Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, details, and precious moments that deserve to be savored to the fullest. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and let the day fly by without really experiencing it. That’s where the art of being present comes in. By consciously staying in the moment, you can immerse yourself in the magic of your special day.
Inspired by Brenda and Annie’s heart-tugging, intimate backyard wedding, I have seven valuable tips to help you stay present and make the most of every moment on your wedding day. From practicing mindfulness techniques to setting boundaries with technology, we will explore strategies to keep distractions at bay and focus on what matters.
Tips for Being Present During Wedding Planning
Preparing for your wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many tasks and decisions to make, you can get caught up in the stress and lose sight of the present moment. Here are a few ways to stay in the moment:
1. Create a Habit of Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to practice mindfulness. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and bring your attention to the present moment. Notice the sensations in your body, the sounds around you, and the thoughts that arise. Practicing mindfulness daily trains your mind to stay focused and present, even during the busiest times.
2. Delegate tasks: Delegate tasks to trusted friends and family members who can help with the preparations. By sharing the load, you’ll free up your time and energy to fully enjoy the moments leading up to your big day.
3. Create a self-care routine: Set aside time each day for self-care activities that help you relax and recharge. Whether practicing yoga, taking a bubble bath, painting, or hiking, find activities that bring you joy and make you feel grounded. Taking care of yourself will allow you to show up fully present on your wedding day.
Creating a Technology-free Zone for Uninterrupted Moments
I once had a groomsman take out his phone to photograph the kiss during the wedding and post it on social media! I know this is the digital world we live in; however, by creating a technology-free zone, you can ensure uninterrupted moments of connection and presence.
4. Set boundaries with technology: Before your wedding day, communicate with your guests (and the wedding party) to let them know that you would appreciate it if they refrain from using their phones or cameras during the ceremony and reception. Encourage them to be fully present and enjoy the moment with you.
5. Unplug and be present: As the couple, make a conscious effort to unplug from technology on your wedding day. Leave your phone in a secure place and resist the temptation to check for notifications. Instead, focus on the people around you and the joyous moments unfolding so you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
Letting Go of Perfection & Embracing Imperfections on Your Wedding Day
Many couples place a lot of pressure on themselves to have a perfect wedding day. However, striving for perfection can be stressful and prevent you from fully enjoying the present moment. Embracing imperfections and letting go of unrealistic expectations will help you savor your day.
6. Embrace imperfections: Things may not go exactly as planned on your wedding day—and that’s okay! Embrace the imperfections and unexpected moments that arise. These unexpected pieces often become the stories and memories you’ll cherish the most. Remember, it’s the love and connections that genuinely matter, not the flawless execution of every detail.
7. Focus on what matters most: Instead of getting caught up in the small details, focus on your love for each other and the celebration of that love. Take moments throughout the day to pause, look into your partner’s eyes, and soak it all in. By shifting your focus to the essence of the day, you’ll stay present and create meaningful memories.
8. Release the need for control: Trying to control every aspect of your wedding day can be exhausting and can prevent you from being present. Instead, trust in the professionals you’ve hired and the preparations you’ve made. Let go of the need for control and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Surrender to the flow of the day and trust that everything will unfold beautifully.
BONUS TIP: Hire a professional wedding photographer to capture the moments you may miss.
Being present is easier with the right people on your team. I deeply care about every aspect of your wedding day—from the planning process to the newlywed sendoff. I’m there to coral the wedding party and help you document every moment so you can relive it all—even the moments you might have missed. Let me know how I can help! You can find more inspiration @magalybarajasphoto.
