We are in the throes of wedding season when sometimes we lose sight of the moments that make a wedding day so very special. Classic bridal moments are about connection. Connection between the bride and groom, their families, friends and the total joy in the room. I often say that I can make a wedding day beautiful, delicious and run like a clock. I cannot make it joyful and filled with love. I leave that to you!
Here are a few classic bridal moments:
Weddings go hand-in-hand with tradition, and there are many classic aspects of weddings that are common to almost every single one of them. Having been in the business for awhile, I've had the opportunity to witness some of the most precious moments life has to offer. Here is a recap of some of the moments that remind us why weddings really are so special.
First Look — Years ago, you would wait until the doors to the chapel opened to see the first glimpse of the bride, and the look on her husband-to-be's face when he saw her. Today’s couples often choose to see each other pre-ceremony for a photo so that they can have more time later to enjoy their cocktail hour with friends and family. My favorite memory of watching this moment happen is when a bride stood in the garden with her back to the house and waited. Tears fell as she felt a tap on her shoulder, turned around and hugged her husband-to-be.
Flower Girls and Ring Bearers — Children will do what they will do. My advice? Let them be. Often times, a bride has a favorite niece and would love to include them as an adorable additions to their wedding party. At a recent ceremony in a local very beautiful church, the wedding party lined up at the church entrance only to hear a screech — the flower girl stuck her finger with the pin of her bouquet! My assistant lifted the screaming little girl, carrying her under his arm outside to calm her down. When she was ready, we brought her back to join the wedding party at the altar. If your favorite niece is under four, invite them to be part of the celebration, however, be prepared that they will probably take a left turn during the processional. Be prepared to let them steal the show, or figure out a different way to include them in your special day. Sometimes, a dog really is a man's best friend, and I have seen quite a few pups act as ring bearers. When the ring bearer has four paws, we just hope he or she will walk a straight line to the altar. To be sure, keep the real rings with the best man. A pillow with faux rings around pooch's neck will carry the day.
Vows — If personal vows are hard to get through and will be muffled at best, go traditional and keep the personal vows for each other in the form of a letter or a quiet moment. Reciting your vows in privacy will be a moment that will seal your vows in a most intimate way. It will be a classic moment when all your guests remember is how much you wept.
First Dance — My advice is to keep it simple. Something you can slowly sway to is the way to go. What you may want to avoid is having to count beats through your song and missing the moment.
The Cocktail Hour — Most everybody’s favorite part of a wedding reception. The most important element of the cocktail hour? Be sure that everyone can get a drink! A combination of enough bars, signature drinks and bultered drinks will make your cocktail hour a highlight of the party! A poorly planned cocktail hour will place a negative lasting memory of an otherwise great party.
Dancing and Merriment — Keeping up the energy is key. In planning your music with your entertainment, plan on a broad range of songs that will make everyone part of the party. Remember to include both oldies and newer hits so that every generation will want to make their way over to the dance floor.
Thank you from the Bride and Groom – one of my favorite moments, when the bride and groom “toast” their guests. This is the opportunity to publicly thank and love those that made your day so very special, and guests always appreciate acknowledgement. Thank those who have helped with the planning, those who came from far away to be there, and those who stand by your side day in and day out as your supporters in everyday life.
And they’re off! — Goodbyes can be whatever you want them to be. Some couples get really creative and some take a more standard route when driving off for their honeymoon. A memorable moment I witnessed was when the bride wrapped herself in a vintage bolero jacket to match her vintage clutch as she and her new husband went off into the night in a vintage Rolls surrounded by sparklers that lit up the night.
These are just some of the moments that everyone pays attention to at a wedding, so make them count! Don't be afraid to be out of the ordinary, but do what feels right for you.