Weddings are amazing special events that are intended to give us memories for a lifetime, but when it comes to the big day, many couples find themselves in a whirlwind. From greeting guests to taking photos and just trying to steal a moment alone together, the wedding day is often a bit hectic, even if it’s marked by extreme joy. These three techniques will ensure you remember every moment of this special day.
Make Sure Everything is Photographed
From morning dressing room prep before the ceremony to the last moments of the reception party at night, having photographs of the wedding day can help you remember every last detail. Having a professional photographer who knows how to work a wedding can certainly help; experienced wedding photographers will coordinate with you beforehand to make sure they know where to be, when. For example, if you want your photographer to take pictures of the bride getting hair done with her bridesmaids, you’ll want to share time and location information with your photographer.
Beyond that, though, you should encourage your guests to take lots of pictures. Unless you can afford an army of professional photographers, you’ll need your guests’ help to capture every little moment. A wedding hashtag can make it easier to find all those great snapshots on social media after the wedding is over.
Have Guests Sign a Guestbook
Guestbooks are a tradition for a reason. They remind you who was at your wedding and give your guests the ability to leave you a sweet message. You can find cute wedding guest books to match your wedding theme so they’re part of the decor and give you even more memories of the look and feel of your big day.
Schedule Time to Relax and Reflect
Part of the reason so many couples feel so harried on their wedding days is that they pack their days with activities and don’t give themselves some time to decompress. Even just a half hour of time alone for the two of you to stroll around your venue together or sit and talk somewhere quiet can be extremely valuable. Taking time to breathe, relax, have a laugh and a chat together will make the day feel a lot calmer, which in turn can make it easier to notice what’s going on around you and really take it all in. There’s evidence to suggest that stress can have a negative impact on our ability to store memories, so prioritize relaxation time to ensure you remember all of the wonderful things that happened on your big day. If you’re working with a wedding planner and/or coordinator, tell him or her how important it is for you and your new spouse to be able to have some alone time together to relax during the event, even if it’s just a few minutes here and there.
These three strategies are great for helping you stay in the present moment when you can. Even if you get a bit distracted or swept away during your wedding, photos and guestbooks will be there to fill in the gaps of your memory.