Creating the perfect atmosphere for your ceremony is crucial when planning your wedding as it sets the stage for the entire celebration. The ceremony is not just another event - it is an expression of your love story and it requires careful planning and thoughtful execution. From the décor to the vows, every element should reflect the unique bond you have with your partner. Wedding experts share their insights on how to ensure your ceremony reflects you as a couple and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
Select the Perfect Venue
“It starts with selecting a venue that aligns with the atmosphere you want to create. This initial decision is crucial in shaping the ambiance and mood that will resonate with both you and your guests. As you move into the design phase of the wedding planning process, consider colors, flowers, lighting, and other elements that will enhance the ambiance you envision.” ~ Melody Hall, Events by Melody
Embrace the Moment
“Your ceremony is the moment that your wedding day dreams come true. Take a deep breath and step into the love and celebration that surrounds you.” ~ Lauren Craven, The Aisling at Troy Burne Golf Club
Reflect Your Style in Your Attire
“Set the tone of your wedding with the dress. If your wedding is sleek, modern, and sophisticated ensure your gown matches the tone of the wedding. Our Barbara gown is perfect for this. If your wedding is in a forest with evergreens and you're looking for a romantic, ethereal gown, set the tone with our Meadow gown.” ~ Brooke, Bride and Jewel Co.
Photos courtesy of Bride & Jewel Co.
Personalize with Meaningful Decor
“Setting the tone for a wedding ceremony is all about creating an atmosphere that reflects the couple's unique love story and matching that to the vibe of the venue. Start with an inviting entrance adorned with lush, seasonal blooms to welcome guests warmly. It's always a bonus if you can get creative and incorporate personal touches, like family heirlooms, to evoke emotion and connection. Finally, consider the ceremony's focal point—an elegant statement floral piece can beautifully frame the moment when vows are exchanged, making it unforgettable.” ~ Brooke Hanson, Bumble Fleur
Stay Organized
“Organization is key! Setting the expectations of a realistic ceremony flow and process at our venue will ensure that everyone is on the same page. Communicating with vendors and the client to be efficient will lead to the most successful outcome for the couple on their wedding day.” ~ Eryka Wienke, Hope Glen Farm & Tree House
Create a Unique Bridal Entrance
“A unique bridal entrance can set the tone for a truly memorable wedding celebration. Create a lasting impression with a non-traditional entrance by using an unexpected doorway or arranging chairs in a captivating spiral walkway, all while being accompanied by a string quartet playing a unique song that reflects your personal style and love story. This personalized touch will set the stage for a truly memorable and enchanting celebration.” ~ Allie Robyn, Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design
Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design
Take a Moment for Yourselves
“Don't sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day you'll be married to your best friend, and that's all that matters. Incorporating a moment for just you and your partner before the ceremony can help center your focus and perspective, too.” ~ Lauren Craven, The Skyroom at Red Wing Golf Course
Consider the Location's Natural Elements
“Create a 'blue space' or find a venue that is near a body of water. Being near a body of water can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve your sleep. Cragun’s is right on Gull Lake, and if your ceremony is on the North Lawn, you have endless blue space available.” ~ Carrie Scarfino, Cragun’s Resort
Set the Tone Early with Invitations and Signage
“Wedding invitations are one of the most significant ways you can set the tone of your wedding six months before! If you want an elegant, classic, traditional wedding, ensure your invitation reflects that. Or, if you want a bright, fun, modern wedding, go with bright-colored inks and papers for your invitation! During the ceremony itself, you can also use signage and other stationery items to set the tone. A popular welcome sign is an antique or gold-rimmed mirror with handwritten calligraphy on it for more classic weddings or a fun, colorful acrylic sign for modern weddings.” ~ Evelyn Miller, Epitome Papers
Epitome Papers
Make Music Matter
"Hire a DJ or live musician to set the mood and build anticipation with music. Keep guests excited without making them wait too long. Enhance the ambiance with thoughtful decor and greet guests with beverages or small favors before the ceremony begins." ~ Kyndra Kong, Love Infinity Films
Welcome Guests with a Personal Touch
“Greet your guests with a beverage you love, whether it's champagne or a signature cocktail. It's a great way to set the mood and get everyone in a celebratory spirit.” ~ Paloma, Rosetree Weddings & Events
Break Tradition with Intentional Music Choices
“Don't be afraid to break tradition: It's your wedding, so pick music that reflects your personalities and relationship. Be intentional about the music selections to welcome your guests and set the tone for the night to come.” ~ Courtney Burton, Courtney Burton Music
Consistency is Key
“Determine and follow through with your vibe early in the process and include something unique to you and your partner. From there, curate your invites, pre-ceremony music (an absolute MUST…the 'BIG MOMENT' does not start with the processional, it starts when your guests arrive), decor, and even your officiant to enhance the vibe/feeling you are trying to create.” ~ Shelly Hanson, St. James Hotel
Brooke W. Images
Choose the Right Officiant
“Pick an officiant that will write a script that incorporates what the couple wants, but also advises what to include to make all the guests feel interested and engaged. A great officiant will have lots of ideas to create a ceremony that your guests enjoy and remember.” ~ Dawn Dacut, Flutterby Celebrations & Ceremonies
Personalize Your Invitations
"Your ceremony is your chance to share with friends and family what you and your partner value most in life and in each other! Including a special verse/quote, dress code, or color scheme on your wedding invitation can convey to your guests the level of tradition and formality they can expect." ~ Lauren Craven, Woodhaven Weddings + Events
Create a Cohesive Vision
“Set the tone for your wedding with a ceremony that provides a hint of what is to come later in your celebration. From florals to design to paper details, a cohesive vision paired with a stunning setting will provide an unforgettable ceremony experience.” ~ Joan Hoffbeck, Legacy Hill Farm
Ali Leigh Photo
Setting the tone for your wedding ceremony is about creating an atmosphere that reflects your unique love story and makes your guests feel included and appreciated. Trust your team of professionals to bring your vision to life, and you’ll set the stage for an unforgettable celebration.
Main Photo by Belu Photography
