Bringing Peace into Your Wedding Day: Tips for a Calm and Joyful Celebration

Your wedding day will be one of the most significant events in your life, filled with joy, love and excitement. However, it can also come with its fair share of stress and chaos! To help you create a serene atmosphere and embrace the day fully, here are some tips for embodying peace on your wedding day.

1. Prioritize Planning

A smooth wedding day always beings with a solid, well planned and executed timeline. Collaborate with your vendors to create a timeline of your wedding day activities, from getting ready to the ceremony and reception, and be mindful to not schedule yourself to be rushed from one photo opportunity to the next. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of hiring a wedding planner, this alone will lower the amount of stress that you are carrying leading up to the big day, and will allow you to focus on enjoying the moment.

Tip:

  • We will schedule a time to chat one month before your wedding date to go over details and photography timeline.

2. Practice Mindfulness

In the days leading up to your wedding, take time to practice mindfulness. It can pay off big time to spend some time in nature, engage in meditation or deep-breathing exercises to ground yourself. It probably goes without saying, but schedule some time to pamper yourself! Get a massage, get a manicure and pedicure, and one of my favorite pieces of advice is to have as many of your wedding responsibilities squared away as possible one month prior to your wedding, or at the very least have it all done the week before your wedding, that way those days leading up to your special day can be relaxing and focused on feeling your best for the big day! On the morning of your wedding sit down with your favorite cup of tea or coffee and take a few moments for yourself to reflect on the journey that has led you to this day. Anything you can do to be more connected to the present moment will help you stay in the moment on your wedding day!

Techniques:

  • I love to take even just a minute to breathe in deeply, hold it for a few seconds, then fully exhale and hold for a few seconds – you might not be aware, but this does wonders to help reassure your nervous system that you are safe, putting you into a parasympathetic state, vs living in survival mode all the time!
  • Visualize your wedding day unfolding peacefully.

3. Set Expectations

It’s important to communicate your vision for the day with family and friends. Set boundaries about what you want to focus on and what you need from them. This can help prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary stress.

Tips:

  • Share your official timeline with family and wedding party before the big day so that everyone can plan accordingly for when to be ready and where to go upon arrival.
  • Discuss expectations with key family members ahead of time.
  • Designate a point person for questions or issues that may arise.
  • Communicate any complicated family dynamics to your planner and photographer in advance.

4. Choose a Relaxing Atmosphere

Consider your venue and decor choices carefully. If you want dinner to be peaceful and relaxing, you might opt for calming colors and natural elements that evoke tranquility. Incorporate soft lighting and soothing music to create a peaceful ambiance for you and your guests. You can always up the energy level for the party afterward with DJ lighting and music!

Ideas:

  • Use candles to soften the atmosphere for dinner.
  • Create comfortable seating areas for guests to mingle and engage in conversations.

5. Have a Calm Morning Routine

The morning of your wedding can be hectic, so establish a calming routine. Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast, a brisk walk or a soothing bath, find what helps you feel relaxed and grounded.

Suggestions:

  • Choose soft, uplifting music to play during your prep.
  • Keep the morning schedule flexible to accommodate any surprises.

6. Delegate Responsibilities

On your wedding day, trust your team to handle the details. Designate someone to manage logistics and address any issues that may arise. This allows you to focus on what truly matters—your vows and celebration.

Tips:

  • Create a list of tasks for your point person.
  • Communicate your expectations clearly.

7. Focus on the Moment

During the ceremony and reception, consciously focus on the present moment. Breathe deeply, absorb the sights and sounds around you, and connect with your partner. Remember that this day is about your love and commitment.

Techniques:

  • If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and breathe.
  • Smile and connect with your partner during the ceremony—this is your special time.

8. Plan for the Unexpected

No matter how much you prepare, things may not go as planned. Embrace the unexpected and maintain a positive outlook. A little humor and flexibility can turn a potential mishap into a cherished memory.

Tips:

  • Have a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies in case of weather changes. Cute umbrellas can be a life-saver!
  • Remind yourself that it’s the love that matters most, not the details.

9. End the Day on a High Note

As your wedding day comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the day with your partner, many of my couples love to share a private last dance after guests have been dismissed. Share your favorite memories and experiences, and savor the joy of being newlyweds.

Suggestions:

  • Consider a quiet moment together before the reception or after the ceremony.
  • Write down a few highlights to remember later.

Conclusion

Creating peace on your wedding day is all about preparation, communication, and mindfulness. By following these tips, you can cultivate an atmosphere of tranquility and joy, allowing you to fully embrace the love and celebration surrounding you. Remember, your wedding day is just the beginning of your journey together, and it’s a day to cherish forever. Enjoy every moment!

To see more of the meaningful moments that we capture on wedding days, click here to visit our wedding galleries.

Reply...


Editorial


Weddings


Portraits

BROWSE BY CATEGORY:

WEDDING

PORTRAITS

bridal

personal

engagements

press

tips

favorites

Wedding photography is about so much more than beautiful pictures of your wedding day - it is about the momentous curation of emotion and memories that are made on the day that two souls choose to be united forever. My heart for people, photography and all things romantic are what got me started on this journey of wedding photography ten years ago, and those same things are what keep me passionate about being a wedding photographer today.