First off, you made it! Breathe!
Take a deep breath because you're almost there!
I'm so proud of you! Planning a wedding is hard work - things don't just fall into place even if you have a wedding planner! There are so many decision you need to make with your partner and it takes so much time - trust me I've been there. We're crazy but my husband and I were only engaged for almost 5 months and even crazier because we planned a destination wedding! So keep reading because I have 5 tips to get ready for your wedding!
#1 Remember to Prepare your Details Shot Box
You may be wondering what is a details shot? Think of all the little details you want to remember of your wedding day. Here are some tips on what to include in them:
- Engagement ring & wedding bands
- Wedding Florals
- Ring box
- Invitation & Other Wedding Stationery
- Shoes
- Necklace, earrings or any other sentimental jewelry
- Watch, wallet or any other partner accessory
- Wedding Color Ribbon
- Perfume & Cologne
- Tie, cufflinks
#2 Check in with Your Partner & Talk about Expectations of Your Wedding Day
I know this seems like a weird tip BUT listen I deeply believe in communication is the key to success. When it comes to expectations I will tell you I'm the first to have them, not communicate them and then get hurt. Literally for what? So all this being said talking from experience communicate those expectations. This is a conversation that could have started earlier but now more than ever it's important to communicate them so you and your partner can be on the same page. So whether you want your wedding to be fun and a night to remember or intimate filled with special escapades with your partner then make sure you communicate those expectations.
#3 Prepare Yourself For the Unexpected Surprises & Focus on the Joy of the Day
So I know not everyone's wedding experience is like mine but when you have a destination wedding during a pandemic well people are bound to get sick and not come. There are many situations that are out of our control yet we can't let them steal our joy! In my case, my brother-in-law and nephew (who was the ring bearer) tested positive for COVID literally 4 days before my wedding. I was really upset and I had to mourn their presence but at the end of the day my husband and I got married. We had to focus on the joy of our special day rather than the losses. So prepare for the unexpected and don't let them steal your joy because this day is about your beautiful union under God (I'm a Christian y'all!) and if you don't believe then take this as a beautiful union filled with those you love.
#4 Take Intentional Times to Observe During your Wedding Day
You may be wondering what "intentional times" means? Well... have you heard from literally everyone that your wedding day goes by really quickly? I used to hear that so much before I got married and since we can't slow time then why not slow ourselves? So here is where the intentional times comes into place. Take time maybe while you are eating your dinner or cutting your cake or even take 10 seconds while everyone is dancing to JUST BE THERE AND OBSERVE.
Take intentional moments to observe those around you that you love, those that you may not see all together in one room again and of course take time to observe your partner.
Times like these make your special day that much slower because we literally have to STOP and observe. That isn't super normal in society now a days (I can go on a long tangent about how we are a society that constantly seeks to be entertained or distracted but that's for another day).
#5 Remember What This Day Signifies and that Marriage Starts Now
Last but not least REMEMBER the meaning of this day. It represents your love with your partner and many who've paved the way for this day to happen. Whether it was the sleepless nights of planning or the long conversations on how to work through a conflict or the peers around you that were there to advise you when everything wasn't perfect. It has been a journey whether you have been together for 1 year or 10. It's incredible and at the same time scary to have someone watch you grow and change (hopefully for the better) and it's only the beginning.
Marriage starts now which means you get to be with your best friend for the rest of your life. Your wedding is merely the beginning and even though this day may hold so much value because it's the start of a beautiful new chapter it is only the beginning. So if anything I leave you with this - everyone is there on your wedding day to see something wonderful which is the start of an amazing love story that will blossom and grow for many years to come. So enjoy your wedding day but remember there is so much more to come so even if your wedding isn't 100% perfect that is okay.
