Saying “I do” is arguably the biggest milestone in the life of a couple. You are celebrating a commitment to love one another for the rest of your lives. Therefore, it’s so important you know how to plan a wedding that authentically reflects your story.
What will make your wedding day a meaningful and memorable occasion that will live on for years to come? Below, you’ll find four suggestions to accomplish just that!
1. HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING WITH INTENTION:
We suggest starting with the intention for your wedding day. Sit down and talk to your partner about the purpose of your wedding. Remember, anyone can get legally married today at the courthouse. So why is it important that you gather and celebrate with your loved ones?
Is you intention to declare your love publicly? To bring your families together? Maybe your purpose is more heavily weighted in the reception celebration. Perhaps the spiritual aspect is most important to you and your partner. Remember, your wedding can be anything you want it to be.
“Gathering matters because it is through each other that we figure out what we believe.”
– Priya Parker
A great resource for planning an event with purpose is Priya Parker’s book, ‘The Art of Gathering’. Parker reminds us that, “Gathering matters because it is through each other that we figure out what we believe.”
Remember a wedding ceremony does not need to be elaborate to be memorable. It merely needs to be heartfelt, true and represent the special love you have for each other.
Florals by Pomp & Bloom, Columbus, IN
2.HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING WITH FEELINGS FIRST:
Next, try to focus more on how you want to feel, and less on how you want it to look. It’s easy to get caught up in Pinterest inspiration boards and wedding magazines. However, resist the urge to begin with decor and design. There will be plenty of time for that later! Instead, begin with establishing how you want to feel about your celebration of marriage instead.
“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou
What type of experience will you be creating for yourselves and your guests? One that is homey and relaxed, enchanting and magical, casual and cozy, whimsical and quirky, fun and frivolous- the list is endless! Hone in on what is authentically you!
Invitation & Branding by Creative in Bloom, Bloomington, IN
3.HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING THAT TELLS YOUR STORY:
Your wedding is the first chapter of your continuing story as a married couple. It marks an exciting conclusion to your love story as single adults and the epic turning point when two stories become one.
Without a doubt, the better you tell your story, the more memorable your wedding day will be! The future is yet to unfold, but you can share the romantic story leading up to this special day with all of your wedding guests in a few fun and creative ways. But where do you start?
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
One of the easiest and most meaningful ways to illustrate your love story is to pay homage to your “How We Met”, “How We Fell in Love” or “How We Got Engaged” stories. Your friends and family will love taking a trip down memory lane, from when you met to the proposal.
A special way to to tell this story is to write your own vows. Share how you met and include stories of your lives together for a heartfelt ceremony that will keep your guests connected to the event.
Does the thought of writing and publicly declaring your own vows leave you in a cold sweat? No worries! You can also consider incorporating a timeline into your wedding website or on your programs.
Acknowledge Those Who Have Played an Important Role in Your Lives
Another way to tell your story is to acknowledge those that have played an important role in your life and relationship. Think about ways you can weave these special people into the fabric of your big day. Maybe your ring is a vintage heirloom from your great aunt, or a certain dessert is family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Don’t shy away from highlighting the people and details that make your wedding yours.
Share Your Interests & Hobbies
Don’t forget to also share your interests and hobbies! This is an exciting window into who you are as individuals and as couples. Do you like to hit the dog park with your pups, binge watching Netflix, take long walks on the beach (cliche- but o’ so cute!), play board games on Friday nights, try new recipes together, sing and dance it out, root for your favorite Friday night lights team? Well, let your guest in on the fun!
With these tips, you’ll be able to intentionally incorporate your beautiful story throughout your wedding day with grace and ease.
4.HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING WITH PRIORITIES IN MIND:
Now it’s time to zero in on what is truly the most important to both of you! Ready for a fun exercise to accomplish this objective? Grab a pencil and paper. Wait do those exist anymore? Scratch that! Grab your smartphones. Next each of you, individually, will put this list of wedding day expenses in order from your first priority to your last priority. You may even wish to add a few not listed. There are no wrong answers here!
- Ceremony Venue
- Reception Venue
- Decor
- Food
- Bar
- Photography
- Videography
- Florals
- Music
- Wedding Planner
- Printed Materials (Invitations, Signage, Programs, etc.)
- Attire
- Guest List
- Special Experiences
- Honeymoon
After you’ve both listed your priorities, look for commonalities. Talk through aspects that are non-negotiable and the reasons why. Separate the must-haves from the wishes until you can come to a consensus of your top three priorities as a couple.
If you’re having a tough time finding common ground, it may help to ask yourselves what you’ll want to remember most about your big day 10 years after your wedding. Again, there are no wrong answers here. Just like your love story is totally unique to you and your partner, your wedding priorities will be too.
Once you have your priorities aligned, keep them in the forefront of your planning. They’ll end up turning into tangible ways to creatively express your story in every little decorative detail.
IN CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, it’s important to focus on how you want to feel, how you want to tell your story and your priorities when planning your wedding.
Otherwise, it’s easy to get carried away with all the possibilities. Using these steps to lay a good foundation will allow you and your partner to plan your wedding with intention and enjoy a truly unforgettable wedding experience. After all, you are wildly original, and your wedding should be no less!
To check availability or book a tour, please contact us here. We can’t wait to learn more about the wedding of your dreams!
