How to slow down and actually remember your wedding day.
I'm sure you've already been advised to 'slow down', 'take it all in' or words to that effect.
It's not so easy when you have your preparations (make-up, hair, nails), surrounded by chatting bridesmaids, the rush to the ceremony venue, the photos and then the reception. You will be in a state of heightened excitement, you have all your guests to greet, food and music to organise and so much other stuff competing for your attention. You're in a state of non-stop stimulus and your brain doesn't get time to file away any moments for you to remember.
You must step away for a moment or two to give your mind a chance to imprint precious memories.
Here are a few ideas to help you with that.
Snack Time
If you have organised an emergency kit for the day, include some snacks. When you're getting ready, find a corner, sit quietly by yourself and eat some food - collect your thoughts and take in the scene.
Pre-Ceremony Solitude
Depending on your venue, find a spot that hides you from your guests and waiting groom. Stand there and take deep breaths. You will see your man standing there, waiting for you - a special moment.
If you're both walking 'down the aisle' together - sit and hold hands for a moment.
Ceremonial Collective Deep Breath
Ask your celebrant to include a moment in the ceremony when everyone (guests included) stop for a moment and take five collective deep breaths - quietly breath, listen and be quiet for a minute.
It can be a powerful moment.
Post Ceremony Walk
After the ceremony and before the photo shoot begins, take a 15 minute walk together. Here in Hervey Bay, many couples have their ceremony close to the beach. What could be better than a quick walk on the beach, holding hands and realising that you've just got married?
Let your bridesmaids know what you intend to do, so they can explain to your guests. Your family and friends will all want to congratulate you. I've noticed that they tend to gather around and quite often the bride and groom get separated.
First Married Meal
So many couples forget to eat at their own reception. There are guests to attend to plus a multitude of small decisions needing to be made. Take time to eat together. Have your bridal party guard you from well meaning intruders.
Transition Moments
Regardless of how you structure your wedding day, there are going to be transition moments: in between getting prepared and doing photos, in between the photos and the ceremony starting, after eating but before dancing. Ask your bridal party or a special family member to remind you during these transition moments to step aside and take a couple of moments to breathe.
These will be the moments that your brain fixes in your memory.
Have a wonderful Wedding Day and make fabulous memories.
. . . Lena.
It's not so easy when you have your preparations (make-up, hair, nails), surrounded by chatting bridesmaids, the rush to the ceremony venue, the photos and then the reception. You will be in a state of heightened excitement, you have all your guests to greet, food and music to organise and so much other stuff competing for your attention. You're in a state of non-stop stimulus and your brain doesn't get time to file away any moments for you to remember.
You must step away for a moment or two to give your mind a chance to imprint precious memories.
Here are a few ideas to help you with that.
Snack Time
If you have organised an emergency kit for the day, include some snacks. When you're getting ready, find a corner, sit quietly by yourself and eat some food - collect your thoughts and take in the scene.
Pre-Ceremony Solitude
Depending on your venue, find a spot that hides you from your guests and waiting groom. Stand there and take deep breaths. You will see your man standing there, waiting for you - a special moment.
If you're both walking 'down the aisle' together - sit and hold hands for a moment.
Ceremonial Collective Deep Breath
Ask your celebrant to include a moment in the ceremony when everyone (guests included) stop for a moment and take five collective deep breaths - quietly breath, listen and be quiet for a minute.
It can be a powerful moment.
Post Ceremony Walk
After the ceremony and before the photo shoot begins, take a 15 minute walk together. Here in Hervey Bay, many couples have their ceremony close to the beach. What could be better than a quick walk on the beach, holding hands and realising that you've just got married?
Let your bridesmaids know what you intend to do, so they can explain to your guests. Your family and friends will all want to congratulate you. I've noticed that they tend to gather around and quite often the bride and groom get separated.
First Married Meal
So many couples forget to eat at their own reception. There are guests to attend to plus a multitude of small decisions needing to be made. Take time to eat together. Have your bridal party guard you from well meaning intruders.
Transition Moments
Regardless of how you structure your wedding day, there are going to be transition moments: in between getting prepared and doing photos, in between the photos and the ceremony starting, after eating but before dancing. Ask your bridal party or a special family member to remind you during these transition moments to step aside and take a couple of moments to breathe.
These will be the moments that your brain fixes in your memory.
Have a wonderful Wedding Day and make fabulous memories.
. . . Lena.
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