Almost every married couple will tell you the same thing: their wedding day went by in a flash.

And while you can’t make time stand still, you can do a few things to make sure the day doesn’t feel like one long rush from one activity to the next.

Build more time into your schedule than you think you’ll need

Everything takes longer than expected.

• Getting dressed
• Taking photographs
• Moving guests from one space to another
• Getting everyone seated for dinner.

If your schedule is packed down to the minute, one small delay can affect the rest of the day.

Allow a little breathing space between the important moments.

Consider a first look

Traditionally, couples see each other for the first time as one walks down the aisle.

But you don’t have to do it that way.

A first look lets you see each other privately before the ceremony. It can take some of the pressure off the entrance and give you a lovely memory that belongs just to the two of you.

Keep your guests informed

Make sure guests know:

• where they need to be
• when things are happening
• and what arrangements you’ve made.

Clear information beforehand means fewer people asking you questions on the day.

Have some time together

This is probably my favourite piece of advice.

Block out twenty minutes after your ceremony for just the two of you.

No photographer. No guests. No one asking you where the table plan is.

Just a little time to enjoy the fact that you’ve got married.

You might also consider a sweetheart table rather than a traditional top table, giving you another opportunity to spend time together.

Remember what the day is about

Your wedding doesn’t need to be packed with entertainment from morning until midnight.

You don’t need to fill every gap or keep everybody occupied every second.

Sometimes the best moments are the ones you haven’t scheduled.

The day will still go quickly, but giving yourselves a little breathing space means you’ll have more opportunity to actually enjoy it.

If you’re planning a celebrant-led wedding, I can help you think through the ceremony timings and make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and when.