The morning of your wedding day is a time filled with excitement, nervous anticipation, and the undeniable buzz of what you’ve been working so hard for. It's also a precious moment to share with your closest friends and family, especially your wedding party, who have been with you every step of the way.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Niki Marie Photography
We polled some industry experts to share their favorite morning-of activities that will settle your nerves and create some unforgettable memories.
"Start your day off moving your body! I find that many of my clients love scheduling a workout with the wedding party members who may be interested. It could be as low-key as a walk or shorter hike to enjoy the fresh air, but I've also had couples set up a private group work out session — yoga, boxing, cycling, you name it! While it can be great to work up a sweat the morning of your wedding, just be mindful to limit the risk of injuries." —Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services
"Enjoy a delicious selection of individual stunningly presented grazing boards for each wedding party member, complete with mocktails or light alcoholic beverages. You can have your caterer whip up these delectable nibbles so that you and each wedding party member are pampered, well-fed, hydrated, and happy during the long hours of getting ready. Often, everyone involved in preparing for the wedding gets too busy preening and grooming, then gulps down too much champagne on an empty stomach, which is not a wise way to start the wedding day." —Sarah Chianese, Mangia and Enjoy!
"A thoughtful gift exchange between the couple and their respective parties adds a personal touch to the wedding day. It allows the couple and their attendants to express gratitude, love, and appreciation for each other. The gifts could be anything from sentimental items to practical accessories for the wedding day. It's a heartwarming way to start the day, reinforcing the significance of the friendships and the bonds between them." —Syrie Roman, Social Maven
"Take a few moments to meditate. Sit with yourself and reflect on how all of the twists and turns have led to this day." —Megan Breukelman, Megan & Kenneth
"A unique morning activity is for the bridal party to write short love notes to the opposite of the couple. For example, if the couple's names are Alex & Ryan, Alex's entourage would write personal letters to Ryan and vice versa. This sweet and simple act allows the bridal party to give their blessing to the couple's marriage." —Carin Hunt, Celebration Pros
"Starting the day with spa pampering for yourself and the members of your wedding party is a luxurious self-care gift that will last you throughout the long events of the day. Complete the experience by offering plush robes and slippers for all, which doubles up as a wedding gift to your party, perhaps with an extra personalized special gift in each pocket." —Sarah Chianese
"Take some photos together before the day begins! You'll want to document these moments in an authentic fashion, even before the photographer arrives to capture these moments." —Megan Breukelman
"Once the wedding day is underway, there are so many moving parts that it can be near impossible for the couple to spend any quality time with their guests, let alone their appointed bridal party. Scheduling a few minutes with each of them individually in the morning gives them an exclusive moment to connect with the people who mean the most to them." —Carin Hunt
These moments are more than just a prelude to the big event — they’re an integral part of your wedding day experience! The small moments are opportunities to really bond with your loved ones in a huge way, especially if you’ll be pulled in a million directions throughout the day. Spend this time with them in a meaningful way, and make sure that you praise them for all of the work they put in to make your wedding special.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
