TIPS | WEDDING DAY SELF CARE

Weddings days are stressful, but don’t let it overwhelm you! We’re here with all the wedding day self-care tips. We’ll keep you breathing easy all night long!

Good Nights Sleep - Get all the zzz the night before your wedding.

You’ve probably heard it from your mom 100 times, but you need to have a good night’s sleep! The chaos that is getting married is going to be way too much when you’re cranky and exhausted. If you have the jitters the day before the wedding, try sleepy time tea or melatonin gummies to get you there.

Photo | Silver Bear Creative

Delegate Tasks - Both your planner and bridal party are there to help.

The main duty on your wedding day is getting hitched. I know it may be tempting to answer that text (probably just your second cousin asking for the venue’s address AGAIN), but that what friends are for. You should be sitting back, relaxing, and getting ready to start your happily ever after.

Set Up Emotional Buffers - Give your planner the 411 on family dynamics.

We wish every couple’s family was loving, involved, and mature, but we’re in the real world, and that’s not always the reality. Before your wedding day let your planner know about any family members to keep out of your bubble. When you set up emotional buffers beforehand it takes the stress off of you.

Photo | Created by Noah

Eat (and Drink) - Snack, snacks, and more snacks!

We know this sounds like a given, but don’t forget to EAT. Your wedding day goes by in a flash and it’s easy to forget the basics. Make sure there’s a light breakfast for you to nom on while you and your bridesmaids get ready, ask your planner to grab a few of the passed hors d’oeuvres to snack on post ceremony, and at least take a few bites of your dinner before you make your rounds.

Bonus tip: Have someone grab you a to-go box of cake, thank us later!

Time alone - Take advantage of the quiet moments.

There are many ways for you and your spouse to catch a few moments alone, but some of our favorites are:

• The First Look

• The Final Dance

• A Private Dinner

• Share Private Vows

Photo | Ashley Rhian Photography

Make a Clean Get Away - If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.

Don’t forget to have your getaway bag packed for your big exit. A change of clothes, toiletries, extra shoes, whatever you need to de-wedding that night. If you have it ready and your planner aware of its location, they can have the getaway car loaded up and ready to roll when you are.

Oh Sh*t Kit - Accidents happen and happen and happen.

You or your wedding planner need to have a bridal bag filled with all the mini emergency needs. I’m talking sewing kit, bandaids, pain reliever, stain remover, super glue, and so much more. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Not quite sure you’ve covered all your bases? Below we’ve rounded up all of our must haves for your wedding day preparedness kit. You’ll never be caught lacking.

How did you practice self care on your wedding day?

TIPS | COCKTAIL HOUR

Congrats, you’re married! While you take what will feel like one million pictures (trust us, it’s all worth it), your guests will be busy drinking and schmoozing during the cocktail hour. Most cocktail hours are pretty traditional, mostly staying within the bounds of wine and passed apps, but if you’re looking for more ways to keep your guests entertained (or distracted in case pictures run long), we have some ideas!

Eat Outside the Box

Cocktail hour is the perfect time for some non-traditional snacks! Keep the classy for the formal dinner and break out the BBQ sliders.

Insta Worthy Decor

We’re talking neon signs, flower walls, or picture perfect decor. Give your guests something to insta-snap about.

Photo | Adria Lea Photography

Lawn Games

Throwback to your summer camp days with some good old fashion cornhole and horseshoes (they play those a summer camp, right?). Guests may enjoy the blast from the past, and because it’s so low effort, they won’t get all sweaty.

Caricatures

People love a good caricature artist. The fun pictures will keep people entertained, but they’ll also serve as a wedding favor your guests will actually keep.

Photo | Wilderlove Co.

Photo Booth

Now this one is different from the insta-worthy decor. Photo booths are their very own beasts. You can go glam and have your very own black and white Kardashian-inspired shoot or keep it silly with fun props and cardboard cutouts. Either way, your guests will love making memories.

Lounge Area

Wedding lounges are trending, and we’re in full support. A cozy place to sit and a stylish furniture moment, yes please!

Photo | Christina Childress Photography

Photo | The Brothers Martens

Get A Tattoo

Kinda. If it fits your vibe, layout some customized temporary tattoos. If you do this, though, make sure that you have some neat way for guests to apply the tattoos; everyone running back and forth from the bathroom is a no go.

Drink

We know this one is a no-brainer, but turn cocktail hour up a little with signature cocktails! Make up a punny name, and create a concoction of your very own.

Did you do anything special during your cocktail hour?

TIPS | FIRST LOOK

Questions about First Looks is one of the most frequent questions we get from new couples. Should we do a first look? Or would it ruin the magic? The answer is ultimately up to you. There are pluses and minuses on both sides and alternatives to consider if you're on the fence. Let's jump into First Looks!

What is a First Look?

A first look is a newer wedding practice (think the last five years). It's all about documenting the couple's first wedding moments before the craziness of their wedding day sets in. Typically, the groom is positioned with his back away from the bride while she walks toward him. She'll tap him on the shoulder or undo his blindfold, and he'll turn to see her. That's when the happy tears begin (ours and the couples). They get to see each other for the first time and have an intimate moment to talk and focus on each other.

Photo | Cara Elizabeth Photo

Pros + Cons

Photo | Lindsay Davenport Photography

Pros

Pictures before the ceremony will mean more time eating and schmoozing during your cocktail and reception time.

A quiet moment pre-wedding to be together.

