July 23, 2018
There are a few things I have noticed over the years while planning and attending weddings as a wedding planner. It didn’t take long to notice a few pitfalls that many couples were making (I have to admit, I made a few of these myself at my own wedding). But it also didn’t take long to implement the solutions into the plans for all my couples so that they would not make these mistakes on their wedding day. So here are the top three things every couple should do at their wedding.
You don’t have to take my advice here, but I do know a thing or two about weddings. And if you can manage to address the following three pitfalls in your wedding planning, you will have a better wedding day experience than if you didn’t.
Seriously, not kidding. You will have spent all this time, while planning, thinking about what meals you want to offer yourself and your guests. You’ll hem and haw over the passed hors d’oeuvres and stew pensively over the different food stations. You would be shocked how many couples don’t eat at their wedding. It’s simple, they are distracted. But it’s super-important. It’s a long day leading up to a wedding, and you will need the energy. And if you are drinking, you will want to be sure there is also some food in your system. And while I’m on the subject (of drinking) let me remind you of the importance of water on your wedding day. You may be tempted by mimosas and bellinis (good grief, I know I am!). And you can and should have a few. Just intersperse a few bottles of water to make sure you are properly hydrated. I know, the mom in me is coming out, but it’s true! Plan to have your venue coordinator bring you a plate of apps, and ask in advance, to have a doggy bag for your and your spouse prepared. Richie and I ate about 2 hours after we returned home.
Another one of the things every couple should do at their wedding is dance. There are a few good reasons. The obvious: You’ll have fun. The less than obvious: so will your guests! Let me explain: I once had a conversation with a photographer, while I was saying something about a less-than-full dance floor. She (brilliantly) pointed out that the bride was not dancing. She said that in her many years of experience (we are talking hundreds of weddings) that no one ever (EVER) lets the bride dance alone. So, if she’s out there, you can guarantee your guests will be too! So get out there. Cut a rug! You don’t have to be prefect. A little running man combined with some water-sprinkler will do the trick. You don’t have to take lessons, (Richie and I watched YouTube videos to practice for our first dance) but they never hurt.
You will be surprised to hear me tell you that you actually have to plan this into your wedding schedule, or it simply won’t happen. You will spend the majority of your time with your photographer, bridal party, and wedding planner. After that it will be a non-stop parade of family and friends. But this is probably one of the most important things every couple should do at their wedding. And, I know, this is a huge part of a wedding day. But I also want you to spend some time with your new spouse taking a moment to enjoy the moment together, but alone! It doesn’t take long; 10-minutes here, 10-minutes there. That’s all it takes to spend a few minutes reflecting together and enjoying the commitment you just made to one another! Take some time and leave your reception for a few minutes to watch the sunset together. Or, skip the receiving line (let your parents do it while you sneak off and spend the first 10 minutes of your marriage enjoying each other’s company alone. My favorite way to do this is for couples to leave their wedding ceremony in a fancy car and take a long, round-about route, to their reception. (I understand this option doesn’t work if you are one-stop-shopping with your ceremony and reception in one place.) But you get the idea. Plan to spend a little bit of time together with the person with whom, just seconds ago, you vowed to spend the rest of your lives with!
If you enjoyed this list of three things every couple should do at their wedding, then I would encourage you to read a few other of my “For Brides” blogs. These are geared towards helping every bride out there to plan (either on their own or with a planner) their perfect big day! One of my favorites: how to time your wedding invitations.
Thank you to the photographers who allow us to use their images on our site:
Ashley Mac Photographs, Heather Palecek Photography, Idalia Photography, Jessica Erb Photography, Susan Elizabeth Photography, Delaney Dobson Photography, Ann Coen Photography, Lovesick Inc., K Hulett Photography & Melanie Cassie Photography
BWE | 825 Devon Street | Forked River, New Jersey 08731
(973) 477-1392 | jeanne@bogathevents.com
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