7 Things Strong Couples Do on Their Wedding Day, According to Experts

If in planning your marriage you dedicated the same care and attention you do your wedding day, perhaps the next 50 years would feel less insurmountable. And while you can’t prepare for the inevitable twists in life — the job changes, financial hiccups, the emotional earthquakes — a wedding can offer a preview of how couples will confront them together.

Here are some behaviours on wedding day which are mirroring how strong is the connection of a couple. No one thing will assure you a lifetime of happiness, but experts say that couples in healthy, long-lasting relationships — that is, relationships with a strong emotional connection, mutual respect and good communication — are more likely to have made similar choices on the big day. From keeping it real to showing kindness, here are seven ways committed couples make the most of their wedding day.

They Stay Connected

An extravaganza with guests, surrounded by excitement, and it’s so easy to get pulled apart. But the closest couples are often those who try to stay connected throughout the day. These couples, experts say, acknowledge each other — whether with a glance across the room, a quick touch, a shared laugh, or even just a discussion of their day. Occasionally you take the other one a drink or something to eat not because you feel you have to, but because you’re thinking about them and want to.

It’s also beneficial to tacitly agree not to diverge too often. Have a friend take charge of refraining photo requests or pleasantries so the couple can just enjoy the day together.

They Make Time to Be Alone

Creating space for just the two of you—away from the crowd—can be one of the most meaningful parts of the wedding day. Whether it's a private first look, a moment in a quiet room during cocktail hour, or a few peaceful minutes before guests arrive at the reception, these quiet interludes help couples stay grounded.

Good pros tip: Perhaps consider seeing the reception space before anyone else does, or even sharing a first dance in private, without any guests. These tiny ceremonies afford couples the opportunity to take in the moment and connect without a big audience.

They Handle Stress as a Team

There are bound to be some unexpected hiccups — weather delays, family drama, a last-minute decision to abandon heels for flats — on a couple’s wedding day. What distinguishes long-term couples is how they address them together. They don’t point fingers, don’t freak out, don’t walk away. Rather, they approach the problem together, talk about it calmly and work it through.

This is symbolic of how they’re going to approach the rest of their challenges: not trying to beat each other as individuals, but working together instead.

They Share The Love For Real

Over-the-top moments can feel very sweet, but there’s nothing like a tiny, sincere sign of love, is there?” It might be sharing personal vows, exchanging a gift that’s powerful because it’s personal, and even just whispering “I love you” in a quiet moment, but all of these expressions shout intimacy and care.

Experts say it is important to demonstrate affection in the way your partner best receives it — not what appears properly romantic to others. It’s tuning in and loving with intention.

They Are Kind to Your Family

How a couple deals with family — especially with in-laws — can say a lot about their values. It’s an effort, yes, but including and supporting one another’s family implies a degree of emotional maturity and generosity, without which a modern marriage can fail to thrive.

Being good, kind and respectful to family members, establishes a good foundation for mutual support and connection in the future.

They Are Respectful to Everybody—including Vendors

How a couple treats the people behind the scenes is a sign of character — and often, relationship dynamics. Being nice to the servers and florists and planners and photographers (especially when things are stressful) betrays a caliber of humility, patience, and empathy.

Treating others with respect, even when no one is looking, are often more respectful and thoughtful partners as well, according to experts.

They Keep Their Eyes on the Prize

It’s easy to get caught by the details — centerpieces, color palettes, playlists — but for couples who stay mindful of the purpose of the day, satisfaction tends to follow most often. They do not allow minor imperfections to detract from the overall happiness of celebrating their love and commitment.

Rather than striving for perfection, they are invested in being present, absorbing the moment and the true meaning of the day: connection, joy and new beginnings.

A wedding is one day, but it will represent the values and habits that a couple will carry them for many years. When kindness, presence, teamwork and love are the priorities, the foundation is strong.