Your wedding day is one of the most meaningful moments of your life. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, hugs, happy tears, laughter, and likely some surprises (like the time when the bridesmaids planned a choreographed dance- which included the groom for the bride! SO PRECIOUS! ). With months or even years of planning behind it, the day itself goes by astonishingly fast. After almost every single wedding, the bride or someone turns to me and says- Wow. All that planning and hard work and boy, did it go fast.
I am always trying to stop and take in the moments. It’s important to me. Life moves super fast, therefore, I make an effort to be present and to pay attention to all of the big and small things. Planning a wedding is a lot of work, and it is the one day that all of the people that you love are in the same room. So how do you make sure you truly enjoy it?
Here’s a guide to help you be present, grounded, and fully in love with every moment on your wedding day.
1. Start the day slow
It’s tempting to jump straight into the day and begin rushing around. Easing into the morning sets the tone for the entire day.
- Wake up a little earlier than necessary.
- Drink your coffee or tea in peace.
- Take a few deep breaths or journal for a moment.
- Play music that relaxes or energizes you.
A calm start helps keep stress in check and reminds you what the day is really about.
2. Delegate (truly—delegate!)
You shouldn’t be worrying about details such as vendor arrival times. It also literally PAINS me when I see a mom of the bride running around straightening and organizing things rather than spending time in the bridal suite during hair and makeup. Give tasks to:
- A wedding planner or coordinator (this is a requirement here at Lavender on the Lake. We require a 30-60 day our planner at a minimum.) Read here for suggestions on some of our faves!
- Trusted friends or family, or the bridal party (again! Don’t overload your bridal party, friends or family. HIRE THE PROFESSIONALS. They are worth every penny in not only the gift of time it will give you with your family and friends, but also to help with the flow of things.)
Do you need help finding some vendors? Check out this blog to read more!
If someone asks, “Do you need anything?” just say yes. Freeing your mind from logistics lets you focus on the joy around you.
3. Build buffer time into your schedule
Wedding days almost never run perfectly on time—and that’s okay. Ask you planner where to add some extra minutes between things. This allows you to avoid feeling rushed and to get more space to breathe, talk, and soak things in.
4. Have a moment together—just the two of you
This might be during a first look, after the ceremony, or even sneaking away during the reception. Use that pause to say:
“We’re married!! This is our moment.”
These private pockets of time become some of the most cherished memories.
5. Don’t aim for perfection—aim for connection
Something will go differently than expected. A flower might be off-color. A song might play too early.
But that’s part of the story.
Shift your focus to:
- The smiles
- The vows
- The flowers or details you chose
- The people who showed up to celebrate you
Perfection isn’t memorable—connection is.
6. Stay hydrated and nourished
Wedding days are long, and it’s surprisingly easy to forget to eat. Be sure to have snacks and water during the morning. We have beautiful bridal suites here at our wedding venue with plenty of space for a delicious spread. We encourage you to bring in food during the daytime preparation. Additionally, don’t let the reception go by without enjoying your own meal. YOU did the tasting and made that food selection so be sure to savor it. You’ll feel better, look better, and enjoy everything more.
7. Be present with your guests—but not overwhelmed
You’ll want to greet everyone, but that doesn’t mean spending all night shaking hands. Move naturally through the crowd, and savor each conversation without rushing.
And remember: it’s okay to say,
“I’m so glad you’re here—let’s catch up again later.”
Some people may take up a lot of your time without reading the room. It’s YOUR day. It’s ok to step aside so that you can greet other guests.
8. Choose a few “non-negotiable” moments
These are the moments you absolutely want to savor, such as:
- Walking down the aisle
- Saying your vows
- Your first dance
- A moment with a parent
- Sunset photos
- A dance or toast with your closest friends
Let your photographer and planner know what these are so they can support you in capturing and protecting them. (I thought that Jason was going to lose his mind when we knew that a couple really wanted the sunset pictures, but the planner started a series of toasts that went right through sunset. This is a moment that you cannot recreate. Be sure that you know what your non-negotiable moments are, and let you planner and photographer know.
9. Put your phone away
I am a proud venue owner when I say that so far, I have not seen 1 single bride with her phone in her hand. (Proud venue momma moment!)
Texting, checking schedules, or scrolling through tagged photos can pull you out of the moment.
Assign someone to hold your phone or designate a time you’ll check it if necessary.
Freedom from the screen = more presence in the memories.
10. Stop, breathe, and look around
Throughout the day, take intentional pauses:
- During the ceremony
- When entering the reception
- Really take in the way that your flowers
Look at the faces of the people who love you. Observe the details. Feel the atmosphere. These pauses become mental snapshots that you will treasure forever.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day isn’t about everything going perfectly—it’s about the love, the moments, the people, and the memories that you will cherish forever.
Be present and joyful. Be yourself.
The day will pass by quickly, but the feelings will be a treasure that you have for a lifetime.
Thank you so much for reading my blog and being a part of the LOTL family! I support locally owned wedding venues by listing other venues here; I believe that family owned businesses offer a one of a kind experience that makes super memorial moments. You can also look here at this wedding venue map.