Ten Wedding Moments to Savor

Your wedding day is undeniably one of the biggest, most important days of your life—one you want to never end, and yet it flies by at lightning speed. Staying fully in the moment can be challenging if your mind is conditioned to constantly think about what comes next. Try to shut off any forward-moving thoughts and instead truly be absorbed in each moment of your wedding day—you're making memories here! Check out this list of ten moments—some obvious and some not so obvious—to sweetly savor.

1. The Rehearsal Dinner

People will say some of the kindest things about you and your groom, will tell laugh-till-you-cry stories about your zany childhood scrapes, and offer up a treasure trove of tender moments that you'll wish you had on record. Consider hiring a videographer or ask a family member with a camcorder to capture valuable footage of this event. The rehearsal dinner is also a great place for surprises like a humorous slide show or gifting both sets of parents with a heartfelt toast. Be sure to really enjoy the food because you'll likely not eat much the next day, thanks to butterflies. Don't worry, your dress will still fit if you have a few bites of barbecue or pasta.

2. The Kiss Goodnight After the Rehearsal Dinner.

Ahem. Make it a good one.

3. Dressing with Mom's Help

What a perfect time to do something special for your mom. Slip her a sweet note about how much she means to you or present her with a special gift like an embroidered handkerchief. This can be done in front of your photographer or in private.

4. Just Before the Walk

One of my favorite moments of my wedding day was finding myself all alone just moments before I was to walk down the aisle at Brookgreen Gardens. My father left to escort my mother to her seat, and then my maid of honor exited the cottage door to take her place, leaving me alone in the foyer—just me and my reflection in the hall mirror. You can bet I gave myself an out loud, giddy, “Here goes!” before leaving the cottage. Those few precious seconds were the perfect time to fully realize the beauty and gravity of the day and the moment to come. If you can, give yourself at least a minute alone in quiet contemplation before you meet Dad for your wedding walk.

5. Joke with Dad

As you head down the aisle on your dad's sturdy, comforting arm, realize how nervous and emotional he is and let him know how much you love him. Then crack a joke to keep your makeup from marching down your face. If being in front of people makes you nervous, chatter quietly to him while you walk down the aisle.

6. Feel Your Vows Down to Your Toes.

This can be challenging if you get distracted easily by flash photography, gurgling babies, birds flying by, random sneezes and shiny objects. Keep your gaze on your groom and pretend everyone else is already at the reception so you can fully immerse yourself in your vows. These words are some of the most important and powerful you will ever say.

7. Before You're Announced

Steal a private moment with your new husband. No photographer, no guests—just the two of you. If you're having a large wedding, have waitstaff or your planner bring you a small platter of food to enjoy since you'll spend the next several hours greeting guests. Savor a kiss—the kind that isn't appropriate in front of Grandma. Then reapply lipstick and join the party.

8. Cutting the Cake

Naturally, this is a signature moment to treasure. Consider that this is the first time you and your new husband will work together as a team and have fun at the same time. (Because let's face it, the first dance is actually somewhat frightening and awkward if you're not Fred and Ginger.) Cutting the cake is far more relaxed and any mistakes or mishaps will only make the moment more endearing.

9. Late in the Day Photos

Excuse yourself from the party for a few minutes to take some additional photos. Now that you've had time to unwind, probably due, in part, to your signature cocktail, you'll take happier, more relaxed photos. Unlike post-ceremony photos, you won't be as concerned about time since your guests will be having a ball. They may not even notice that you've slipped away!

10. Riding off into the Sunset

Give your reception a big wave and be sure to look back to seal in the punctuation mark on your wedding. Once you and your Prince Charming leave the reception, take a drive together or do something unexpected like drive through Sonic and grab a grilled cheese sandwich and a slushy.

Doing something “normal” in your wedding attire will provide a fun memory of your first real hours as husband and wife.