When I got married, I had never heard of a bride and groom having a first look before the ceremony. Never heard of a father-daughter first look. Never knew that some brides and grooms hold hands around a doorway to pray together without seeing one another before the ceremony.

Looking back on my own wedding, I wish I had planned more special moments during my wedding day — things to really make it feel like “Eep! This is my wedding day and I’m savoring it with my most favoritest peoples!” I have wonderful, joyous memories from my wedding. Now I just realize that I could have had even more meaningful memories. That is something some of our 2012 brides have done really well: Maximizing the experience by planning those special moments. That’s something I think every bride should do.

Here’s a quick run-down of a few moments you might want to consider orchestrating carefully:

1.) First look or no-look Before the ceremony, see your groom for a dramatic first look filled with with tears and laughter, or don’t see your groom as you hold hands around a corner for a no-look filled with anticipation — but either way, spend a little time together praying or talking about the great adventure you’re about to embark on when you exchange vows in a few moments, these moments will be some of the most heart-thumping, emotionally charged of your wedding day . . . if not your entire life. 2.) Father-daughter first look
Our experience has been that these first looks are even more emotionally charged than bride and groom first looks. Brides, have you ever seen your daddy cry like a baby? You just might. There is so much joy and pride when a dad sees his daughter on her wedding day, and it’s an incredible experience. 3.) Getting dressed
Have your attendants help you, and allocate a special job to each person — someone to zip the gown, someone to tie the sash, someone to place the veil, someone to fasten the necklace. Have each task pre-planned so you’re really aware of what is happening and present in the moment. 4.) Praying
I love sweet, personal photographs of attendants praying with the bride and groom just before the ceremony, and I know brides and grooms truly love that moment.5.) Sneaking away after the ceremony / during the reception
One thing I encourage brides and grooms to consider is slipping off by themselves for a moment or two after exiting their ceremony — basking in that happiness of being just married by themselves for a moment before being inundated with hugs. Whenever it can be worked into the schedule, I think it’s a great idea for the bride and groom to share a few minutes along, just to savor the day.Of course there are a ton of other moments you could plan to fill your wedding day with memories — but then again, it’s also a great idea not to over-schedule your wedding day, to let things unfold naturally. So choose a few things that you will treasure when you think back on your wedding, and get with your wedding planner, photographer, and family and friends to make sure they happen!

~ Laura