How to survive standing for long hours on stage at your wedding reception

We give you tips and tricks to help you sail through.

Ever since I was a teenager and would attend any wedding, I’d often wonder how the couple managed to stand on stage for hours on end during their reception. I used to observe the happy couple—smiling but perhaps already tired of it on the inside. They would struggle to look alive because out of all days in your life, you should look happiest on your wedding day. The bride, especially, would look like she is suppressing a storm…or at the very least a big yawn.

Add to that, her heavy outfit and jewellery, several layers of makeup and hair that are set so tight it feels like even a cyclone won’t be able to move it. It definitely isn’t easy to stand on your feet after an already tiring ceremony and as a plethora of wedding guests come to shower you with their good wishes. 

So, if you’re all set to tie the knot and are hosting a traditional reception, you’re probably wondering how you will manage to get through the event. Fret not, we’ve put together some easy tips that will make those hours of standing on stage a lot easier. 

Wear comfortable shoes 

Karishma Chiplunkar, a fitness instructor, advises you to ditch your pencil heels for comfortable shoes. “Firstly, nobody can see your shoes under your gown or lehenga. You can invest in a beautiful pair of bridal flats or embellished sneakers—whatever works for you. Secondly, if you have to stand for so long, you might as well be comfortable while at it.” Your feet will thank you later. 

Keep snacks and water handy

When you’re spending a lot of time all dressed up and on stage, it can get pretty hectic as so many people want to meet and congratulate you. Amidst all that, don’t forget to drink enough water (it’s okay, if you have to take loo breaks!) “I get ‘hangry’ if I stay hungry for long and we all know how many hours a reception typically lasts. So, my husband and I kept a platter of starters and enough water on the side. We made sure we satiated our hunger pangs and then went back on stage to meet guests,” Chiplunkar explains.

Remind yourself it will be over soon 

It’s a matter of a few hours (which may feel like too many) and after that, you can go home with your significant other. Keep in mind that it’s just something you have to go through with and it will wrap up soon enough. “My husband and I kept entertaining each other while talking about all the things we were looking forward to, once the functions were over,” says Devankita Banerjee, a UI/UX design expert. 

Take breaks 

Banerjee added that you have to keep taking regular breaks. Get off the stage, or even sit down on the couch for a bit. Taking these breaks will help you get some energy back. Also, it’s ideal if you can ensure someone is at hand to manage the queue of people coming to congratulate you both, and that it keeps moving swiftly. 

Ask your loved ones to keep coming up on stage

You need to tell your loved ones (your friends or cousins) to come up and entertain you once in a while. This will break the monotony and also add some much-needed laughs or light-hearted entertainment in the process. 
 

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