How to Plan an Intentional Wedding

Photo taken at Kalero Vineyard

What does it mean to be intentional on your wedding day? This is a word I use a lot when I talk to my couples about their wedding day. Wedding days go by so quickly so it’s important to make the most of every single moment of the day. Because the most heartbreaking thing I hear from couples is when they wished they had planned their schedule better to have more intentional time together or with their loved ones. So, here is how to plan an intentional wedding:

Don’t skip out on your wedding timeline planning

Your planner should be on top of your wedding timeline but you need to be a part of the conversation before the big day. Share with them special moments you want to happen and what things really don’t matter to you as much. That way they can create a timeline that is truly personalized to you.

Make sure you also do a timeline call with your photographer. They will be capturing all of the important moments so you will want to make sure to share with them little details and people who matter most to you.

Plan Intentional Time Into Your Wedding Timeline

Photo taken at The Barn at Brambleton

Most of the time the most meaningful moments on a wedding day are not spontaneous. They are planned. Think about it…speeches, first looks, first dance, parent dances, etc. are all put in the timeline ahead of time to make sure they don’t get missed. So you should include little moments as well.

For example, many couples I have worked with recently have added private vows into their timeline. This gives them some one on one time away from all the busyness of the day to focus on what matters most. This is a great way to make the most of the time you have together and maybe even share some things you may not want to say in front of all of your family friends.

Other great intentional moments to include:

• First Looks (with bride & groom, bridesmaids, father of the bride, etc)
• A few quiet moments together as husband and wife during cocktail hour before you go into the reception
• Reading cards you wrote out loud to each other
• Reading old letters or texts you wrote to each other or about each other when you were dating
• If you don’t want to do a first look then maybe do a first touch
• Sunset walk during golden hour (and bring your photographer along for that)
• A prayer or shared ritual
• Private last dance
• Drive between event spaces…just the two of you
• No-Phone Pact – let your friends handle any issues and be present without your phone (maybe even hire a content creator)
• Time Capsule – write something in a time and put it away in a time capsule for you to open on your 1st wedding anniversary
• 60-Second Reset – at some point during the reception take at least 1-minute together to look out on your reception and then look at each other. Say “I love you” and “WE’RE FREAKING MARRIED” or whatever else feels right in that moment.
• Stargazing – take a moment during your reception outside under the stars to soak in the whole day

I’m always happy to include moments like this in your timeline when we chat through your wedding and all the photos. Planning an intentional wedding makes the most of the few hours you have on your wedding day.