After spending months and sometimes years planning your big day, it finally comes, and you’re expected to drop the stress and enjoy yourself. As a Boulder wedding photographer, I assure you it’s not as easy as it sounds! There are many variables and people, especially if you have a large traditional wedding. I’ve gathered my top three tips to help you and your partner plan to enjoy your big day. Please don’t get caught up in all the little stressors; sit back, and let’s ensure you’re prepared to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your person!

Eat. Drink. And Be Merry

Once the ceremony ends and you’ve made your promises to one another, it’s time to sit back and relax! While some couples may have planned for a raging party or a more casual cocktail party – be in the moment. Enjoy the delicious food and drinks you’ve carefully planned and curated over the past few months. It’s your party, surely you’ll enjoy the food! One of the biggest mistakes couples can make is not staying hydrated and eating enough on their wedding day. You’ve likely been up since the early morning, and heading into your honeymoon hungry isn’t a good way to start.

Instead, prioritize your and your partner’s health and overall enjoyment. Every hour, sit down and enjoy some water or a drink together. This will allow both of you to be in the moment and stay hydrated and happy. During one of your breaks, grab a bite to eat and talk together. Talk about your favorite moments of the day or your excitement for your honeymoon – this day is about you!

Add Additional Cushion Time to Your Timeline – Tips to Actually Enjoy Your Wedding

When working with your Boulder wedding vendors or your wedding planning, discuss the importance of a bit of cushion time in your timeline. Often couples try and squeeze as much into their timeline as possible, they don’t realize the beauty in the extra minutes of quiet time. Talk to your vendors in depth about how much time they will need for photos, glam, etc., to ensure you and your partner have time to decompress and enjoy the day together. Perhaps you had 10 extra minutes for your first look or bridal photos to sit together and be together. You both deserve it.

Only Implement and Do What Matters

Lastly, don’t forget that all the stress and planning is for you and your partner. Don’t give in to pressures or societal traditions for your wedding day. Do what you want! Perhaps you don’t want to have a first dance as a couple; skip it! Only implement what you and your partner want for your big day. Often, when couples try to do too much on their big day, things are overlooked, forgotten, or rushed. Instead, please focus on the few essential things and nail them. While reading my tips to actually enjoy your wedding, you may think this is an obvious one, but often it isn’t! Couples overlook their happiness to fulfill others’ needs. Be selfish on your wedding day!

As a Boulder wedding photographer, I understand how it feels to be placed in positions of feeling uncomfortable, especially on your wedding day. But I know that you deserve the best day and will get that! Stand your ground and remember these tips. It’ll be a great day!

Ready to meet your dream Boulder wedding photographer? Let’s chat today!