Weddings are full of special moments… The day in its entirety is special and unforgettable!
However, there are some moments that you do not want to miss.
A moment before the ceremony…
Before the ceremony, it is so special and important to have a moment, either alone or with just your fiance to slow down and remember what the day is all about. The preparation, getting ready, and final details of the day can be stressful and high energy, so take a moment to slow down and think of your fiance before the aisle.
Best ways to do this:
First look: this is a special moment with just the two of you to take each other in, reveal the dress/hair/makeup, say a few words in private, exchange notes/gifts in person, and calm the nerves before the ceremony.
First touch: if you do not want to see each other before the aisle, a first touch by holding hands around a corner/door is a creative way to still connect physically and get to have those few moments alone to exchange words in private, pray together, exchange private vows, or just talk and calm the nerves without spoiling the ceremony first look.
Exchanging notes/gifts: if you do not want to have a first look or touch, we still encourage you to do something to get your mind and heart in the right place after the full day of preparation for the ceremony itself. A way to do this is by writing each other a private note to read alone before the aisle. A member of your wedding party can deliver these to each of you when you are ready to have this moment alone. This is a special moment to reminisce on your relationship and get out those final words to your partner before you see them at the altar.
Reception peek…
It can be hard to stop and appreciate all of your hard work in planning and envisioning your reception space. We encourage all brides to take a moment to peek at the reception area to take it in before it is full of people. A beautiful reception takes months of preparation to become all that you imagined it would be, so do not feel guilty for sneaking in there once it is all prepped, and enjoy it for a moment before the guests arrive. Be sure to communicate with your coordinator, maid of honor, or parents that you want to do this so that they can help you sneak in without being seen and without many other people in there.
First dance….
Even if you are not a dancer… Dance for at least a minute with your spouse. You will not regret it, we promise! First dances can be intimidating, especially if you do not like being the center of attention, or hate dancing… but do it anyway! Practice dancing with your partner before your wedding, even if it is just “swaying slowly” for a minute or two. This is such a special moment that you will remember forever!
Dinner…
In the rush and excitement of the reception, it is easy to forget to eat that yummy catering you spent time and money deciding on. We know you want to talk to everyone, take all the pictures, and enjoy the night fully, but take a moment, sit down, and eat. Even if you feel like you do not have time, keep taking those bites of food. Even if you are not super hungry at the moment, you will be in an hour or two; so eat while you can. Your body, energy levels, and mood will all thank you if you sit down and enjoy your reception dinner for a few moments.
Last dance…
A last dance is becoming a popular trend and for a good reason. We have so many brides who say it is the best part of their night. At the end of the reception, when everyone is getting ready for your exit, take a moment to do one last dance alone on the dance floor with your spouse. This is another special opportunity to slow down and remember what this day was for, take in what the day has held, and bring the attention back to just your partner. Your spouse is the reason you are there, and the reason you just shared the day with all your loved ones, so spend that last moment of your wedding with just them.
Do not forget to put time for these in your “day of” timeline, so that there is plenty of time to enjoy these moments and let your photographer/videographer know what moments you want captured.
