5 tips for the introvert on their wedding day

Your wedding day is coming up! You should be excited, and you are! But do you find yourself dreading being the centre of attention? Is the idea of everyone taking photos of you, constantly congratulating you, all the hugs, the speeches, and so much more, is this freaking you out?

We’re here to tell you IT IS OK! Being an introvert is not easy when all the attention is shifted onto you for one day. We have a lot of clients that feel this way. Here are some ways to tailor your wedding day that offer you time to breath, literally!

1. Book some alone time

We do this a lot for our couples. It’s important to spend quiet time with each other, even if it’s only five minutes! We always find the best time is right after your ceremony. No photographers, no planners, no family members, just you two. Another time to sneak in a private moment is just before dinner. Often venues have small private spaces like a board room or bridal room. Use this space to be with each other, maybe have some food, hydrate, freshen up, and return to the dinner.

2. Don’t feel like you have to follow traditions

It’s your day, so you can choose certain traditions that feel right to you. Additions like cake cutting, grand entrance, the first dance are things you don’t have to do. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, find an alternative. Cake cutting, we say do this whilst everyone is dancing. It’s way more fun and if your guests want to watch, they can! Grand entrance, you can simply just walk into the room with everyone else and sit down. First dance, it doesn’t have to be 4 minutes. You can ask the DJ to fade it out. We suggest going to see our friends at JC Dance Co. They offer lessons, and a bit more confidence to help you look elegant. We find with some practice, you’re less nervous which means more smiles.

3. Don’t bring your wedding party to portraits

Wedding portraits are the most important photos of the day. These are the photos that end up on your wall and in your parents homes. Make time for these, and do these alone. It is incredibly difficult to stay focused and look relaxed, if your wedding party is in the background distracting you. Now, if you are feeling overwhelmed through the day, take the second option and do dusk / sunset photos. This is usually right in between dinner and dancing. When everyone is seated, laughing, eating, it’s your time to sneak away for a quiet but beautiful moment.

4. Don’t have a “head table”

This is becoming more and more of a trend. Is the idea of being on display at a table in front of everyone somewhat daunting? The “new” head table is no head table. We’ve had our couples sit in the middle of their friends and loved ones just as they would at a restaurant. Alternatively, have a smaller table with just your family or friends. It can be round or a long king table. It feels more intimate and you have some bodies blocking you.

5. If you change your mind, that is OK.

We tell this to our clients all the time (and highlights the importance of having a planner). If you need a minute, don’t want to continue with photos, don’t want to cut the cake, that is OK. Your guests don’t know what they don’t know. Communicate with your coordinator or planner and let them know how you’re feeling. For our clients, we always adjust to their needs. We will connect with the necessary vendors, make the changes, and no one knows the wiser.