Six Ways to Have a Stress-Free Wedding Day

No matter how prepared you think you are, some things cannot be planned on your wedding day. It can be inclement weather, traffic delays or guests running late that can throw a wrench in the schedule. Just thinking about these unexpected situations can cause stress. Even though there are some things that are out of your control, there are also steps you can take in advance to make sure you start the day on the right note. Follow our tip guide below on how to have a stress-free wedding day.

1. Hire a Day-of Coordinator

Wedding day coordination is a challenging task that requires the service of a professional. Hiring a day-of coordinator is one of the best decisions you’ll make to relieve stress in the weeks leading up to your wedding. They will be your right-hand who you can rely on to make sure everything runs smoothly. Most day-of coordinators “take the wheel” four to six weeks prior so the couple can concentrate on gatherings like bachelor/bachelorette parties or spending time with arriving family and friends. On day-of, they handle emergency situations like devising a plan for bad weather or investigating why the cake is late. They are professionals who are trained to remain calm under pressure and execute with discretion. Hiring a wedding coordinator is the most important way to ensure a stress-free day. 

2. Ready Your Final Payments

Vendors ask for a down payment to book and secure the date of services and require the remaining payment on, or shortly before, wedding day. You will be doing business with multiple vendors so a good idea to keep track of due dates and balances owed is to create a spreadsheet. If any payments are due on wedding day, you should enclose it in a sealed envelope and give to your day-of coordinator. At the end of the reception, the coordinator will disburse them accordingly and you don’t have to take on the added stress of settling with each vendor. Preparing your final payments ahead of time will remove stress at the end of a long, emotion filled, day. 

3. Get a Relaxing Massage

Start the day off right with a tranquil massage. Contact a massage therapist to help you loosen those wedding day knots, so you can be ready to face one of the biggest days of your life. Better yet, bring the therapist to your getting ready suite so your bridal attendants can partake too. If everyone surrounding you is relaxed then that translates to less stress for you. 

4. Prepare a Wedding Day Bag

Since the day can bring some unexpected needs, it’s a good idea to pack a small bag of useful items to have with you in your bridal suite. Pack some hairpins, band aids, super glue, eye drops, tissues, make-up remover, floss, scissors, and other items that can save the day. Treat your wedding day bag as an emergency kit for when a crisis arises.

5. Bring a Second Pair of Shoes

With the beauty and style of gorgeous shoes comes the inevitable pain that sets in after standing hours during your ceremony and taking photos. We recommend bringing a second pair of shoes to change into right before your grand entrance. In essence, reception shoes. By then, all the formal portraits have been taken and the dancing will soon begin. This might be a small way to relieve stress on the day-of but it works. Otherwise you’ll find yourself kicking off your shoes to soothe your aching feet and feel like you have to restrict your dancing because of the pain. Instead, bring a comfy pair of shoes to dance the night away. 

6. Don’t Put Off Wedding Crafts/Tasks 

By procrastinating projects like assembling the guest favors or creating the seating chart just days before your wedding will only add stress. Create a schedule in the weeks leading up to complete these tasks at least two weeks prior. And don’t be afraid to utilize your bridal party—have your maid of honor or best man organize the attendants to assist with projects. After all, they are there to support you not only on day-of but throughout the planning process. 

Your wedding day is expected to be one of the happiest days of your life, but sometimes, trivial details and unforeseen situations happen and can skew the outcome. That is why it’s essential to learn some tips on how to have a stress-free wedding day. This includes hiring an experienced wedding coordinator, getting a relaxing massage, preparing your final payments in advance, among others. By being proactive in eliminating stress from your day will only allow you to enjoy it to the fullest.

Happy Planning, Janet