The Mindful Bride, Wedding Planner Tips from MeetingPlannerOnline.com:  The Big Day

 Everything is done and the big day has arrived.  It’s time to relax and enjoy every moment of a very important and special day.  There is a common piece of advice that married people will give engaged couples:  throughout the excitement and activity of the wedding day, stop, at least once, look around at all the family and friends who are there for you, look at your new spouse, and soak it in.

Wake up early but not too early.  It’s a long, emotional day for the bride and groom, so enough sleep is key is enjoying everyone and everything to the maximum extent possible.  So perhaps those cocktails or glasses of wine at the rehearsal dinner (but not too many!) will assist when it may be difficult to find sleep with so much to think about.  Second rule:  eat a decent breakfast and stay hydrated.  Once wedding day tasks begin, it’s very easy to forget to drink water, especially when celebratory drinks are consumed.  Third rule:  brides, don’t forget to wear a button down shirt, as to not ruin that awesome up-do; grooms, don’t do too many shots with the guys, and send your bride a thoughtful gift before the ceremony.

Now for the ceremony:  look at each other and think about the important commitment that is being made.  Look around at your guests, make eye contact with some special ones, and, mostly importantly, look at your parents in a way to let them know how much you love and appreciate them.  Vows should be stated with volume and purpose.  There are countless ceremonies where guests cannot hear the vows, which doesn’t sufficiently display the love and commitment and is being expressed.  Although the bride and groom may have a touch of nerves, use the microphone so guests can truly experience the ceremony.

With the ceremonial elements complete, the fun and excitement of the reception begins.  While the newlyweds want to interact with every guest, it’s virtually impossible to accomplish this.  But, the good thing is, guests understand, but effort should be made to talk with as many guests as possible, especially grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Some advice on dancing:  make it a point to dance with important members of the families.  It’s memorable and older family members always appreciate it.  Dollar dance?  It’s not a classy element, and especially if the couple is older with established careers.  Brides, avoid dancing provocatively with anyone, including your new husband.  It’s not tasteful in general, and grandma and grandpa are watching!  Its okay if the bride and groom want to get down on the dance floor, but don’t spend the entire reception dancing to Ice Ice Baby.  There are lots of photo opportunities to take advantage of and important conversations with friends and family to be had.

While the wedding day is a long, busy, emotional day, it will seem like a flash in the pan when it’s over so savor every moment.  While it’s an old tradition for the bride and groom to exit the reception well before the end, nobody wants to miss out on the fun of their reception; however, don’t stay and help load the car or gather belongings after the reception is over.  The newlyweds should an exit together, and others will handle the logistics.  You’ve spent a good portion of the day with friends and family, and now it’s time to be married.  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs.!