We got married twice, once in Dublin and a month later in Brazil, so we know all about how stressful your own wedding can be! As professional wedding photographers in Dublin we’ve seen it all: You wake up on your wedding morning nervous and excited for one of the biggest days of your life and you need to follow a timeline. It can be overwhelming! To help you prepare for your day, we have put together a list of 17 wedding tips that will make everything run that little bit smoother. Let’s go!
1. Hydrate
First on our 17 wedding day tips is to hydrate! Prior to your wedding day drink loads of water. Not only it will do wonders for your skin but it will also help to keep your energy levels up & will help your digestive system. Needless to say you should drink loads of water on your wedding day too!
2. Have an early night
Go to bed earlier than usual the night before. With all the excitement it might take you longer to fall asleep. Make sure you get your beauty sleep. Bilateral music might help! You want to be rested as you have a big day ahead of you the next day.
3. Don’t forget to eat
Have a substantial breakfast – high in protein and complexed carbs. It’s a really long day! You might also want to have a sandwich before getting ready to leave to the ceremony.
4. Delegate
Don’t be shy and tell people what to do. If you don’t have a wedding planner, nominate a bridesmaid or groomsman, to be the point of contact on the day to deal with the vendors and venue and to collect all the cards and presents for you. That way you will be able to enjoy your day without having to think of small things or any issues that might arise.
5. Have an emergency kit
We usually carry one with us on wedding days but we always suggest that couples prepare an emergency kit themselves. You can include things as sewing kit with scissors, needle and thread (in the colours of the wedding party outfits), a first aid kit, tablets you usually take for pain, make up removal wipes, tampons… anything that will help you in case of an emergency!
6. Have your dress and accessories handy and keep the room clear of any clutter
This will make a big impact on your getting ready photos. It makes it easier for you and your photographer if your dress and accessories are laid out to be photographed and the room is clean and clear of suitcases and bags. That way you won’t be disturbed to try to find things and everything will be ready for you once your make up and hair are done. Keep your bags and other things you won’t need inside a wardrobe or bathroom.
7. Music Matters
Everyone knows that music helps setting the mood. Choose a nice playlist of songs to listen to in the morning. Or ask one of your bridesmaids to choose them! A good playlist can really get the party started early! Here is an example of a playlist you can listen to while you get ready.
8. Allow enough time for portraits before you leave for the ceremony
Allowing enough time to put the outfit on gives you the opportunity to get touch ups and to get beautiful photos taken while the make up is fresh, before leaving for the ceremony. Trust us. You don’t want to be in a rush! You won’t regret it!
9. Be ready for the happy tears
You never know when the tears might start falling! Keep some tissues handy. You can ask your partner to put some in a pocket or hide some in the middle of your bouquet just in case you need them during the ceremony. Your bridesmaids can do the same.
10. Concentrate on each other during the ceremony and take it all in
This may be 10th on our list of 17 wedding day tips but it’s one of the most important ones! Try to forget about everyone else. Hold your partner’s hand and look at each other during the ceremony, especially during the vows! It seems obvious but you would be surprised by the amount of couples who get nervous and forget to do these ‘small’ but very important things.
11. Prepare for the family photos
We always ask for a list of family members you would like photos with and the different combinations you have in mind. Have that list and let everyone now when and where the family photos will be done. Nominate someone from your bridal party to round up your relatives – that way this part will take less time if everyone is prepared. This will help everything flow more smoothly.
12. Enjoy your time with your partner during your couples portraits
We know being in front of the cameras is not easy for everyone but it’s important that you feel relaxed and comfortable. We always tell to our couples that we will bring them for a short stroll while we take some photos and films. See this an opportunity for the two of you to spend some quiet time “alone” – away from your guests. Allow yourselves 15 min for cuddles, kisses and hugs! Let your love shine! If you enjoy yourselves, you photos and films will only reflect the amazing time you had together and you will love to look back at these memories!
13. Think of your guests' experience
Depending on the time between the ceremony and dinner your guests could get quite hungry! Make sure enough hours d’oeuvres and finger food will be served during drinks reception and consider keeping the speeches short in case they are done before dinner.
14. Make a big entrance
Weather you’re walking or dancing into the dinning room to the sound of your favourite song make a big entrance… enjoy the moment and have fun!!
15. Consider keeping the speeches short and sweet
As we mentioned above: try not to drag your speeches out, especially if they will be done before dinner. Your guests will appreciate it! If you are not planning on writing down your full speech, write down bullet points and stick to them. Don’t forget to thank people – especially your partner! Another idea is to have the speeches during the drinks reception. Taking the formalities out of the way will allow everyone to relax and enjoy their meal.
16. Enjoy your first dance
This is your very first dance as a married couple so enjoy it before inviting everyone else to join you on the dance floor.
17. Remember why you’re getting married and have fun!
Last but not least on the 17 wedding day tips: Things might not go as you planned but remember the important thing: you are marrying the love of your life surrounded by the people you love. Your wedding day will go by sooo fast so remember to take some time just for the two of you and most importantly don’t forget to HAVE FUN!!
Do you have any other tips to share? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to share this post with someone who might need it.
In order to provide the attention our couples deserve, we deliberately limit the number of weddings we accept each year. If you would like to receive more information about our work and check our availability, please get in touch.
We would love to hear all about your plans for your wedding day!