7 Tips for Brides to Feel Relaxed and Present on Their Wedding Day

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of excitement, emotion, and love — and amidst it all, you deserve to feel calm, grounded, and fully present.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all- the nervous glances, the deep breaths, the quiet, beautiful moments that often go unnoticed.

Here are a few gentle tips to help you soak up every second of your day, and to ensure your photographs reflect the joy and connection you’re feeling throughout.

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1. Start Your Morning Slowly

Try not to rush through your morning. Whether it’s having a quiet breakfast, listening to your favourite playlist, or simply taking five minutes to breathe, give yourself space to begin your day with calm and intention.

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2. Surround Yourself With the Right People

Choose a getting-ready crew that brings good energy and calm. Whether it’s your best friend, sibling, or your nan- having people around you who lift you up will make all the difference.

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3. Don’t Worry About Perfection

No wedding day goes exactly to plan, and that’s absolutely okay. The beauty is in the real moments; the unexpected ones, and the honest ones. Let go of perfection and allow things to unfold naturally.

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4. Schedule Quiet Time

Even just 10–15 minutes alone (or with your partner) can give you a moment to breathe and take it all in. I often help build this into your photo timeline- it’s a lovely way to pause and reset.

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5. Trust Your Photographer

When you feel comfortable and supported, it shows in your photos. I’m always there with a calm presence, gentle guidance when needed, and an eye for the small, meaningful moments.

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6. Focus on Each Other

There will be a lot happening around you, but your day is ultimately about the two of you. Try to keep locking eyes, holding hands, sharing little words- it’s those moments you’ll remember most.

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7. Be Present

Take deep breaths, look around, and notice how it all feels- the sounds, the scents, the emotion. Your wedding day will pass quickly, but being present in the moment helps make it last longer in your memory.

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There’s no one “right” way to feel on your wedding day, but you can create space to enjoy it more fully, to be less in your head and more in your heart.

And when you do, your photographs will reflect that.

Not just what your day looked like, but what it truly felt like.