8 Things to Prioritize on Your Wedding Day

Wedding planning can consume a great deal of your time and energy, often leading to overwhelm with al the reception details and seating plans. While it’s crucial to realize your dream wedding vision, remember to set aside time on your big day for some truly special moments. If you’re overly focused on achieving perfection – you might find yourself wishing you had savored the day more. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of making the most of your big day! Here are 8 things to prioritize on your wedding day.

1. Wedding Day First Look

One of the sweetest and most tender moments on your wedding day could be the ‘first look.’ Although not traditional, it is becoming more and more popular these days. Seeing your significant other for the first time on your wedding day is always special, but a first look allows for a private moment before the ceremony starts.

Enhance this memorable activity by reading your vows privately too! Worried about crying at the altar or struggling to read your vows? A first look is an excellent way to shed those initial tears beforehand. Don’t worry, we can always arrange for a make up touch-up if needed!

Also wedding days go by so fast! Opting in for a first look will elongate your day and allow for more time with friends and family! If enjoying your cocktail hour is important to you, then prioritize time for a first look.

2. Buffer Time

Having photographed weddings for years, I’ve realized that things can go off schedule — and often do! You’ll want to relax and not stress about delays. So having a bit of extra time built in to your wedding day schedule is crucial for a calm and carefree experience!

3. Delegating Wedding Day Tasks

Want to really prioritize being in the moment on your wedding day? Then delegate! The only thing you should be worrying about on your big day is having a blast! Find people you trust to take care of all the last minute details for you and communicate with them in advance.

4. Golden Hour or Sunset Photos

Who doesn’t LOVE a radiant golden hour or sunset photo? Golden hour (the hour before sunset) provides perfect lighting for stunning images. Snapping pictures at this time can add a romantic touch to your wedding photography. Yes, wedding photos are inherently romantic… but trust me, golden hour elevates them to a whole new level! If you can sneak away from your reception for a few minutes with your photographer, do it! You won’t regret it, I promise.

5. Enjoy Your Meal 

It’s easy to get caught up in it all. Greeting guests and expressing gratitude for their presence. But remember, it’s a long day and it’s important to eat! You have also hand-selected this delicious menu so enjoy it! I suggest that before going table to table, take a moment to sit down and savor your dinner. And don’t forget to grab a piece of wedding cake too!

Pro-tip: If you opted for a first look, you’ll have time to greet guests during cocktail hour. This means you can skip the tables of the guests you’ve already seen. Also, prioritize guests that you didn’t spend time with earlier in the day or at the rehearsal the evening before. Save the wedding party and immediate family tables for last. That way, if you’re running tight on time, you’ve already seen them. Plus, you’ll likely be breaking it down with your wedding party on the dance floor later!

6. The Last Dance

While the first dance is a cherished tradition, have you considered the significance of the last dance? As a wedding professional, I’ve seen the magical moment it creates when instead of just blending into the crowd, you have your guests form a circle around you for one final dance. This moment, with all your loved ones encircling you and your spouse on an empty dance floor, is a beautiful opportunity to soak in the final moments of your celebration. I strongly suggest every couple make time for this.

Bonus, if you have booked your photographer to stay until the end of the night, this moment can make for some truly stunning photos!

7. Private walk

I always encourage my couples to take a minute for themselves to step away from the reception to reflect and soak it all in. I ask my couples at the end of the night if they would like to take an end of the night shot. This makes a great closing spread to your wedding album and a perfect time to sneak off for your private walk after.

8. Cherishing the Moment with Your New Spouse!

The icing on the cake (pun intended), is dedicating time to your new spouse! Whether you’re listening to speeches, enjoying dinner, taking photos, whatever it may be, ensure that your attention is on your spouse as much as possible. Even though they will be right by your side most of the day, many special moments can slip by if you aren’t focused on each other. Remember, it’s YOUR wedding day, and your spouse should be a top priority.

Whether you’re planning a huge wedding or a small, intimate gathering, these are some hey points you should prioritize time for on your day. There are going to be a lot of things going on and a lot of people to talk to, but you don’t want to get caught up in everything happening on the surface and miss all the small precious moments with each other.

Photo Opportunities

Prioritizing these things on your wedding day can also provide excellent photo opportunities. Photos of you cozying up during the best man’s toast or the private first look could end up being the most memorable snaps of the day. If you haven’t yet booked a wedding photographer, I’d be thrilled to help bring these moments to life! Whether it’s an end-of-the-night shot or a surprise performance for your new spouse, I’m here to make your vision a reality and capture those intimate moments you’ve set aside time for.  Let’s chat wedding details!!