My Favorite Things: Wedding Edition

I heard this popular The Sound of Music tune the other day and started to think of some of my own favorite things about—what else— weddings! I lost count a long time ago of how many I’ve attended over the years, but thought I would share with you some of my favorite wedding moments.

1. The First Look at the Bride as She Begins Her Walk Down the Aisle

Every bride looks absolutely beautiful, and the joy and pure happiness on her face is contagious. Plus, seeing those dads beaming with pride while choking back tears is just so sweet.  

Photo Credit: Dianna Hart Photography

2. Flower Girls and Ring Bearers. Too. Cute. For. Words.

Photo Credit: Lindsay Tropf Photography

3. The Vows

This is the moment when the couple realizes how huge and important this commitment is. They choke up, gaze into each other’s eyes, some may stumble over the words, but once they place the wedding rings on each other’s fingers and kiss…well, that’s what it’s all about. (I also love when they write their own vows…so personal and heartfelt.)

Photo Credit: Bowersock Photographers

4. First Dances

Sentimental and touching. I love seeing the bride and groom dancing with their parents. You can feel the emotion as moms and dads look at their children and think back on the years when they were babies, toddlers, and teens. Always makes me teary.

Photo Credit: Hailey Erickson Photography

5. Cocktail Hours

I used to think some of them were too long, but the food and presentations have so improved over the years that I don’t want them to end! Caterers are very inventive now offering a slew of delectable mini-foods and presenting tables filled with scrumptious choices from pasta to seafood.

Photo Credit: Mel Barlow

6. Music and Dancing

A great DJ or band is a must! The best weddings for me are the ones where guests of all ages are up on the dance floor having a blast and movin’ like Jagger (or at least trying to).

Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography

7. A "Thank You" from the Bride and Groom

Yes, we all love to have a little attention from the newlyweds. I love when the couple makes a point of coming over to each table to thank their guests for coming. It gives us a chance to compliment them and to tell them what a great time we’re having. And a final toast from the couple at the end of the evening is always appreciated.

Photo Credit: Muriel Silva Photography

8. Seeing the Couple Let Loose

After all their planning, stressful days, and probably a few sleepless nights, it’s fun to see the bride and groom out on the dance floor laughing and dancing up a storm.

Photo Credit: Solar Photographers

9. Surprises

Every wedding is different, and each one has its own unique treat for guests, whether it’s watching a video of the couple, providing a photo booth, offering special desserts, having flip-flops at the ready for ladies’ tired feet, or giving guests a goodie bag…that special touch is definitely a plus.

Photo Credit: Meg Baisden Photography
 

10. The Camaraderie

Don’t you just love the overall great feeling of reconnecting with friends and relatives to celebrate such a happy occasion? Seeing everyone dressed up, feeling good, smiling and celebrating is simply the best.

Photo Credit: Weddings by Chris Sherburne Photography

Those are a few of my favorite wedding things. I also love the flowers and décor and seeing what the bridesmaids are wearing, and I do have a few not-so-favorite things, but we’ll leave that for another time. After all, ‘tis the season of good cheer! I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and hope you take some time to relax (put aside the planning for a while) and enjoy the love of your family and friends. I’m heading off for a little break myself to do just that, and I wish all of you a New Year filled with love, joy and dreams come true!

—Diane Forden