5 Wedding Day Survival Tips Every Bride Needs to Hear

We sat in the bridal suite, just her and I. She was stunning. Absolutely glowing.

Her dress was amazing, her hair perfectly in place, and make-up flawless.

Her guests eagerly awaited her arrival outside. We could hear the music playing as she put on her final touches of jewelry and perfume.

She looked at me with wide eyes and asked, “Do you have any advice?”

My brain immediately went wild with thoughts. What should I say? There was so much I could say, but what does she need to hear right now, in this moment?

I took a deep breath and said, “Enjoy your day. It all goes by so quickly. Take a moment to sit back, look around and enjoy.”

She smiled her gorgeous smile and nodded.

Later in the evening, she approached me and said that I had been correct. Her wedding day had in fact, flown by and she thanked me for the advice I had given earlier.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Words carry weight. And I hadn’t wanted to share something meaningless or offhand.

She had sought a connection and words of wisdom from someone who had been there. And I truly treasured that time!

But, it got me thinking. What else could I have shared? If not with this bride, but another at another wedding?

My family and I have captured countless weddings. Our experiences have been an education. We’ve learned what works, and what could be made better.

And so, I sat and jotted down a few of the wedding day lessons that we have learned throughout the years.

Now, I share those lessons with you! Each of these has been carefully cultivated with you in mind.

Read through, take heart, and most importantly, enjoy this season!

1. Take care of yourself!

Friend, self care is so, so important. Especially on your wedding day. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day, that often times, brides will forget to eat, and hydrate.

Eating small bites throughout the day, drinking lots of water, and even taking brief moments of rest are all necessary to sustain you. It’s a big day! Remember to take care of yourself so that you’ll be able to enjoy it to the fullest!

2. Don’t be the last to get ready.

The last thing you need or want on your wedding day is stress. Getting ready, (especially for the bride), takes time. And waiting until the last minute to get ready will not only make you, the bride, feel rushed, it will cause unnecessary stress. And, if fun getting ready photos are something that is important to you, it will limit the time that we have to capture those for you. Not to mention your first look photos if you choose to go that route. Do you need to be the first to get ready? No. Somewhere mid-way is best. Gauge your day, and chat with your hair and make-up team. And remember, give yourself plenty of time. The day passes by much too quickly. The more time you have in the morning, the better!

3. Ask your officiant to stand to the side during your first kiss as a married couple.

You’re officially married! And now it’s time for the big moment : the first kiss as a married couple. And there’s the officiant, standing right behind you, photobombing your epic shot.

Most officiants will move to the side for your big moment, but it’s always a good idea to speak with them ahead of time to avoid any surprises on your wedding day.

4. Opt for an unplugged wedding.

Nothing is more distracting than cell phones poised in the air, as the owners attempt to capture you on your big day. Opting for an unplugged ceremony gives us, as your photography team, the room we need to capture you in the best possible way.

After all, who wants phones in their photos?

5. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Things happen, friend. It’s a big day with a lot of moving parts.

If nothing else, remember this one thing : regardless of what may happen on your wedding day, you just married your person! And that’s all that really matters.