5 tips to actually enjoy your wedding day

We get it- weddings can be a whirlwind. Between hair and makeup, family photos, and making sure everyone knows where to be - it’s easy to get swept up in the logistics and forget to actually be present for your day. At Wyld Story, we’ve seen firsthand how a few simple choices can completely shift the vibe of a wedding day, and we’re here to help you enjoy the heck out of it.

Here are 5 tips to make sure your wedding feels less like a blur and more like the best day of your life.

1️⃣ Build In Unrushed Moments with Your Fiancé

It’s your day - but sometimes you hardly get to be alone together. Be intentional about creating space for connection.

We recommend setting aside at least 20–30 minutes for your first look (not just 5 minutes and go). This is one of the only private moments you’ll have before the party starts. Soak it up.

And later in the day, carve out time for sunset portraits. Not only is the light amazing but it’s another built-in breather where you can sneak away, reflect on the day, and just be together without an audience.

Also - build in extra time before the ceremony with your wedding party. Create time to do make up touch ups, read a note from your fiance, or just be in the moment with your people before you walk down the aisle! Rushing through these moments makes it all feel transactional.

Need help mapping it out? Check out our blog “From Sunrise to ‘I Do’: A Photographer’s Take on Your Wedding Day Timeline” for Alyssa’s best take on how to structure your timeline to actually enjoy your day.

2️⃣ Hire a DJ — Trust Us

We know some people skip this to save money, but if you want an actual dance party, hire a pro DJ. Playlists can only get you so far, and a good DJ keeps the energy up, reads the room, and makes the entire reception flow better. We’ve seen it time and again — no DJ = awkward transitions and a half-empty dance floor by 9pm.

3️⃣ Start Getting Ready Early (And Build in Solo Time)

This one’s huge. Start earlier than you think you need to. Hair and makeup always run over, someone will forget something, or you’ll need a last-minute steamer session. The earlier you start, the more buffer time you have - and trust us, extra time means less stress.

And while you’re at it, build in a little solo time in the morning just for you. A quiet cup of coffee, a walk, a stretch, a journal moment — whatever grounds you. It’s a day you’ll remember forever, and you deserve to start it on your terms.

4️⃣ Hire a Wedding Day Coordinator (You’ll Thank Us Later)

If you take one thing from this list — it’s this. Hire a coordinator. Even if you’re a Type A planner, you shouldn’t have to manage your own wedding day.

We love recommending Coordinating Corinne (follow her on IG @coordinating_corinne — she’s the best). A great coordinator keeps your day running smoothly, shields you from last-minute questions, and handles anything that pops up so you can actually enjoy yourself.

Also: message your family and wedding party ahead of time to direct all questions to your coordinator, not you. Game. changer.

5️⃣ Ditch Your Phone and Over-Communicate Ahead of Time

Leave your phone behind for the day — or give it to your MOH. You don’t need to deal with texts about directions, outfit questions, or “where’s my seat?” messages while you’re trying to get married.

The best way to avoid last-minute chaos? Over-communicate everything ahead of time. Use your wedding website to share:

• How to dress

• If there’s phone service at the venue

• Parking instructions

• Anything else specific to your venue!

The more you share upfront, the less you’ll be bothered on your big day.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding day should feel like yours. Not a checklist, not a production, but a celebration of your love. Little intentional choices like these make all the difference between feeling like a guest at your own event and being fully present for it.

Need more tips? Check out our other post: From Sunrise to ‘I Do’: A Photographer’s Take on Your Wedding Day Timeline for a breakdown of how to structure your day for less stress and more memories.

And if you’re still looking for a photo + video team that cares about the little moments? You know where to find us.