#2 BEHIND THE CEREMONY: Why the Ceremony Matters More Than You Think

I hear this a lot:

“We just want something short”

“We don’t like a lot of attention”

“We don’t want it to feel awkward”

“We’re excited about the party”

Totally fair. I get it. I love a good party.

Here’s the thing, no one wants a bad ceremony. They just don’t want one that feels stiff, cliché, or old fashioned.

What most couples really mean is: “We want this to feel like us”

And that’s why the ceremony matters so much, because it sets the tone for everything to follow. The ceremony is the moment where everyone you love is gathered in one place to love and support you as you choose each other out loud. It’s the emotional anchor of the day – whether you realize it or not.

When it’s done well it:

Grounds you.

Makes your guests feel connected.

Creates a moment you’ll actually remember (not just from the photos).

And when it’s done poorly, people start checking their watches.

A meaningful ceremony doesn’t have to be serious – this is a big one.

Meaningful does not mean:

Overly formal.

Long-winded.

Or without laughter.

Some of the most incredible ceremonies I’ve officiated have included humour, lightness, and very real and very human moments. A ceremony can be heartfelt and relaxed. Emotional and joyful. Sacred and fun.

What actually goes into a ceremony like that is a lot of questions.

I ask you questions about your relationship like:

What was your first impression of each other?

What do you love about your partner?

What does your partner do that makes you laugh?

What milestones have you shared?

I ask you questions about your ceremony like:

How do you want the ceremony to feel?

What do you definitely not want?

There’s no filler. There’s no Dearly Beloved (unless Prince is involved).

So yes – you are a ceremony person.

A let’s be intentional because this matters to us person.

A good ceremony should not just talk about the two of you, it should feel like the two of you – like this could only be your wedding.

Because those twenty minutes? They matter so much more than you think.

Laura xo