I know I have this one my wedding photography website, but I’m posting it again on here so that more brides may read through it. I’ve been getting asked a lot of questions by brides, moms, dads, and grooms – so hope this helps a little bit!

#1. Try to sleep in – don’t wake up at 6:45am like I did on my wedding day.

#2. Give yourself a little alone time. You are going to be surrounded by people all day. Just take some time for yourself and relax.

#3. Work out, even if it’s a 1-mile jog. It will help get the nervous energy out.

#4. Once you’ve had enough “me” time, hang out with your bridesmaids and family (but only the ones that won’t drive you crazy). It was so great going through trash magazines with my girls while we were leisurely getting ready.

#5. On that note, make sure you’re getting ready is leisurely. It is not fun to be rushed into looking beautiful – especially on your wedding day. Give yourself a solid 2-3 hours for everyone’s hair, make-up, and dressing. You’d rather be waiting an extra 20 minutes to go to the ceremony than making your man wait an extra 20 minutes thinking you’re leaving him at the altar.

#6. Pop a bottle of champagne. It does wonders. Then drink some water. We don’t want any fainters up there. Trust me – I know.

#7. Breathe

#8. Smile – a lot. Nothing is worse than when I have to remind brides (or grooms) to smile. It’s your wedding day – light that face up!

#9. Make sure you have enough time for pictures after the ceremony. If you want family, wedding party, and portraits of you and your husband – 20 minutes is not enough. Make it 60 minutes, giving the guests time to get their cocktail on – you’ll be happy 4 weeks down the road when you see the photos. I allotted more than enough time, and still made it back for a bit of the cocktail hour.

#10. Forget about the receiving line – you can’t have a good conversation in 30 seconds, and it takes up a lot of time. Just make a point to go around during cocktail hour or after dinner and chit chat.

#11. Talk to your fiancé beforehand about the whole cake cutting thing – nothing is worse than seeing a groom smash cake in his bride’s face after she’s begged him not to and then seeing her look of horror and anger. You don’t want to have a fight on your wedding night.

#12. Dance your pants, er gown, er veil, off!