1. THE WEDDING COORDINATOR

Consider hiring a planner, or at least a day-of coordinator, that is not related to the wedding in any way (AKA not a guest or a friend). The venue’s in-house coordinator doesn’t count— they will help the venue get set up, but you need someone to curb ALL questions and concerns so you can spend time “floating” through your wedding day and not trying to figure out how you ended up six place-settings short or how the DJ needs an extension cord or who should be getting ice for the white wine to start chilling.

While friends/guests seem like a great idea, they too like to mingle, have a few drinks and enjoy themselves. Having a dedicated person whose job it is to help make your day run smoothly not only saves your sanity, but it makes my job easier so I won’t have to be the one running around trying to figure out when guests will be seated for dinner so I can set up my lighting.

2. UNPLUGGED WEDDING

Ask guests to put away their cell phones, iPads, cameras and electronics during the ceremony. I’ve had so many almost-amazing moments ruined by large iPads or iPhones being held up in the aisle. Some well-meaning family members have knocked me over or kicked my camera trying to get an iPhone shot. Without all those distractions, your guests will actually be present with the two of you. The rest of the day they can snap away, but the ceremony deserves their attention. Instagram can wait.

3. STARTING YOUR DAY

Your wedding day can be a hectic one — consider starting your day with a dedicated breakfast/time with your spouse or completely alone. Maybe plan to have your favorite breakfast or coffee picked up to be enjoyed. The day can go so quickly that making sure to prioritize starting it off right can set the mood for the day.

4. HAIR AND MAKEUP

This is the one part of the day I can almost guarantee will run late, so make sure you budget LOTS of extra time so that you aren’t rushed.

5. WRITE OUT YOUR VOWS PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING DAY

And write them out on paper. The iPhone’s notes app is better left to celebrities posting screenshot apologies on Instagram and Twitter. (The books featured above were made by Our Vows and are available on Etsy with a bunch of different ribbon variations!)

6. RAIN

Do not take the forecast really seriously until about 5 days before your date. Weather is the only thing that’s 100% out of our control, and the forecast changes SO quickly that it’s not worth worrying about until you absolutely have to. Your venue should have an alternate plan in case of rain, and you these clear umbrellas won’t clash and won’t cast shadows during portraits. I’ve got 10 in the back of my Honda Fit at all times, just in case!

7. SET ASIDE ALONE TIME

THIS IS SO IMPORTANT I CAN’T SAY IT ENOUGH Y’ALL. With everyone you love in one room, and a lot of family you may not have seen in a long time, it’s nearly impossible to get alone time with your new spouse. By the time you realize it, the day is over and you barely spent quality time with your now forever person. Think about having dinner privately, set aside time during cocktail hour, or have breakfast together that morning to be alone. Enjoy each other and maybe even share some of your favorite moments so far. It’ll be worth it, I promise.

8. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…

Every once in a while actually STOP and look around. Take a mental snapshot of what is going on. Breathe in, breathe out. You’re getting married!