Repeat this aloud: “I will actually eat dinner at my reception – that includes cake – and I will take time to enjoy it!”
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a couple to make a declaration of love, commitment and independence. There is a lot that goes into the planning of a wedding. More than most brides and grooms realize. Your reception will most likely be the high point of your wedding day. It will most likely be the largest party you’ll ever throw. Don’t allow the whole process to become an ordeal. There’s going to be so much going on, and everything’s got to be perfect. NOT!! Let go of the quest for perfection.
Most brides and grooms today are foregoing the receiving line and allowing their guests to offer their congratulations at the reception. The thing to remember is to sit with your new partner, relax as best you can with all the excitement around you and truly enjoy your meal. Take your time. You will have plenty of time during the remaining part of the reception and table-hop to visit with your guests.
Many brides and grooms often tell me that everything was so hurry-skurry that they really didn’t get to enjoy the meal.
Hot Tip: Have the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner two days before the wedding, NOT the night before. This idea separates two stressful days and gives you a day of rest before the wedding to get last-minute things done. If you are anticipating a party… this extra day keeps you and your bridal party from arriving at your wedding with a hangover. 
Get a good night’s sleep before the wedding. Eight hours works good. Breakfast is your start to the day—it’s your first meal, the one that gives you energy and fuels you until lunch or even the reception dinner. Breakfast might be the only meal you have until dinner. Do yourself a favor and eat a decent breakfast.
If you spend your whole wedding day directing the photographer and making sure the bridal party makes their entrance on cue, you’ll be missing out on a lot of amazing memories. Make sure you take time with your new husband to really enjoy the party you worked so hard to plan. Let go of control.
It will be difficult to enjoy your wedding reception meal unless it is as stress-free as possible. That’s why all the planning of the reception – especially the meal – needs to be completed at least several weeks (or more) before the wedding.
My first suggestion would be to at least hire a “day-of wedding consultant.” Let someone else worry about the details. If you don’t do that another idea is to put a trusted relative or bridesmaid in charge of making sure things go smoothly on the big day so you can enjoy it. Designate tasks. If you do that you can let go of worry. Things will turn out the way they turn out.
After all the pomp and grandeur of the day is over you will want to sit back, relax and savor some of the memories you both made. Relax and enjoy yourself.
Take a deep breath and check out this Video from Fine Living for some helpful advice on how to stay in the moment on your big day. Click here to watch a Video about “How to relax and enjoy your wedding day!”
Copyright © 2012 – Larry James. This idea is adapted from Larry’s “romantic” Wedding Website. Larry James is an award winning, non-denominational wedding officiant and performs the most “Romantic” wedding ceremony you will find anywhere! Every wedding ceremony is customized to your complete satisfaction. Call to check availability: 480-998-9411 or 800-725-9223. Pre-maritial relationship coaching is available and not required. You will find more than 470 pages of Wedding ideas, tips (90 tips and growing), ceremonies, and more at: http://www.celebrateintimateweddings.com. Something NEW about weddings is posted every 4th day on this Wedding BLOG. Check Larry’s availability.
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