For the wedding vendors, lovers, friends and family who will be on the go from sun up to sun down come wedding day. Basically, a "How not to pass out today" guide.
I've worked a lot of 12 hour wedding days. Believe it or not, the 12 hour wedding package was actually my most popular. I've since removed it from my regular offered packages since they are so hard on the body (Don't worry, if you truly feel you want 12 hour coverage, I still take the longer days!). But I feel confident in saying that I know a thing or two about not only surviving such a long, physically active day....but thriving during and after the long day. So, let's get to it, here are my must follow wedding day pre-game and tips:
Drink plenty of water the day before.
I recall reading a long time ago that "You're only as hydrated as you were the day before". You can chug all the water you want the morning of your wedding, but that won't change the fact that your body is already dehydrated. So the day before every wedding, even the shorter days, I drink as much water and electrolytes as I can.
Get a good night of sleep the night before.
This means no staying up late, no hanging out at the bar getting totally hammered, no passing out on the couch. Follow a good routine to ensure you get a full night of restful sleep.
3. Eat a good breakfast that morning.
I prefer to keep it simple, protein and fiber. My wedding day breakfast typically consists of a big heap of eggs, some fruit, and water. Choose something that will give you energy and keep you full for a long time.
4. Stock up on water and electrolytes.
I typically bring 3 to 5 of my own beverages with me, on top of drinking what is offered at the venue. I would plan on packing 1 to 2 bottles of water for yourself, as well as a few bottles of something full of electrolytes. Some of my go-to faves are coconut water, Bai, water with a pinch of sea salt, Liquid IV, and the occasional sports drink.
5. Pack up some protein.
Working a wedding day often feels like a big workout, or even a marathon. You're typically on your feet all day, lots of squating, reaching, odd positions and angles, and carrying heavy equipment and bags. It's this reason that I prefer to pack a lot of protein rich foods to keep me going throughout the day. I eat these as snacks, and for lunch. Some of my favorite treats to bring along are: jerky, trail mix, cheese or cheese crackers (parmesan crisps or so good!), Cliff Bar or Luna Bar, and a P3 pack.
6. Sit down when you can.
Seriously, don't feel guilty to take a seat and rest your body from time to time. As a photographer, I take the couple minutes of downtime here and there to sit, go through my camera and check my work and my settings.
7. Bayer Back and Body
Alright, this one isn't my favorite, since I try to follow more of a holistic approach to life. But believe me, this stuff is a gamne changer to get you through the day. I take one once I arrive at the venue, and a couple once I start to feel the back pain setting in.
That's the gist of it. I can honestly say that incorporating these things into my "pre-game" has made it easier to get through the day with energy and without pain, as well as the recovery period the day after.
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