How to Plan Your Wedding Ceremony

If you’re newly engaged, you might be wondering how to plan your wedding ceremony in a way that feels smooth, stress-free, and personal. This is the moment everything becomes real, so a little preparation can help you feel present and soak it all in. Here are my favorite tips to make your ceremony both meaningful and relaxed.

Plan Ahead for Flower Children

Flower children are always adorable, but they can be unpredictable. Seeing a big crowd can feel overwhelming for little ones, so have someone ready to help them down the aisle if needed. A simple backup plan will give you peace of mind.

Weather + Veils

Outdoor ceremonies can be dreamy, but the wind sometimes has other plans. If you’re wearing a long veil, show your wedding party how to adjust or remove it quickly. And remember—it’s completely okay to pause during your ceremony to fix your veil, adjust your dress, or simply take a breath.

Consider an Unplugged Ceremony

Asking guests to put their phones away helps them stay fully present (and keeps screens out of your photos). Your celebrant can make a quick announcement before things begin, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Walking Down the Aisle

When thinking about how to plan your wedding ceremony entrance, take your time and soak in the moment. Hold your bouquet low (around belly button height) and keep your arms relaxed. If you’re in a long dress, keep one hand free to lift it slightly. And if walking alone feels overwhelming, you can always walk with a loved one—or skip the tradition altogether.

Pay Attention to Lighting

When thinking about how to plan your wedding ceremony, lighting makes a big difference in your photos. Aim for either full shade or full sun—mixed light can be tricky. Indoors or at night, most venues have enough light, but if you’re unsure, I’m always happy to check ahead of time with you.

End With a Joyful Exit

Confetti or flower petals are a colorful way to celebrate your “just married” moment. Check out Etsy for some unique and beautiful options like these! Pass them out toward the end of the ceremony or pre-place them on chairs. Then, walk the full length of the aisle without stopping so your photos capture the joy in motion.

After the ceremony, give yourself a moment to soak in all the love from your guests. You can invite everyone to gather in a nearby space for congratulations, or simply walk around to thank them individually—both make it easy for guests to share their hugs and well wishes.

Decide on Kids or No Kids

It’s completely up to you whether to include children at your ceremony. If you prefer a child-free wedding, note it clearly on the invitations. If you do invite kids, reassure parents or caregivers that it’s fine to step out if little ones get restless. This will help calm your anxiety and theirs!

Think About Personal Vows

Personal vows are optional, and it’s completely understandable if you feel uncomfortable sharing them in front of your guests.

If you would like to write personal vows, but prefer not to have an audience, we can arrange a private moment for just the two of you to exchange them. I will be there to take photos unobtrusively in the background. We can plan this moment after getting ready, after your first look, in between your post-ceremony portraits, or during some sunset portrait session.

Carter and Faith shared the most beautiful private vows in the mountains. You can read about it here!

Choosing the Right Celebrant

Your celebrant sets the tone, so when thinking about how to plan your wedding ceremony, choose someone whose style feels like a good fit. Watch their past ceremonies or meet with them in person. For something extra personal, some couples even invite a friend to officiate.

Creating Your Perfect Day: How to Plan Your Wedding Ceremony

 At the end of the day, learning how to plan your wedding ceremony isn’t about rules or traditions—it’s about creating a space that feels genuine to you. Whether that means flower children, confetti, unplugged vows, or skipping the aisle walk entirely, the best ceremony is one that reflects your love story.

Inquire here, and let’s capture your big day together!