A relaxing wedding day? Is that even possible? Absolutely. After all those months of planning and organisation, the big day is finally here. So now’s the time to kick back and enjoy every minute. We spoke to Simon Daukes, owner of The Ash Barton Wedding Estate, who shares his top tips for having a relaxing wedding.
Ditch traditions and do it your way
It’s easy to get caught up in a whole load of wedding traditions. But if you’re only doing them to please others or because you think you should, then don’t. Remember, this is your wedding. So only keep the traditions you want. Some couples who don’t like cake are eschewing a wedding cake in favour of cheese stacks or doughnut walls. Others are not having a seating plan, either at the ceremony or at the reception and letting guests sit where they want. If every part of your day feels like you, you’ll have a more relaxed day.
Only invite guests you love
This is a tough one. But if you want to ensure you have the most relaxing wedding day possible, only invite those friends and family members who mean the most to you and who you’re really looking forward to seeing. It’s just not worth inviting members of your family who don’t get your vibe or who you haven’t seen in years. And think of the cost savings too!
Give tasks to the bridesmaids to the groomsmen
On the day, give jobs to individual bridesmaids and groomsmen, or a specific circle of friends. Perhaps one of the bridesmaids is the keeper of your emergency kit, with another responsible for looking after the little ones. While one of the groomsmen could make sure everyone knows where to go and at what time. Your wedding squad is there to help you, so make sure you use them.
Or hire a wedding co-ordinator
As the person responsible for making sure every element of your wedding runs smoothly, a wedding coordinator can be worth their weight in gold. They can manage the timeline of the day, be the go-to person for the caterers and any other suppliers, handle any last-minute mishaps if they occur, and let you get on with enjoying the day.
Choose a photographer with a relaxed style
If the thought of endless formal group shots makes you stressed, choose a photographer who has a relaxed, reportage style instead who will capture the moments of the day as they happen. Choosing a photographer who already knows the venue is an advantage too. Meet your photographer beforehand so you can let them know the kind of shots you want, and then on the day, you can relax and let them get on with job.
Have a treatment the day before
Stay calm on the day by booking a couple of treatments for the day before. You may opt to have a manicure or pedicure. Or even better, book yourself a full body massage. It will help you get rid of any anxiety and stress, and it will help you sleep well too.
Consider a ‘first look’
Many brides feel anxious about seeing their beloved for the first time when they walk down the aisle. So, think about a ‘first look’ instead. This is when the couples see each privately before the ceremony begins. It’s a really intimate moment between you and your partner (and your photographer) and can help steady the nerves.
