by Alisha Chadee

OMG there's SO much happening on your wedding day - so many people to see, so many flowers to smell, so many drinks to consume! And yet..

Too often the wedding world is focused on the pretty/fun and not necessarily the mindful, so today I thought I'd put a little focus on the latter. I've been around the wedding block more than a few times, and I can't stress how important it is to have a wedding with intention. After you walk down the aisle, the plates are cleared and the last crumb of scrumptious wedding cake is devoured, you'll notice that the day flew by. We spend months, sometimes years, planning the perfect day, and before you know it, the lights are on and the dance floor is clear. We are strong advocates for a beautiful, personalized day that reflects your couple-y style, but also a day where you take time for what's important. Here are a few tips to have a wedding with intention.

Start the day with Yoga/Meditation/Quiet Time

I've had a few brides and grooms start the day this way - and we literally build it into the itinerary - and its always struck me as a beautiful way to begin a new chapter of your life. Even if you aren't necessarily into yoga, prayer or meditation, taking a few moments to reflect on your journey together (and separately) that has lead you to this point is a great way to start your wedding day.Take a few minutes to keep your marriage in mind, and the life you want to have together, and I guarantee that no matter what the day throws at you, you'll enjoy your day even more. Mindful wedding day

Stay Hydrated

This seems simple enough, yet proper hydration - I mean water and not champagne - is often neglected. It's a long, long day, even though it flies by, and staying hydrated and well fed is your best bet toward surviving the day and enjoying every minute of it.We'll keep a fresh glass handy for you, but definitely start the day with a glass or two of water to keep you glowing and energized.

Spend Quality Time with your Family

Your wedding morning is a great opportunity to enjoy a warm cuppa with your immediate family and listen to any advice they may have from their years of life experience. Before things get too crazy with makeup and hair and giggling bridal party members and photographers capturing it all, have a few quiet moments with your parents, siblings and grandparents.This is even a great time to share a special card or letter expressing your gratitude to them for all they've done to support your journey to the altar. These are precious moments that you'll cherish forever as you embark on your walk down the aisle to start your new forever and family with your spouse.

Take a Timeout

A lot happens on your wedding day. If you've ever seen one of the Whimlets' timelines, there is seriously a lot packed in there. Between family, bridal party and friend photos, greeting your guests and partying the night away, you barely get any time to soak in the fact that you just got married to the love of your life! As a result, we strongly advocate taking about 15 minutes at some point to just be present with your new spouse. We usually build this in during cocktail hour or after your ceremony if we can manage it. It's lovely to spend a few moments alone together, away from everyone else, including us and your photographers, to just be together.Enjoy a few sips and snacks, giggle together about your ceremony or just do whatever - just take the time to be together before heading back out and socializing to your hearts' content. You'll thank us later - trust me!And there you have it - four simple ways to stay present, grounded and mindful, and to have a wedding with intention. Let's face it, your wedding day will eventually end (sob!), but the marriage coming afterwards is what is even more important, and we want you to look back on your wedding day as not just a lovely celebration, but the start of something very special in your matrimonial journey.Whim Event Planning and Design is a team of Toronto wedding planners and day of coordinators specializing in modern romantic weddings for fun, sweet couples. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream day!