Moments That Matter: What Couples Often Forget To Include In Their Wedding Day Schedule
Planning a wedding is like choreographing a Broadway show. There are so many moving parts: the venue, the food, the vows, not to mention the unexpected solos—yes, we’re looking at you, Aunt Sally.
Every couple wants to create a seamless day filled with dreamy Instagrammable moments. But while you’re busy perfecting the big-ticket items, it’s shockingly easy to overlook the little moments that can make your day truly unforgettable.
So, let’s press pause on the wedding planner spreadsheet for a moment and delve into what often gets left off the schedule. Trust us, you’ll want to make room for these.
The In-Between Moments
Couples often overlook those “in-between” moments that aren’t part of the formal ceremony or reception. I’m talking about things like a quick walk outside to decompress, a stroll through the ceremony or reception space to truly appreciate your venue, or 15 minutes to simply talk and soak it all in with your new spouse.
Trust me; it’s easy to get swept away by the day’s events and forget to spend a few minutes with the person you just married. But if you realize this beforehand, you can be proactive and ensure you won’t be left with any regrets later.
Self-Care Pit Stops
Everyone talks about self-care nowadays, but what about on your wedding day?
Carving out a ton of time for just yourself or your spouse may seem unrealistic with a packed wedding schedule, but you don’t need to participate in a full-on yoga session in the middle of your reception (although that could be cool).
IVASHstudio – stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
Even just scheduling 10 minutes to reapply some makeup, touch up your hair, or swap out your elegant (yet agonizing) heels for comfy flats can be a lifesaver.
Take A Moment For Munchies
If we’re being real, so many couples spend a ton of money on catering for their wedding yet don’t even get to eat on their own big day!
Oftentimes, they’re just too busy mingling, dancing, or catering to unforeseen circumstances.
You don’t want to have any regrets or go home hungry at the end of the night, though. So, schedule some time to actually sit down, eat, and maybe have a glass of champagne (or three). This will give you much-needed energy to enjoy your day to the fullest.
Say Cheese (Again)
Sure, you’ve got your professional photos lined up, but what about some candids?
You probably invited a ton of people to your wedding who may not have made the cut for family portraits. So, to capture the memory, allocate some time for a mini photo session with perhaps some friends or the random mix of coworkers who actually made it.
You’d be surprised how much people appreciate these spontaneous snaps, and they may even turn out to be some of your favorites.
Tech Timeout
Of course, everyone is snapping and posting and hashtagging away, but don’t forget to schedule some time to unplug.
If you want your day posted online, assign a trusted friend to take over your social media for a bit so you can focus on the real-life experience.
Remember, it’s your day. It’s okay to let the rest of the world wait a bit for your next update.
Guest Gratitude
Saying hello to everyone is a must, but it often turns into a drive-by greeting during the reception.
Why not carve out some time to genuinely connect with your guests?
You invited these people for a reason, and they’ll definitely appreciate a few minutes of real conversation. This can be accomplished during cocktail hour or before toasts, for instance.
Spontaneity Windows
Also, you’ll want to leave room for spontaneity. That might sound like an oxymoron when talking about scheduling, but some of the best moments at weddings are the unplanned ones.
Set aside a “wild card” time block to fill as you see fit, whether that means an impromptu dance-off or an extra 10 minutes to catch up with guests.
Buffer Time: The Unsung Hero Of Wedding Schedules
Let’s face it: things rarely go exactly as planned, especially at something as complex and emotional as a wedding. Perhaps the speeches ran over time, or the caterers ran a bit late.
This is why buffer time is your new best friend.
Adding an extra 5-10 minutes between scheduled events can work wonders. This cushion allows you to handle any last-minute changes without breaking into a sweat.
It’s not about being pessimistic; it’s about being prepared. Plus, if everything runs on time, you’ve just scored yourself a few extra moments to relax or mingle. Trust us, your future self will thank you.
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