6 Tips For Your Wedding Day

Below are some of my favorite tips for making your wedding day the best that it can be. These are just suggestions, and I encourage you to do what feels right for you. After all, this is your special day, and it should reflect your unique style and personality!

1. Who’s Marrying You?

If you'd rather not have a random officiant, consider asking someone close to you (whether it’s your dad, best friend, sibling, or even a mentor) to get ordained. It’s surprisingly simple and inexpensive to do, and it allows you to have someone who truly knows and cares about you both standing by your side on one of the most important days of your life. In fact, you can get ordained online through the Universal Life Church in just a few minutes, making it an easy and accessible option. Being married by someone who understands your relationship and has witnessed your journey together will make the ceremony far more personal, meaningful, and emotional than having a standard officiant who may not have that same connection. Plus, they can tailor the vows and moments to reflect your unique love story. Make it personal, and your ceremony will be that much more special and memorable!

2. Florals

Don’t skimp on your wedding bouquet! Flowers are one of the most visually stunning and meaningful elements of a wedding, often setting the tone for the entire day with their beauty and symbolism. Whether your style is classic and elegant or wild and whimsical, the right bouquet will complement your look and add a special touch to your ceremony. Plus, if you choose to press or dry your bouquet afterward, you’ll have a lasting keepsake to treasure forever, a tangible reminder of the day you said “I do.”

With florals, you often get what you pay for, so it’s worth investing in a bouquet that truly reflects your vision. High-quality flowers not only photograph beautifully, but they’ll also stay fresher longer throughout the day. On the other hand, if you're a DIY type or want a more personal touch, consider foraging for flowers with friends and creating your own bouquets. It can be a fun, memorable experience leading up to your wedding, allowing you to connect with nature and your loved ones while crafting something uniquely yours. No matter which route you choose, your bouquet can be both a statement piece and a meaningful keepsake.

3. Hair + Makeup

Schedule a test run with your hair and makeup artist well ahead of time to ensure everything goes smoothly on your wedding day. This is your chance to experiment with different looks and make sure the final style is exactly what you envision. Whether you want a natural, timeless look or something more bold and dramatic, a trial run allows you to communicate your preferences clearly with your artist and make any necessary tweaks. It’s also an opportunity to see how your hair and makeup hold up over a few hours, so you can adjust products or techniques if needed.

By testing your look in advance, you’ll not only avoid any last-minute surprises or stress on the big day but also build a sense of trust with your stylist. You’ll know exactly how you’ll look, giving you the confidence to walk down the aisle feeling your absolute best. Plus, it gives you time to try out accessories like veils, hairpins, or jewelry, ensuring the complete look is cohesive. Make sure to bring photos of your dress and any inspiration to the trial so the stylist can create a look that complements your overall wedding aesthetic.

4. Unplugged Ceremony

An unplugged ceremony means asking your guests to be truly present with you during the ceremony by turning off their phones and cameras, and waiting to take photos until after the ceremony and the following hugs are over. Many couples don’t think about this aspect until they get their photos back. Instead of seeing the real, emotional moments of your day, your photos might be cluttered with iPads, phones, and cameras, distracting from the experience and the beauty of your wedding.

Not only can it ruin your photos, but it can also impact your guests’ experience. Do you really want your partner to have to lean around someone’s iPhone to catch that first glimpse of you walking down the aisle? Or your best friends having to peek through a crowd of raised cameras just to see you? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking your guests to turn off their devices and be fully present with you during the most amazing 15 minutes of your life.

Have your officiant announce this request as everyone is taking their seats before the ceremony begins, assuring them that they’ll be free to take as many photos as they’d like once the ceremony is over. After all, you’ve invested in a professional photographer to capture these precious memories, and we live in a digital age where sharing photos is easy. I promise to provide you with sneak peeks of your ceremony shortly after your wedding, so you can share them with your friends and family right away.

5. Family Photos

Family photos are an important part of any wedding day, and the best time to capture these moments is right after the ceremony. By then, everyone is already gathered, looking their best, and still riding the emotional high of the vows. It's helpful to have the officiant announce at the end of the ceremony that family members should stay in the area for photos. This way, no one goes missing, wandering off to the cocktail hour or restroom, and you can quickly check off these must-have shots without delaying the rest of the day.

Since I won’t know everyone, it's a great idea to designate a friend or family member to help manage this portion of the day and ensure everyone is present for each set of family photos. I’ll also ask for a list of groupings beforehand so we know exactly who should be in each shot, keeping the process smooth and organized.

6. Breathe and Enjoy the Moment

Above all, remember that this day is about celebrating your love and the commitment you’re making to each other. It’s easy to get caught up in the little details or feel stressed if something doesn’t go exactly as planned, but that’s perfectly okay. No wedding is ever 100% flawless, and those small imperfections often end up being the charming, memorable parts of your day. The key is to stay grounded and not let the pressure of perfection steal your joy.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and remind yourself why you're there: to marry the love of your life. Focus on your partner, and let the emotion of the day fill your heart. From the moment you walk down the aisle to your first kiss as a married couple, these are memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. Being present in the moment allows you to fully absorb the love and excitement surrounding you—from the smiles of your guests to the words spoken during your vows. The day will go by faster than you expect, so soak in every second. By embracing the spontaneity and imperfection of the day, you'll find it easier to let go, laugh at the unexpected, and truly enjoy one of the most significant days of your life.