Candid Wedding Photographer, Dorset
The unspoken - Post wedding blues.
One thing that isn't really acknowledged is what happens after the wedding day; the post wedding blues.
If you think about it, you spend months even years planning your big day down to every tiny detail. It is such a big part of your life, and maybe something you have been dreaming about since you were a child. It can become all consuming leading up to the BIG day so it is not surprising that there is a sense of loss when it is all done and dusted.
After you have celebrated your wedding, it is not long until you are back to the every day grind and this big wedding bubble of fun is popped. It can be quite challenging emotionally and I see quite a few brides and grooms struggle with the lull that follows their wedding day. So here are a few tips that can help you.
PLAN A POST WEDDING CELEBRATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY VIEWING
One of my favourite things some of my couples have done is to plan a meal with their wedding party and run a viewing of the wedding photos on their TV! One couple messaged me to say 'we laughed, we cried, and we laughed some more. It was such a special moment to relive our wedding day with those that meant the most to us'. So grab that popcorn, some of the fancy wine left over from your day and take yourself back to that special moment.
Make a scrap book
Collect together your weddings cards, place names, favours, confetti anything you can find and create a little book of your day. It's a lovely way to treasure some of the special little things whilst reminiscing about your favourite memories. Ask each other questions: What was your favourite bit about the day? What were you most nervous about? What surprised you the most?
PLAN A BREAK
Lots of couples are choosing not to plan a honeymoon, or waiting until after their wedding to plan something. My advice is to book something in as soon as you have your wedding date so you not only have something to look forward to, but you also get the best deal!
Serita from Torster Travel explains 'booking your honeymoon in early allows you to get the best deals available, and also gives you longer to save up for that extra special once in a lifetime trip away. Lots of couple create honeymoon pots for wedding guests to contribute to their travel plans meaning you do not have to find all the money. The joy of booking in advance ensures you secure the best prices with just a deposit, giving you time to save up with little stress. '
Having your honeymoon booked in means that you have something to look forward to after the wedding day; if you book your trip for a few weeks after your day your wedding bubble lasts that little bit longer too!
MINI MOON
If you are saving for that big honeymoon trip, then plan in a mini moon within the UK. This can be one night stay in a fancy hotel, a camping trip to Cornwall, or a glamping trip with a hot tub. Adding in a little break can give you something to plan and enjoy for after the big day without breaking the bank.
Plan your one year anniversary
Plan your 1 year anniversary together, it doesn't have to be a trip away, although revisiting your wedding venue for a meal is always a nice idea, if possible. But something small can be simply writing a letter to each other to give on your anniversary. Write about what you love about each other, your hopes for your life together.
DO SOMETHING SPECIAL WITH YOUR FLOWERS
Have your flowers encapsulated for you to enjoy, forever! No one ever thinks about what to do with the wedding flowers, or you may think about it too late. Pouring Soul By Ig creates the most stunning resin floral displays using your wedding bouquets, so you can enjoy your flowers for a lifetime.
Iuliana say 'it is such a pleasure to be able to create bespoke pieces for my couples from such a sentimental part of their day; but, it is so important to book in advance to ensure I have availability to create your pieces' and securing your date is simple which just a £30 deposit.
Flower Preservation: The process-
Iuliana explains the process 'Your flowers need to be sent within 3-4 days of your event so they can be dried correctly. Upon arrival your flowers are pressed or dried, depending on your chosen piece which can take up to 2 weeks. After drying I take my time to create your unique keepsake which is reviewed by you before proceeding. Upon the final payment I take my time to transform your wedding flowers into handcrafted resin keepsakes designed to capture your special day forever. Each piece takes around 8-14 weeks to create, but my couples say it is well worth the wait!'
You can contact Iuliana here: PouringSoul by Ig
Book in date nights
This is something that I think every couple should do regularly; book in regular date nights. This doesn't have to me expensive nights away, or luxury meals, it can be as simple as a board game or movie night at home, give each other a massage, get crafty and try to paint one another, go for walk or a coffee together. Just give each other space where your phone goes away and you two can just be in each other's space and connect.
The short of it, be kind to yourself. and your feelings ARE valid. Give yourself time to process that your wedding is over, but your marriage is just beginning and with that comes lots of new adventures too.
