Wedding Day forget me knots to make the most of your big day…
As we delve into wedding season after spending so many months and years planning for our wedding day it can be easy to forget about the little things that happen on the day that no-one tells you about; the little moments to stop and pay attention to. So I am delighted to be joining you as a former bride and founder of wedding blog Nu Bride, to give you a little helping hand.
Engagement Ring
Ever wondered what you do with your engagement ring on your wedding day? Take it off your ring finger and put it on your right hand until after marriage.
Signing the register
Did you know, once you’re legally married during your ceremony, you actually sign your marriage certificate in your current name (for example your maiden name), not your married name?
Pre wedding gift or letter
Easy to forget, with the million of other things on your to-do list, but if you’re being traditional and spending the night before your wedding apart, it’s really lovely to wake up to a letter or a gift from each other on your wedding morning.
Something personal, something comical, like how to be a good husband / wife. OR simply a letter saying what this moment means to you and how excited you are to see them!
Now, my husband was very nervous at the prospect of being the centre of attention all day, so I knew he’d be anxious on our wedding morning, so I wrote him a little note along with a couple of gifts including a personalised hanky reminding him to breath and that I was right there by his side. He failed at this spectacularly to get me anything though, it’s ok. I still married him.
A moment for two
A great wedding day goes by in a heartbeat and there is never a moment when you are alone. So take some time to pause and absorb it all away from the crowds (and your photographer). Steal this little gem from a Jewish wedding tradition called the Yichud, which means togetherness. (Offering newlyweds 20 minutes for private reflection and seclusion in a room directly after their wedding ceremony).
If you can, timetable a quiet 20 minutes together, to process and just share the wonderful moment with each other and no one else. Hubby and I squeezed 20 minutes on our own after our wedding breakfast and before our first dance. It was one of our absolute favourite moments of the day.
The aisle
Decide in advance if you want your wedding party to lead or follow you down the aisle (personally it’s great if they lead, builds up suspense and gives a taste of things to come!)
It’s easy to want to rush down the aisle, especially if you are feeling nervous, or just want to see your gorgeous beloved’s face. So these tips should help:
- Take your time
- Savour the moment
- Smile
- Look Up People want to see your lovely face! Make eye contact with your guests (who will be smiling at you and beaming with pride)
- Give your Dad, or chosen person walking you down the aisle a great big squeeze and go. Remember. Don’t panic. Everyone there is on your side.
Ps. don’t forget to breathe. It helps!
Eat & Drink
Make sure eat a good hearty breakfast.
Seriously.
Nerves and excitement might trick you into thinking you are not hungry, but it will be a long day on your feet, PLUS, no-one wants to see you become unwell or faint!! (It happens, A. LOT)
Get something hearty down you in the morning and some chamomile tea to settle your stomach if it’s doing flips. So that even if you get swept away by the day and only manage a few bites of the food you’ve paid all that money for (!), you’ve got something substantial in your body.
Psst…. Don’t forget to keep hydrated! It’s amazing how many glasses you will start to drink, put down and never to be seen again.
Cake
If you’re having a cake, try to pre-reserve a slice of cake for the two of you to enjoy the morning after the night before! You’ll be surprised how many readers say they never even got one bite of their own cake. That they paid for!
Social Media
Decide in good time if you want guests to take pictures and share them on social media or not. Some couples want their wedding to be kept private and then find images have gone on social media without their consent before they have even said, “I do”. Decide in advance, and ask your celebrant to announce your wishes before the ceremony starts.
Circle your tables
Make your guests feel welcome and spend some time with them. It’s so hard to host on your wedding day, EVERYONE wants a little moment with you. A great way to ensure you talk to everyone is to spend time, during your wedding meal in-between courses, just spending a little time at each table. Works a treat!
Enjoy
Last but not least. Enjoy your wedding day. Soak it up. How many other opportunities will you have to spend the day with all of your favourite people in one room? Savour it and don’t sweat the small stuff, any little detail that doesn’t go as planned. Don’t fret over, it’s done and no one will notice but you. You can’t change it and in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter.
Allow yourself to be present in the moment, truly mindful. This IS happening and it’s a whirlwind, but my goodness it is the most amazing feeling in the world to marry the person you love with every important person in your life under one roof celebrating with you. Drink it in. Congratulations!
Nova, Founder, Nu Bride www.nubride.com
BIOGRAPHY
Nova is founder of multi-award-winning wedding platform; Nu Bride, dedicated to adding a splash of diversity into the UK mainstream wedding industry. Nova is an established wedding expert, public speaker, contributor to national publications including Huffington Post and Wellbeing Coach.
