Creating a mindful, intentional wedding experience: Part Two – Curating a mindful wedding day
By Essex and UK wedding photographer Ross Willsher for English Wedding.
We often equate mindfulness with a sense of serene tranquillity; of breathing deeply and visualising the perfect day ahead. Of course, for some of you reading this, that might be the exact vibe you want for your special day. However, to be mindful on your wedding day doesn’t mean you have to start it with an intense yoga or meditation session. It means you seek to enjoy and experience each element of the day as it unfolds, letting go of the need to control things that you have no influence over. We are all aware of how powerful it is to ‘exist in the moment’ and it is often easier said than done. So how do you achieve this on the day you say, ‘I do’?
First of all, let go of the need for the day to be perfect.#
Ignore all the media and industry hype about it being ‘The best day of your life’. That is far too much pressure for you to take on board. Perfection is subjective and also overrated. Some of my couples’ favourite wedding moments were the little imperfections and mishaps that happened. These are the events that become folklore amongst your loved ones and get retold (and embellished) at gatherings for years to come. Perfection is not a human trait – do not get worked up trying to attain it.
Next, as much as is possible, relinquish control.#
However involved you have been throughout the wedding planning process, once the wedding day arrives, delegate all administrative or organisational tasks to someone you trust. That may be a planner or on-the-day co-ordinator, or it may be a member of the wedding party. Weddings are hugely emotional events; allow yourself the time and space to experience it all fully, without having to simultaneously check off to-do lists and become a logistics operative. However, the key word in this paragraph is trust. Whether that means investing in suppliers with more experience or saying no to well-meaning offers of help from unreliable friends, the peace of mind that comes from knowing other people have things under control is priceless.
Please do not forget to plan with intention.#
If you’ve read the first part of this three-part series, you’ll know that I’m a huge advocate of planning with intention. Prior to your day, shape your timeline to allow space for pauses, reflection and just taking it all in (both as you prepare for the day ahead and at intervals between proceedings).
Identify the people and resources you will need around you, in order to experience the day in the exact way you want to. Do you need a cheerleading team to boost your confidence as you get ready, or a small calm group of close friends to keep you grounded and keep anxiety at bay? Do you want a playlist of club classics to get you hyped or chilled out showtunes to lower blood pressure? Are there people who you want to be kept away from at certain moments?
It is your day, so if you need your future mother-in-law to stay away whilst you get ready, then ask your wedding party or planner to ensure this happens. Consider all of these little things ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying the moments as they arrive.
By doing these things, you’ll free up head space to giggle, cry, dance like a loon, eat too much cake and fully experience the roller-coaster of emotions that make up a wedding day. Laugh if little things go wrong, embrace being imperfectly human and the memories will take care of themselves.
0 Comments