-15 minutes, give or take, between things like getting ready, first looks, private vows, ceremony, etc., so nothing feels frantic or overwhelming. This helps with the overall timeline of your day, while still leaving you with room to enjoy the real moments with your most important people. You don’t want to feel like a long to-do list, rushing to check off boxes – so save yourself the stress and plan ahead for the inevitable moment of something going off schedule. Even better than avoiding stressful moments, buffer time also gives you peace of mind knowing that you have wiggle room and it won’t throw off your other events.

Tip #3: Let Go of Control (And Trust Your Vendors!)

This can be hard; you put a lot of time and energy into making your wedding day a success. Letting someone else take over can be a bit nerve-wracking, but the people in charge are there for a reason! You have taken the care to select your wedding day team, from bridal party, to guests, to vendors – everyone is there for you! Your coordinators and vendors are there to help make your day a success, so let them do what they do best. The more a bride tries to manage, the less she is able to experience on her wedding day. Your team is there to work on the small details, so you are able to stay present and enjoy the special moments.

Your wedding day goes by so quickly; your goal should be to experience and feel everything throughout the day. Your instinct may be to manage, but try to lean on your wedding team. They want you to enjoy the special details and savor the hard work you put into your big day. These choices can have a huge impact on how you spend your day; leaning into them can ensure that you spend your time making the day peaceful and memorable, instead of trying to perfect every
aspect.

xoxo,

Alexis Johnson