Your Intentional Wedding: A Celebrant's Guide to Meaningful Elopements
The phrase "wedding planning" often conjures up images of chaos, stress and, let's be honest, a lot of dollar signs. But I'm here to tell you, it doesn't have to be that way. I firmly believe that the key to a truly memorable and meaningful wedding lies in its intentionality.
What is an Intentional Wedding?
In its simplest form, an intentional wedding is one that reflects the values, tastes, and personalities of the couple getting married. Rather than falling into the trap of ticking boxes and following outdated traditions that hold no meaning for you, an intentional wedding puts you and your partner front and centre.
How to Plan an Intentional Wedding
So, how do you go about planning a wedding with intention? My simple answer is this: start with questions. Sit down with your partner and ask yourselves some key questions:
- What values are important to us?
- What do we love and hate about weddings we've been to?
- What are our expectations for our wedding?
By answering these questions, you'll start to form a clear picture of what your ideal wedding looks like.
Finances and Guest List
Before you get carried away with picking a date, consider your finances and who you want to share your special day with. Calculate how much you can realistically save each month and use this to determine how much you can afford to spend. This will help you decide on a realistic date based on your financial situation, rather than the other way around.
Ceremony and Vendors
The ceremony is the main event, so make sure you find an officiant who shares your values and can create a meaningful, personalised ceremony. When it comes to vendors, be intentional in your choices. Meet with potential vendors to ensure they're a good fit with your style and can provide the services you want.
Styling and Timing
In order to create the feeling and atmosphere you desire, consider elements such as styling, lighting, flowers, and catering. Be intentional about every detail. Start with your venue deadline, the sunset time, and your ideal ceremony time, then layer in other elements such as preparations, photos, and reception events. Consult with vendors and clearly communicate your expectations – a mutual understanding will prevent stress and ensure your day runs smoothly.
Enjoy the Process
Planning a wedding should be a joyful process. With careful planning and intentional choices, you can create a personalised wedding that feels amazing, without blowing the budget.
Remember, your wedding is a celebration of you and your partner, not an exercise in people-pleasing or tradition-following. So, take a step back, consider what's truly important to you and let that guide your planning process. Because at the end of the day, the best weddings aren't those with the biggest budgets or the most elaborate decorations, but those that are filled with intention, meaning, and love.