A recent Colin Cowie newsletter focused on such an important and timely message. So often, couples get caught up in how much they should spend to achieve the wedding they want when some of the most important elements are free! I agree with his first 2 aspects and wanted to add some of my own suggestions.
Energy & Flow
Colin addresses how having a wedding that flows naturally from one part to another can really make a party. I couldn’t agree more. Your guests should never be unsure of what to do or where to be next. Uncertainty makes your guests uncomfortable. Lulls should be minimized. While there are many timeline suggestions out there, every wedding is different because of the couple, the guests, and the circumstances. Talk with your wedding team to determine the best flow for your wedding.
A Family Heirloom
I really never thought about this until recently, until I saw a bride pin her Mom’s brooch on her bouquet, or a locket to her crinoline; or a groom with his grandfather’s cufflinks. They were just beautiful. Some used their parents’ cake topper which can be funny and nostalgic at the same time. I’m just not a sentimental kind of girl but as I get older, I have come to realize that it’s perfectly appropriate to hold those close to you on your important day. You can be a modern bride and still have pieces of your family with you.
Face Time
Nothing makes your guests happier than to spend some time with you. Make sure you personally speak to each guest and spend a few quality minutes with them. I know it’s a tall order but do whatever you have to acknowledge that they have given up their time to be with you. If that means you take photos before the ceremony so you can spend cocktail hour with your guests, do it. If that means you host an informal get together the day before, do it.
Be Present
From my own wedding experience and speaking to clients, the day of the wedding can seem like a blur, and even an out of body experience. Try to remember to be present and in the moment. It doesn’t matter how much money you spend on the wedding if you can’t remember it later. I know you’ll have beautiful photographs to look back at but try and also remember the conversations, the smell of flowers, the hug your grandmother gave you, or the taste of that first bite of food. Stealing from the Jewish wedding tradition of yichud, take a few minutes to step away from your guests to some place quiet to give yourselves a chance to take a breathe and to soak in what is happening around you. This might sound like some new age therapy but hopefully this will help you remember as much of this unforgettable event as possible before it is over.
Got other thoughts on this topic? Feel free to share. Cheers! Vicky