How to have time out at your wedding for you!

Your wedding day is almost here. You've planned, organised and arranged everything. You've taste tested your delicious meal, written your vows, selected your first dance music, made contingency plans for rainy moments, but have you thought about making time for just you and your partner? Everyone will tell you that your wedding day will go so quickly, and undoubtedly it will be jam packed with many joyous moments and people clamouring for time with you. If you’re now wondering what you can do to have a pure, magical and uninterrupted moment together please read on, we’ve got some ideas!

First of all schedule this alone time into your wedding day planning. Its far too an important thing to leave to chance. 

• The First look/Pre Reveal

This is something that is becoming really popular in the USA. It breaks with the old tradition of not seeing each other on your wedding day until one or both of you walks down the aisle. It's a private moment between a couple on the day pre the wedding ceremony. Generally you will have chosen where you will meet, and you will be both wearing your wedding clothes. This is the moment when you first see each other. It's a moment charged with emotion, full of joy. If one or both of you are feeling nervous about the ceremony ahead, it's a chance to settle those nerves, or calm any stresses. If you like you could have your photographer present to capture this glorious moment. Many couples say that having a ‘First Look’ allowed them to focus on the joy of the ceremony (and day) ahead without any lingering anxieties as they felt grounded having met together before the celebrations began.

• Personal vows

Making personal vows to each other during a very public wedding ceremony is not for everyone. As celebrants we can help you to write your personal vows and we are there to support you as you make them to each other, but you may not wish to read them aloud in front of your guests. And you don't have to, you could choose to say your vows to each other in private. If you are having a ‘First Look’ moment you could make your vows to each other then. Or you could plan for a private space during the ceremony when you say your vows to each other. Your celebrant can share with your guests that you have chosen to exchange your vows privately, this further enhances the beautiful intimacy of this moment during your wedding ceremony.

• After the ceremony

Immediately after the ceremony, and perhaps before the confetti moment, photographs, cocktails and celebrations, is a perfect moment for your alone time together. Plan for a private, quiet, beautiful space just for the two of you. This is the wonderful moment when you can look to each other, laugh, grin: “we’re married!” A chance to be totally present with each other before all the craziness of celebrating begins. A chance to also share those personal vows if you want to. Take your time, it's all yours. Clink those glasses and toast to a lifetime together.

•  Sweetheart table

Instead of the traditional top table scenario at your reception, or family table, some couples are opting to have a table purely for themselves; a sweetheart table. This type of seating allows you to have an intimate moment together as you enjoy your wedding meal. It could be your first chance for some proper one to one time since the day began. You can focus on each other and take in those emotional speeches before the dancing begins!

• Secret first dance

This can be a really special moment. Just you and your partner. And some live music (it's got to be live!)  A moment to sway together, soaking it all in. Taking time out to create a perfect memory of your love. 

Once again plan it, get it in the schedule. 

• Sunset walk

Towards the end of the day as the evening rolls in, what could be more romantic than snatching a few moments together for a stroll as the sun is setting? 

These are just a few ideas that could be incorporated into your special day to ensure that you get that alone time which is so important. 

Your celebrant is the perfect person to talk to to help you plan for these moments. We want you to have a wedding ceremony that is authentically you. You don't have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. And if you do want it included we will do all we can to help make it happen.

This is your day. All the people present at your wedding love and care about you, and if you want half an hour, an hour to yourselves to savour this fabulous time they will understand and want you to have it too.