9 Tips for a Stress Free Wedding Day only a Professional can give you

Stress Free Wedding Tips. Weddings are magical, but let’s face it – they can also be stressful. As a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of spending hours with brides on their big day, and over the years, I’ve learned firsthand how the pressure can build up. The planning, the decisions, the expectations – it can feel like a whirlwind of emotions. And while arranging seating plans, organizing floral arrangements, or even choosing the right dress can be stressful, nothing compares to the emotional intensity that hits when the wedding day finally arrives.

As a professional, I’ve seen it all – the nervous excitement, the last-minute hitches, and the unanticipated moments that turn the day into an unforgettable experience. The good news is, there are ways to take the edge off and ensure a smoother, stress-free celebration. Here are nine invaluable tips from wedding professionals that will help you have a calm, enjoyable, and seamless wedding day.

1. Always Allow Extra Time for Hair and Make-Up

This tip is a lifesaver, especially for the bride! Whether you’re doing your own hair and makeup or hiring a professional team, things rarely go exactly as planned. There can be hiccups: the weather might be humid, causing your hair to frizz, or your makeup might take longer than expected, especially if you have a bridal party to prep as well. Add the nervous excitement and possibly a few tears to the mix, and time can slip away quickly.

To avoid feeling rushed and frazzled, make sure you give yourself ample time for hair and makeup. It’s better to have a bit of extra time than to be racing against the clock. A little breathing room will help you relax and enjoy the process, which is a big part of the day!

2. Don’t Forget to Eat (Before and During the Wedding Day)

I cannot stress this enough: eat something, and drink water! It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to fuel your body, but skipping meals can lead to faintness, headaches, or feeling sluggish. In the days leading up to your wedding, even if you don’t have much of an appetite, try to eat small, high-energy snacks like bananas, almonds, or a piece of chocolate milk. They’re easy to digest and provide long-lasting energy. On your wedding day, keep hydrating with water – the last thing you want is to feel dehydrated on such an important day.

A wedding can feel like a marathon, and your body will need energy to power through the day. So, eat breakfast, and make sure you have snacks ready in case you don’t get a chance to sit down for a meal.

3. Think About Your Getting Ready Photos

The “getting ready” shots are some of the most intimate and beautiful moments of your day, but they can quickly become stressful if the environment isn’t considered beforehand. The space where you get ready will be featured in your wedding photos, so you’ll want to make sure the backdrop looks beautiful. Consider lighting, clutter, and the general aesthetic of the room.

For example, if you’re getting ready in your kitchen, it might be filled with family members and everyday items like the toaster or the pile of laundry that hasn’t been put away. These things could distract from the photos you’ll treasure forever. Opt for a hotel room or a spacious, well-lit area for your prep. Avoid spaces with harsh fluorescent lighting, as it’s unflattering and can affect the quality of your photos.

4. Delegate Last-Minute Responsibilities

You don’t have to do it all – in fact, it’s best if you don’t! One of the biggest stressors on the wedding day is feeling like you need to handle every little thing. Whether it’s dealing with vendors, coordinating transport, or making sure someone has the rings, delegate these tasks to a trusted family member or friend. Your wedding planner, or even the bridesmaids, can help with the logistics, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that someone is on top of things.

Give the key people involved in the wedding day, including vendors, the contact number of someone you trust, so they know who to reach out to in case of an emergency. You won’t have to worry about making last-minute decisions, which will keep you calm and present.

5. Create a Realistic Schedule and Stick to It

If you’re not working with a wedding planner, I’m more than happy to help you out with this one! The schedule for your wedding day is vital to ensure everything flows smoothly, but it’s crucial to keep it realistic. You may have a detailed timeline, but sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Traffic, weather delays, or last-minute issues can throw things off.

Before the big day, do a test run of the timing for key events, such as travel times between venues. If your wedding is happening on a Saturday, take into account the extra time required to navigate the busy streets of London or wherever your celebration is taking place. This foresight will prevent you from feeling rushed or frustrated as the day unfolds.

6. Schedule Family Photos – and Communicate the Time and Place

Family photos are essential but can easily become a source of stress if not planned properly. I always advise couples to create a list of the specific people they want in these photos, and to share the timing and locations with everyone involved ahead of time. Let the family know where and when they need to be for the shoot. This will minimize the frantic “where’s Uncle Bob?” moments when you’re ready for your photos and will allow you to get the shots you want without delay.

The clearer the communication, the smoother the photo process will go, leaving you with more time to enjoy the rest of your day!

7. Do It Your Way – Stay True to Yourself

Weddings are often filled with external opinions and expectations – from family, friends, and even society. But the happiest couples on their wedding day are those who feel true to themselves. Don’t feel pressured to make decisions based on what others think; this is your big day, and it should reflect you and your partner’s personalities.

If you want a more laid-back affair or an extravagant celebration, embrace it! When you let go of the idea that your wedding has to look like everyone else’s, you’ll find that it’s much easier to relax and enjoy the day.

8. Surround Yourself with Calm People

Your wedding day can bring out the nerves in anyone, but surrounding yourself with calm, level-headed individuals can make a huge difference. If you know that certain people (like your mom or aunt) tend to get anxious and heighten your stress, consider asking them to stay out of the getting-ready process or assign someone else to keep them occupied.

The last thing you need is added pressure or worry from others. Instead, opt for a supportive bridal party and friends who are calm and know how to help you stay relaxed.

9. Trust the Process – It Will All Be Okay

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, remember that things will be okay. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all – rain on a sunny day, dresses that get caught in doorways, and even a last-minute shoe disaster. But in the end, none of those things matter. Your wedding day is about the celebration of love, and everything else is just a detail.

Your wedding team, from your vendors to your bridal party, is there to ensure your day goes smoothly. Trust their expertise and remember that the little hiccups along the way won’t ruin your celebration. At the end of the day, you’ll be married, and that’s all that truly matters.

The Stress Free Wedding Tip Conclusion

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but by following these nine tips from professionals, you’ll be well on your way to having a stress-free wedding day. Give yourself plenty of time, eat well, delegate tasks, and, most importantly, stay true to your vision. With the right preparation, you can relax and savor every moment of your special day. You’ve got this!