Capturing a beautiful and intimate moment between just the couple.

Photo | Adria Lea

Cons

You may miss the sweet walking down the aisle shock and awe.

Chancing bad luck.

A first look may make your timeline wonky (you getting up earlier = no fun).

Alternatives

Waiting Until You Come Down The Aisle

Photo | Sarah Slover

Pre-Wedding Letter

Photo | Wilderlove Co.

Pre-Wedding Letter

Photo | Reigh Walker Photography

First Touch

Photo | Ashley Rhian Photography

How do you feel about First Looks?

TIPS | TOASTS

Wedding toasts are a lovely tradition where friends and family can congratulate, share their love, and advise the newlyweds on their wedding day. Most of the time, toasts are funny, well planned, and illicit a few tears. Though, every now and then, they get a little awkward and uncomfortable, even with the best intentions. And we get it; finding the right words to say can be challenging, intimidating even. What’s the joke to serious story ratio? Which anecdotes cross the line? How long is too long? Well, funny you ask! We have the answers! This week we’re talking Wedding Toast tips!

Save Your VIPs For The Big Day

Photo | Silver Bear Creative

More than likely you’ll have a few people wanting to shower you with kind and loving words and you may be tempted to let them, but your reception should only feature your most important guest speeches. The more speeches you have the less charming they’ll be, we promise. If you want to give everyone a chance, have them speak at the rehearsal dinner! It’s a win for them and your guests.

The Couple Should Speak

Photo | Chelsea Kaye Photography

The couple should always share a few words. It doesn’t have to long and drawn out, just something quick that expresses your love and gratitude.

Short and Sweet

Photo | Reigh Walker Photo

Make sure that speakers know they don’t earn extra brownie points for longest speech. All the sentimental and funny anecdotes should stay around the five minute mark. Special allowances can be made, but choose wisely.

Advanced Notice Is The Best Notice

Photo | Jas + Mike Co.

Speakers should know they’re toasting waaay in advance. Advanced notice will give them time to calm their nerves, rehearse their quippy lines, and self-edit. A last minute speech is a risk that we don’t think you should make.

Set Boundaries

Photo | Wilderlove Co.

Set boundaries! This is a wedding not a roast or a rauchy bachelor party. Give your toast makers guidelines on what should and shouldn’t be said in front of Nana and PopPop. Thank us later.

Have Fun

Photo | Moutaintop Films

Toast can be nerve wracking for the couple and the guests. Everyone’s waiting for the perfect words and perfect story to share, but remember this is a celebration and it should be joyous. Don’t stress yourself or anyone else out trying to reach master orator status. Let your heart do the talking and you’re sure to say just the right thing.

What’s your favorite wedding toast?

HOW TO | FALL WEDDING GUIDE

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times, Fall is the absolute YUMMIEST wedding season. The colors are rich, the temperature is nice, and the vibes are just right. But, you don’t have to take our word for it, check your GCal or Instagram feed, weddings absolutely dominate the fall season. Because of that, we’ve already shared most of our tips, tricks, and autumnal inspiration. Since we’re not in the business of reinventing the wheel, today we’re bringing back some of our favorites Fall blog posts. Enjoy!

COLOR PALETTE

Deciding on color combinations can be one of the most challenging parts of planning a wedding. We love bright and cheerful, spring or summer colors accented throughout a wedding because it takes this already joy-filled event up a notch. However, as we enter into the fall season, color schemes change…If you want a crisp, fall wedding but still want some of those cheery pops of color, fear not! We have some new ways to extend those fun colors that we love so much.

Check out our UPDATED AUTUMN COLORS post!

Photo | Chelsea Q. White

FLORALS

Photo | Wilderlove Co. Photography

Shopping Seasonally is a great way to add a touch of nature without breaking your budget. Use Fall's sophisticated red and vibrant yellows to capture the warmth and beauty of the season. Pair these shades with romantic lighting and you've got a truly magical experience for guests to enjoy.

But, with so many options, we know it can get a little complicated. So, check out our cheat sheet to effortless Fall florals.

Check out our TIPS | SEASONAL FALL FLOWERS post!

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

We're switching up the typical #MarriedFaceMonday post with an engagement shoot featuring our fall bride and her handsome groom at The White Sparrow Barn. Shot by the incredible Adria Lea, this gallery features a stunning rose gold dress and one seriously gorgeous couple.

Check out our LOVERS | RACHAEL + BLAKE post!

Photo | Adria Lea

DETAILS

Photo | Chelsea Q. White

FEATURED ON THE PERFECT PALETTE

We are so excited to share our Autumnal Bohemian Editorial! This past fall, we ventured out into Oak Cliff to find the perfect tree-filled grove and setup a dreamy scene for the bohemian bride in all of us. We chose super saturated tones like emerald, navy, and amber and accented with matte black and brass.

INSPIRATION

It finally feels like fall in Texas and we're excited to be celebrating one of our favorite wedding seasons! Of course, all seasons have their matrimonial magic, but we can't over that yummy fall feeling and an even yummier fall color palette. We've been lucky to be apart of so many Fall and Fall inspired weddings, but today we've narrowed it down to five of our favorites for you to enjoy! You can use these as inspiration to create your autumnal affair or swoon along with us.

Check out our TOP 5 | FALL WEDDING MOMENTS post!

Florals | Bloom Colorfully

Also check out OUR AUTUMN WEDDING PINTEREST BOARD!

Are you having a fall wedding?