Ten top tips for a stress-free wedding day

As the wedding season approaches, and Blackbrook Barns is set to host its first ever civil ceremony we thought that now would be a great time to have some top tips of how to fully enjoy your wedding day and ensure it’s completely stress free.

‍

1. Prep your outfits

The first tip is for the day before the wedding – get those all important outfits steamed together and pack your accessories ready in a bag; jewellery, cufflinks, shoes and anything else you have planned to wear. You’ll be able to rest your head the night before the wedding knowing that you’re ready to go in the morning. Searching for an iron on the morning of the wedding is best avoided!

‍

2. Put together a morning playlist!

As Plato once said “Music gives life to everything” and setting the tone on the morning can help you stay chilled and calm ahead of your ceremony. Maybe you’ll want some upbeat bangers to get you and your wedding party in the spirit; whatever your music choices it’ll elevate the morning and set the scene for your big day.

‍

3. Get yourself a good night’s sleep!

Listen, we know it’s going to feel a little bit like it’s Christmas eve when you were 7 but the wedding day is a wonderfully emotive one and you need to feel as rested as possible. The best way of getting some good quality sleep is to be organised. Put your mind at ease by making sure everything is packed and ready ahead of the big day.

‍

4. Make time for breakfast!

It’s important to make sure you find the time to eat, it’s so easy to get distracted and leave yourself feeling hungry. If you’re partial to a glass of fizz it’s also another reason to make sure you have lined your stomach accordingly! Here at Blackbrook we have a gorgeous little coffee shop onsite, serving posh coffees and delicious Silver Tree pastries. Why not send out one of your bridal party to pop across the courtyard and stock up your prep rooms with a tasty breakfast. We can also offer you a snack platter into your prep room from 11.30am if you are having a civil ceremony after lunch time.

‍

5. Allow more than enough time for getting ready

Wedding mornings are special. The excitement and good vibes are overflowing – the best thing is to be ready a little earlier than needed. That way you have plenty of time for photos and you can take a breather before that emotional walk down the aisle (we’ll come on to that later). We know how important it is to get your hairstylist and MUA onsite as early as possible especially if you have a few bridesmaids. We have two prep rooms at Blackbrook Barns and they are available from 8.30am and 10.30am. It’s also worth mentioning that brides shouldn’t be the last in line for hair and make-up – it’s always a good idea for the bride to be ready ahead of timings and that way you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the moment before your registrar meeting.

6. Don’t panic if things don’t go to plan!

Even with the best possible planning, there is always the chance that something won’t go quite as planned, but don’t let it spoil your day. You are marrying your best friend and that’s all that really matters. Don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve perfection – there’s no such thing anyway. Timings will always shift a little and the English weather just can’t be predicted so just try to embrace those things you can’t control. If rain is forecast, be sure to think about some umbrella photos; rain can be a wonderful backdrop for some stunning photos. We have 20 clear umbrellas on hand for you and your guests here at Blackbrook - rainbow umbrellas are another fun way to get some fabulous photos whilst staying dry.

‍

7. Take your time walking down the aisle

Here at Blackbrook, we have a beautiful, long aisle and you can really enjoy soaking up that special moment. Take it from me, as a wedding violinist and singer for the last 15 years, I have seen all the varieties of walking paces! Most brides walk down a little quicker than planned so if you can do a practice when you visit your venue for your final planning meeting, that can really help. It’s a special moment and you’ll want to treasure it forever so if you’re feeling nervous, look at your partner, take a deep breath and smile!

‍

8. Consider an unplugged day

It’s likely that you’ve hired a professional photographer so let them capture this once in a lifetime moment so you and your guests can stay fully present. Something I once heard a registrar say to calm the nerves of a couple "You’ve been invited to this wedding because you’re loved by the couple and the guests are here attending because they also love you." Basically, all your loved ones have gathered together to see you tie the knot, who would you possibly need to text or call!?

‍

9. Your day, your way

Yes, that’s our philosophy at Blackbrook Barns. Intimate or extravagant, festival vibes or monochrome class, just make sure that you make your day exactly as you and your fiancée want it to be. Don’t feel pressured into following traditions, if that’s not your thing; you’ll enjoy your day so much more if you make it personal and authentic.

‍

10. Enjoy the intimate moments together

Your guests will all want to share in your wedding joy and be so keen to talk to you – do this as a couple if you can. You’ll also get plenty of time to enjoy being together during your photo reception. Don’t forget, here at Blackbrook you have two rooms which are exclusively yours and your partners. You can escape for a peaceful moment or a little tipple together anytime.

‍