Your wedding day is one of the most exciting days of your life, but with packed schedules and nonstop emotions, it can also be surprisingly exhausting. Between getting ready, greeting guests, and celebrating well into the evening, it’s easy for couples to feel like the day flies by in a blur.
Fortunately, some thoughtful planning can make a big difference. We asked wedding professionals to share their best tips for helping couples stay refreshed, balanced, and ready to celebrate all day long.
Don’t Forget About Hydration
“My biggest advice is to really focus on hydration and rest the week leading up to the wedding. Drink plenty of water, add in electrolytes if you can, and make it a priority to get a full night of sleep the night before the big day. It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference in how you feel and how present you are.”
—Emily Reno, The Vegas Planners
Avoid Alcohol the Night Before
“The biggest mistake we see couples make is staying up too late or drinking too much the night before. Not only are these big factors, but just being around so many people can drain your energy. It’s said often, but it really does help to drink plenty of water and call it an early night after your rehearsal dinner.”
—Casey Cannon, EBJ & Company
Be True to Yourself
“Be true to who you are and make conscious decisions based on that. If you tend to get drained by social interactions, plan to keep your morning as calm as possible. Get ready by yourself or with just a few close people. If you’re not a morning person, plan to start your day at a time that works with your natural rhythm rather than against it.”
—Isabella Nyman, Isabella’s Event
Create a Slow-Paced Morning
“I also pay really close attention to the getting-ready portion of the day. I try to keep that schedule as slow-paced as possible so the morning feels calm instead of rushed. When couples and their wedding party can ease into the day, laugh together, and actually enjoy getting ready, it creates a completely different energy than when everyone is scrambling to stay on schedule.”
—Kianna Erickson, Golden Hour Events
Make Sure You’re Eating Enough
“Schedule food to be delivered during the ‘getting ready’ portion. No one is happy when there’s a hangry wedding couple or wedding party. Build in dedicated time to eat, and then dedicated time for makeup touchups if needed.”
—Nicole Chan, Nicole Chan Photo & Video
Don’t Let Photos Overwhelm You
“I know everyone has an opinion on this, but doing the first look and taking the majority of the photos beforehand is going to save time. If you are not doing a first look, an extended cocktail hour is the way to go so that you can still get everything done, but not feel so much pressure post-ceremony. It really ends up being a whirlwind. Another option is to have an earlier ceremony — instead of 5:00pm, do it much earlier so you have time in between. It’s really all about planning for it, and a good vendor team will give you the realistic advice you need to do so.”
—Rachel Maloney, Rachel Maloney Photography
Build in Some Downtime
“Based on experience, it is best to avoid stacking programs back-to-back without any gaps and involving the couple in every segment. For example, you can play a video or have a singer or performer provide entertainment between program segments, so the couple has a moment to breathe.”
—Patrícia Esteves, Peach Perfect Weddings
“You can absolutely build in tiny ‘pockets of peace’ without anyone noticing. A five-minute breather after the ceremony, a private plate of hors d’oeuvres before joining cocktail hour, or a quiet moment together while guests are being seated for dinner all work beautifully. These little resets act like emotional espresso shots, giving you space to regroup, laugh, and remember that you actually like each other before rejoining the party.”
—Amos Gott, AmosEvents
Have a Private Dinner
“As a caterer, I see more and more couples having a private dinner in a separate room before joining their guests — let your guests enjoy their food, and you enjoy your quiet moment. I find nothing worse than doing table introductions while guests are trying to eat and vice versa — guests continually congratulating you while you are trying to eat. Those 15-20 minutes of quiet time with your love can recharge you for what is next.”
—Michael Thomas, John Michael Catering and Weddings
While your wedding day may be full of excitement, the goal is to experience and enjoy it (not just make it through the schedule!). Small choices like creating a relaxed morning and carving out a few quiet moments together can help you stay present throughout the celebration. With an intentional plan and a supportive vendor team by your side, you can soak in the laughter, love, and all the unforgettable moments that make your wedding day so special!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and marketing firm OFD Consulting and the founder of OFD Collective, a membership community for wedding pros looking to elevate their visibility. She’s a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
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