If you’ve ever quietly slipped out of a party without saying goodbye to everyone in the room, chances are you’ve done what’s known as an Irish exit.
Feeling your absolute best on your wedding day is non-negotiable. We asked Loredana Loots, an integrative nutrition and holistic health coach, for her advice on what to eat before and on your wedding day:
“With only a few days to go and a whirlwind of emotions, arrangements and final prep, you may (understandably) not give much thought about what you are eating and drinking. What you consume actually has a major impact on how feel – physically, mentally and emotionally. Every couple deserves to look and feel like a million bucks on their special day. These handy food secrets are a must!
Technology is undoubtedly a massive part of our lives in this day and age. Our phones are practically extensions of our arms and we can’t go without checking in to our social media once a day. Most of our memories are made by captured moments on our digital devices and not by living in those moments. This can frustrate people who would rather be doing the latter, especially when it comes to significant occasions such as weddings.
It’s your nearest and dearests’ wedding coming up and you’ve been given a plus one. With no partner, you have to pick a lucky someone to accompany you to the big bash.
It’s important to remember that it’s not just a plus one, but rather someone you know you can have fun with. The wedding is an important day for your loved ones as it sees the union of two people ready to tie the knot.
So how do you choose the perfect partner to bring along?
Let’s be honest, we all know a few. Wedding superstitions have been around for centuries. The question is, do you believe in them? Not seeing your loved one the night before the big day, lest the groom changes his mind at the last minute, is a widely-known superstition.
Here are a few superstitions you may not have come across:
This is vital information for every bride and some grooms too. Being prepared means that you’re already one step ahead of any emergency that might pop up on your wedding day. Keep these essentials handy to ensure you’re ready for any mishap thrown your way:
On your wedding day you will be photographed a lot. This can be extremely daunting if you are not used to being in front of the camera. To ensure you get the pictures you’ve always dreamed of, we’ve rounded up some useful tips to help you feel comfortable in front of your wedding photographer.
One of the most difficult parts of planning your wedding food is deciding whether you want a buffet or plated meal. We’ve laid out the pros and cons so you can easily decide what’s best for you.
A PLATED MEAL
The facts
A plated meal is the more traditional meal option, where your guests are each served three courses, plus canapés before the reception. Caterers will usually give guests an option of two to three main meals (with a vegetarian option as one of them).
The pros
All of your guests get their food at the same time. Since you know what everyone is eating, caterers will only buy for that amount of people, which makes it a more cost-effective option. You can also plan the entertainment – dancing, speeches and any surprises – in-between each course.
The cons
It needs more waitstaff, which can get expensive (if your wedding package includes servers, however, this won’t be a concern). And more than likely, you and your partner will choose options based on what you love to eat, which may not appeal to everyone.
A BUFFET
The facts
Self-serve stations are set up. You can also hire servers to stand behind each warmer and dish up for the guests, which tends to be more hygienic and controlled. It is the non-traditional, more casual catering option.
The pros
Fewer servers will be needed and you can cut catering costs. You will also be able to serve more food options – which is a good idea, considering all the allergies, diets and intolerances guests may have. It encourages guests to mingle and chat, creating a relaxing atmosphere before party time.
The cons
Whether tables take turns heading up to the buffet or a long line forms, your guests will have to queue and wait for their food. If the buffet is not included in your catering package, you will have to rent the tables, linen, serving platters and warmers, which can be costly. People will always dish up more if they serve themselves, and caterers know this – the extra food purchased will beef up your catering bill. Guests milling around carrying plates laden with food may not bring the sense of elegance to the occasion that most couples would like.
ALSO SEE: Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle
Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle
Feature image: Unsplash
Families come in all shapes and sizes, colours, breeds, and species too. Furry companions have become integral parts of our closest circles. Considered to be children by many couples – pooches, ponies, and parrots, to name a few, not only make it onto the guest list but have become key players at many weddings.
You’ve planned the seating chart, chosen the perfect playlist and said yes to the dress, but have you thought about what actually happens during your ceremony?
Your wedding ceremony is one of the most photographed, emotional and memorable parts of the day. It’s also the part that most brides don’t rehearse properly. These wedding ceremony tips for brides will help you feel calm, confident and completely present from the moment you step into the aisle to your first kiss as newlyweds.
Walk slower than you think you should
Then slow it down again.
Adrenaline will make everything feel like it’s happening in fast forward. Walking slowly not only gives your photographer time to capture those once in a lifetime moments, but it also allows you to actually take in the people, the music and your partner waiting at the end of the aisle.
If you feel like you’re walking too slowly, you’re probably walking at the perfect pace.
Carry your bouquet at your belly button
It sounds oddly specific, but it makes a huge difference in photos.
Holding your bouquet too high can hide the detailing on your dress and make your shoulders look tense. Hold it low, around your belly button, with the flowers facing outward. This helps your posture look more relaxed and keeps your neckline and bodice visible.
Hold hands and lock eyes
It might feel natural to look around at your guests, your parents or even your officiant, but the most meaningful place to look is right at each other.
Holding hands throughout the ceremony grounds you, calms your nerves and keeps you emotionally connected. It also looks incredibly romantic in photos.
Hold the kiss
When it’s time for that “you may now kiss” moment, don’t rush it.
Go in for the kiss and hold it while you both count to three in your heads. This gives your photographer enough time to capture the moment properly and prevents that blink and you miss it situation.
Pause before you walk back down the aisle
Once you’re officially married, take a second before turning to walk back up the aisle.
Celebrate. Smile at your guests. Steal another kiss if you want to. That pause creates some of the most joyful and genuine photos of the day.
Pause halfway down the aisle on your way out
Your recessional is your very first moment as a married couple.
As you walk back down the aisle together after the ceremony, stop halfway for a quick kiss or celebratory moment. It gives your guests something special to cheer for and creates one of the happiest photo opportunities of the entire day.
Practise standing together
It sounds simple, but knowing how to stand comfortably next to each other matters more than you think.
Angle your bodies slightly toward one another rather than standing stiffly forward. It feels more natural and looks more intimate during the ceremony.
Don’t forget to breathe
Deep breaths will keep you calm and help prevent shaky voices during your vows.
If you feel overwhelmed, gently squeeze your partner’s hand and take a slow breath together.
ALSO SEE: High-neck wedding dresses we love
Feature image: Jakob Owens/Unsplash