There is an extraordinary amount of planning that goes into preparing for your wedding, so practicing aspects of the big day might be one of the last things on your to-do list. Nevertheless, here are 6 different things you should at least consider practicing for the big day - some may even surprise you!
1. All About the Look
There's a good chance that you've made some sort of investment into your wedding look - whether that be for a dress, a tux, hair/makeup, shoes, accessories, etc. - so be sure to spend some time testing out the look altogether, making sure that it fits your vision! Going for hair/makeup trials are a great way to gain the full picture and allow you to test out a few different looks. After a trial, go home and try on your entire wedding look. Not only should you take a look in the mirror, but get comfortable in your outfit - especially with a wedding dress. This allows you to get used to the way the dress moves, how to bustle it, picture-perfect poses, etc. In addition, if you are purchasing brand new shoes, make sure to spend plenty of time breaking them in to avoid any unwanted blisters on your big day - ouch!
2. Say Cheese
Make some time to practice getting comfortable in front of the camera, that way you'll feel more natural smiling for the photographer on your wedding day. Engagement sessions or other mini sessions with your wedding photographer are a great way to not only increase your comfort level with the camera, but also with your photographer. These opportunities will let them learn more about you and help them gain plenty of insight on how to get the best shots of the two of you.
3. Here Comes the Bride
Don't forget to practice your walk down the aisle! Although a seemingly simple task, timing everyone up (especially with music involved) and having a smooth walk down the aisle takes a bit of practice. Plus, this will help boost comfort levels for everyone and help to avoid super nervous facial expressions on the actual day! Even if you aren't able to practice at the ceremony site the day before, get the length of the aisle and you can practice almost anywhere to work on timing and get everyone on the same page.
4. A Toast to the Newlyweds!
Have plans to read your own vows or give any speeches during the night? If so, it's probably best not to wing this aspect of your event. Unless you are 100% confident in your speech abilities on the fly, it's in good practice to write down what you'd like to say and practice a few times. The same goes for any toats given by someone else - make sure they have practiced in some way. Not only will you feel more comfortable, you'll be relaxed, confident, and able to avoid any awkwardness of not knowing what to say, stumbling, etc.
5. Sealed with a Kiss
This one may sound a bit silly - but it doesn't hurt to practice your first kiss for the ceremony. Especially if you're planning on capturing this moment in a photograph, you'll want to be on the same page on how the kiss is going to go. Plus - don't forget to hold the kiss for a few seconds to allow the photographer time to get the money shot!
6. Dancing the Night Away
Practicing your first dance - and any other dances you might be doing (i.e. father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, etc.) - can help you get a feel for your song choice and allow the two of you to be relaxed on the dance floor. You could even take it one step further with a few dancing lessons that would be the perfect excuse for a few date nights with your fiance! This would be sure to wow the guests in attendance!