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10 Tips for an Amazing Wedding Day Morning

By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting

Many engaged couples consider the ins and outs of their ceremony and how much fun they’ll have dancing the night away at their reception. However, few think about how they have the entire wedding day morning to enjoy before the festivities!

Later events might steal the spotlight, but to soak in every moment of your special day, it’s important to consider how you’ll spend your morning. Whether you’re getting ready with your wedding party or taking a moment to relax with your partner, it’s all about structuring your day in a way that kicks off the celebration with love and excitement.

We asked a handful of industry experts about the wedding day morning and their best tips for ensuring it runs smoothly – here’s what they had to say.

Event Planners share their top 10 tips for your Wedding Morning

  1. Get a good night’s rest.

Though it may be tempting to turn your rehearsal dinner into an all-night party, remember that you’ve got an even bigger day ahead of you. The last thing you want is to nurse a hangover on one of the best days of your life.

Maureen Cotton, wedding coach and officiant for The Soulful Wedding, says, “Make self-care for the night before and that morning a priority. Plan your bedtime goal for a restful night’s sleep. If you’re traveling, make sure you have your favorite comforts, whether that be a sleep mask, essential oils, sound machine, a sleep meditation app, or cozy PJs and socks. Nerves often run high the night before, so anything to aid in good sleep will make for a calmer start to the day.”

2. Talk to your vendors beforehand.

You should spend your wedding day morning celebrating – not running around trying to check things off of your to-do list! Make sure you’ve nailed things down with your vendors ahead of time, so you don’t have to stress on that day.

The Renaissance’s event coordinator, Thomas Waters, recommends, “Always nail down every single vendor detail by two days before your big day. This would include confirming their services, arrivals, setup times, directions, venue contacts, and any questions you or they would have.”

Proactive communication ensures everything is ready to go before the big day arrives. Waters also suggests dropping everything off at your venue at least two days before to avoid running back and forth when you’re trying to enjoy your morning.

3. Make a plan for food.

Your nerves may be high, but the last thing you want to deal with on your wedding day is an empty stomach! With so many exciting moments, you need to keep your energy up and remain hydrated.

“Plan for breakfast and lunch. And this must include protein. You cannot make it through the day till 6:00 p.m. cocktail hour on only mimosas and croissants,” suggests Janice Carnevale, owner of Bellwether Events. “This can be eggs, yogurt, nuts, cheese – but please eat something with protein!”

4. Limit your alcohol intake.

An open bar might be in your near future, but it’s best to steer clear of alcohol during the morning of your wedding. Though a drink might help with jitters, opt for water instead and be mindful of what your wedding party is drinking as well. We want you all to walk down the aisle – not wobble!

Waters notes, “Yes, that mimosa can be yummy, and it can take the edge off of your stress, but the second one may be a gateway you can’t close once entered. Sometimes even just nixing the booze during the day’s early hours can reduce a couple’s stress.”

5. Have a designated contact.

You and your partner may be the stars of the show, but you shouldn’t feel responsible for all those last-minute details. Make sure you put someone you trust in charge! 

Sandy Brooks of Timeless Event Planning shares, “To avoid having anything stressful come up the morning of your wedding, be sure to designate one of your bridal party members to be the coordinator’s point of contact. Having a designated point of contact means that you will not be involved with any issues that arise unless absolutely necessary.”

Hiring a wedding planner is also a smart way to reduce wedding-related stress. This way, you can let them handle the nitty-gritty details of your special day. Jordan Xu, owner of Emily Jordan Events, explains, “If you have a planner, they should be taking care of any last-minute issues that arise on the wedding day, including questions from family or members of the wedding party.”

6. Ask for help.

If you’ve been the one planning every detail of your wedding, this one can be tough! It’s hard to loosen the reins and let others take over. But on the morning of your wedding, you don’t want to be worrying about small details – you want to cherish moments spent with those you love. 

Lizzy Liz of Lizzy Liz Events shares, “Brain dump everything you can to your wedding party so they can be the ones helping you. If you’re a type-A person, learn how to let go and trust the process!”

There are plenty of people around you that will be willing to help you out so you can sit back and savor your big day.

7. Decide on your first look.

Some couples love taking a moment with one another before their ceremony, while others prefer to save the moment for the aisle. Regardless of your preference, know this part of your wedding day morning is entirely up to you and your partner.

Cotton advises, “Couples should consider their personalities and the energy they desire for their wedding day. Not seeing your partner before the ceremony builds energy. If you’re prone to anxiety, it can become a stressful kind of energy. Many couples report feeling calmer after they’ve seen their partner. They feel like they’re entering the ceremony together as a team. The first look is a private moment of connection instead of a public one, which many couples cherish.”

8. Stick to a schedule.

Wedding day timelines are a must, even if they can be challenging to create. For a relaxing wedding morning, prepare your timeline beforehand so it’s a simple matter of following the day’s schedule!

Nora Sheils, co-founder of Rock Paper Coin and founder of Bridal Bliss, believes sticking to a schedule is the best way to stay calm on your wedding day. She notes, “Plan out when hair/makeup applications will take place, so the wedding party knows when to expect to be in a chair. Also, have all services come to you – from artists to food, so everyone can stay together, and no one has to stress being in traffic.”

Carnevale also recommends giving yourself a little extra wiggle room. “Pad all segments of the timeline with extra time. It is better to be ready early than to be behind on the schedule and rushing,” she notes. “And make sure that all people involved in your wedding day – wedding party, parents, and wedding pros – have a clear schedule of your expectations.”

9. Always keep your vision in mind.

Remember: This is your day. You should design your wedding morning in a way that brings you joy – and reduces stress! Sometimes, couples prefer getting ready on their own, while others have their entire wedding party with them from beginning to end. No matter your preference, let go of the idea that you need to cater to those around you and instead remind yourself that this day is for you and your partner.

“I think it all boils down to the couple in question and seeing what they want their big day to look like,” Waters affirms.

10. Enjoy the moment.

You’re getting married today! The morning of your wedding day is exhilarating. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re supposed to be enjoying yourself. Soak it all in, put your phone down, and be present in the moment.

Patricha Pike, event planner and venue manager at Meadows Event Center, says, “Try to find a quiet moment during the morning to breathe deeply and reflect on how wonderful the day will be.”

Your wedding day will undoubtedly be unforgettable. Of course, getting married will be your favorite part, but by following these tips, you’ll ensure you start the day on a high note!

Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.

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