Planning a wedding is exciting but let’s be honest—keeping the day stress-free can feel like a challenge! One of the best tips I can share is this: take care of as many formalities as you can at your rehearsal dinner or welcome party the night before. Trust me, your wedding day will feel smoother and more relaxed when these little moments are already handled.

For starters, transfer your vows into your vow book ahead of time.

This ensures you’re not scrambling the morning of the wedding trying to write them down last minute (or searching for that notebook you swore you packed).

Another great idea?

Exchange gifts with your parents and fiancé(e) during or before the rehearsal dinner.

It’s such a sweet, intimate moment, and having that time set aside lets you be fully present without the whirlwind of wedding-day activities.

Now for the real game-changer:

Do your speeches/toasts during the rehearsal dinner instead of at the wedding reception.

I’ve photographed many weddings where they did this, and the reception was always more fun and laid-back for the couple & the guests. Here’s why this is a total win:

#1 Keeps the Party Flowing:

Most weddings schedule speeches during or after dinner, right before opening the dance floor. But by the time dinner wraps up, guests are ready to get up and dance—not sit for more speeches. Skipping this pause means you can dive straight into celebrating!

#2 A More Intimate Setting:

Rehearsal dinners usually involve a smaller, close-knit group, making it the perfect time for heartfelt toasts. Sentimental moments often land better in an intimate setting, where people can fully soak them in without distractions.

#3 Save Your Makeup:

If you’re the emotional type (like me!), you won’t have to worry about teary speeches ruining your wedding makeup. You can cry your happy tears at the rehearsal and feel fresh and flawless for the big day.

Plus, rehearsals naturally feel sentimental. It’s the night before everything happens, emotions are running high, and everyone’s feeling extra connected.

Toasts during this time just make sense.

So, plan ahead, shift a few formalities to the night before, and enjoy a wedding day that feels easy, smooth, and focused on celebrating!

You’ll thank yourself when you have more time to enjoy the dance floor uninterrupted!