7 Tips for a Calm and Happy Celebration
Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and it should be filled with love, joy, and excitement—not stress!
After being a wedding photographer for 12 years, I’ve seen how a few simple steps can help make the day as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Here are my top tips to help you stay calm, present, and stress-free on your big day.
1. Create a Realistic Timeline (and Stick to It!)
One of the biggest sources of wedding day stress is feeling rushed.
To avoid this, work with your photographer, wedding planner, and key vendors to create a timeline that allows plenty of breathing room between events.
Whether it’s time for hair and makeup, getting dressed, or taking family photos, a buffer in your schedule will help keep things running smoothly.
Top Tip: Start getting ready earlier than you think you need to. It’s better to be ahead of schedule and relax than feel like you’re rushing through the day.
2. Hire Vendors You Trust
Choosing the right vendors is crucial to reducing wedding day stress.
When you hire experienced professionals who understand your vision, you can relax knowing that everything is in good hands.
From your photographer to your florist and caterer, trusting your vendors allows you to focus on enjoying your wedding rather than worrying about the details.
Top Tip: Meet with your vendors ahead of time to confirm final details and make sure everyone is on the same page. Clear communication will ensure everything runs smoothly.
3. Ask for Help!
You don’t have to do everything yourself!
In fact, you shouldn’t. Surround yourself with people you trust and delegate responsibilities.
Whether it’s someone to make sure the vendors are on time, a friend to oversee the setup, or a family member to handle last-minute details, leaning on your support system is key.
Top Tip: Have a go to person (not you!) to handle any issues or questions from vendors or guests. You should be focused on enjoying your day, not troubleshooting.
4. Embrace Imperfections
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect, but sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned—and that’s okay! Whether it’s a little rain or a late guest, try to embrace the imperfections as part of the story of your day.
Often, these moments become the most memorable and bring out the best in everyone.
Top Tip: Focus on the bigger picture—what matters most is celebrating your love with the people who mean the most to you.
5. Take Moments to Breathe
The day will fly by faster than you expect, so make sure to pause and take it all in. Whether it’s during your morning preparations, just before you walk down the aisle, or in the quiet moments between photos, breathe, relax, and be present. It’s these small moments of calm that will help you feel grounded and truly enjoy your day.
Top Tip: Consider scheduling a few minutes alone with your partner after the ceremony. It’s a perfect time to soak in the joy of just getting married!
6. Trust Your Photographer
As your photographer, my job is to capture all the special moments of your day while making sure you feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.
Trust me to guide you through the photos so you can stay present and enjoy the day without worrying about posing or perfecting every shot.
The best photos come when you’re natural, candid, and having fun!
Top Tip: Plan time for photos when the light is at its best, and trust your photographer’s advice on timing and locations. This will ensure you get beautiful, stress-free photos.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is a celebration of love and joy, and it should feel that way from start to finish. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and trusting your team of professionals, you can enjoy a stress-free wedding day that’s filled with unforgettable moments. Take a deep breath, soak in the love surrounding you, and most importantly—have fun!
