Your wedding day is one of the most exciting and love-filled days of your life. You’ve spent months (maybe years!) planning every detail to perfection. But here’s the thing – with so much happening, it’s easy to find yourselves pulled in opposite directions. Between chatting with guests, posing for photos, and sticking to a busy timeline, it might feel like you barely get a moment alone with the one person this day is all about.
Don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be that way! Your wedding day should be about celebrating your story, and that means carving out meaningful time to actually enjoy it together. From private moments to intentional scheduling tips, I’ve got you covered. Let’s make sure your day is packed with joy, connection, and memories you’ll treasure forever – and yes, plenty of time for just the two of you.
Why spending time together matters on your wedding day
It’s easy to get caught up in the flurry of the day – greeting guests, sticking to the timeline, and making sure everything runs smoothly. But your wedding day isn’t just a party; it’s a celebration of your love story. Spending quality time together allows you to connect, enjoy the moment, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Here’s why it’s so important:
- Cherishing the moment: Your wedding day only happens once. Making time to connect helps you fully experience it together.
- Strengthening your bond: Quiet, intentional moments as a couple can deepen your connection and give you space to reflect on this beautiful new chapter you’re beginning.
- Relieving stress: Stepping away from the hustle and bustle for a few private moments can make the day feel calmer and more enjoyable.
Why it feels like you’re not spending enough time together
For many couples, the first time they see each other on their wedding day is just before they say “I do” – often around 1pm or later. From that point, the day is packed with activities:
- Drinks Reception: A 90-minute reception often includes couple photos, group shots, and maybe a confetti line, leaving limited time to mingle with guests.
- Dinner and Speeches: You’ll likely sit with loved ones, but this is more about sharing the moment with everyone rather than focusing on each other.
- The Evening: After dinner, there’s often a lull – perfect for chatting with guests – but then it’s onto the evening festivities, including cake cutting, first dances, and partying the night away.
While it might seem like there are plenty of opportunities to be together, the truth is, much of the day is spent juggling responsibilities, chatting with guests, and sticking to a schedule.
That’s why I’ve put together some ideas to help you maximise quality time with your new spouse while still enjoying all the excitement of your day. Let’s dive in!
Simple tips to on how to spend more time with your partner on your wedding day
Now that we know how important it is, let’s look at some easy ways to make it happen. These ideas are practical and can fit seamlessly into your wedding timeline.
Consider a sweetheart table
I’ve always loved the idea of a sweetheart table. It’s a table just for the two of you during the wedding breakfast, and in recent years, I’ve noticed more couples opting for one – and I can see why! The reception can get pretty hectic with speeches, socialising, and everything else going on. A sweetheart table gives you the perfect chance to sit back, take a breather, and enjoy some quiet time together. It’s such a lovely moment to reflect on your ceremony, share a private chat, and enjoy your first meal as a married couple without any distractions.
Greet your guests together
Why not greet your guests as a team during the drinks reception? It’s such a lovely way to introduce yourselves as newlyweds, and it can be a real time-saver too! Plus, if there are guests that one of you hasn’t met yet, it’s the perfect chance to make those introductions together. Not only does this help you both stay connected throughout the reception, but it also ensures everyone feels welcomed by both of you.
Travel from the ceremony to the reception
If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, the travel time between them can be such a perfect little pocket of time to spend together. Whether it’s a quick drive or a scenic journey, it’s a chance to steal a moment just the two of you, and take it all in before the next part of the day begins.
Limit formal group photos
Group photos are important, but they can also eat into your time together. To avoid spending your entire day posing, prioritise the key shots with close family and your wedding party. Keeping the list manageable means less time organizing people and more time enjoying each other.
- Pro Tip: Work with your photographer to create a streamlined shot list so group photos don’t take longer than necessary. Want a see my sample group photo list?
Hide away while the confetti is being organised
Most couples choose to have their confetti line straight after the ceremony, and I always suggest taking five minutes away from your guests while it’s being set up. Trust me, it’s a win-win! Not only do you get a little moment to yourselves (which is rare on such a busy day!), but it also makes organising the confetti line so much easier without everyone crowding around you. Plus, doing the confetti straight after the ceremony creates a lovely flow into the rest of the day’s celebrations.
Consider doing a first look
Have you heard of a first look? It’s when you see your partner before the ceremony – yes, it’s a bit of a break from tradition, but it’s such a special moment! A first look can feel so intimate and emotional, giving you a chance to connect, calm any nerves, and soak in the excitement together before the whirlwind of the day begins. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to carve out more time to spend with each other on your wedding day. If you’re thinking, “But I love the idea of the aisle moment!” – don’t worry, you still get that wow factor when everyone sees you walk down the aisle. A first look just gives you two a private version of it beforehand.
Before getting announced into the wedding breakfast
Moving guests around takes time – some venues request up to 15 minutes to get everyone seated. So why not take that opportunity to sneak away for a quiet moment with your new spouse? It’s the perfect chance to catch your breath, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on the amazing ceremony you just had before the hustle of dinner and speeches begins.
Take a stroll around your venue
As I mentioned earlier, there’s often a little lull after the wedding breakfast – things tend to calm down before the evening guests arrive. Why not make the most of it and take a quiet stroll around your venue, just the two of you? It’s a lovely way to soak in the surroundings, reflect on the day so far, and enjoy some peace and quiet together before the evening festivities kick off. Plus, it gives you a chance to appreciate the little details you might have missed earlier.
Ask your photographer for evening couple portraits
I know your photographer will be there with you, but couple portraits are a great chance for you two to enjoy a quiet moment together. As a photographer myself, I’ve had so many couples tell me how much they loved stepping outside in the evening for a few portraits. You’ll still get some stunning photos, but more importantly, it’s a chance to pause, soak it all in, and just be together before the next part of your day begins.
Pro Tip: Coordinate with your photographer and planner to schedule golden hour photos into your timeline.
Making time for each other isn’t selfish – it’s essential
It’s easy to feel like you have to spend every moment of your wedding day entertaining your guests, but remember: this day is about celebrating you. Taking time to enjoy it together doesn’t take away from the guest experience – it enhances your own memories and helps you feel more present.
By planning ahead and prioritising meaningful moments with your new spouse, you’ll walk away from your wedding day with not only beautiful photos but also beautiful memories.
I’d love to be part of your special day
While you don’t need to implement every idea I’ve shared in this blog post, even incorporating a few on your wedding day can make a huge difference. Thanks for reading – I hope you found these tips helpful! If you’re planning your wedding in Essex or Suffolk and are looking for a photographer, I’d love to chat with you. Feel free to reach out I’ll be happy to hear from you!