22 Meaningful Ways to Spend Time With Your Significant Other on Your Wedding Day

A wedding can simultaneously be the best and most stressful day of your life. There are so many activities all fit into one day, your entire family wanting their moment with you, and, of course, the overwhelming pressure of having everything go as smoothly as possible.

With all these things going on in the background, we often forget the most important part of this special day—spending time with your soon-to-be spouse. A lot of brides and grooms get caught up in all the chaos and forget to spend quality time with the one they're exchanging vows with, and honestly, it's time for a change.

We reached out to some of the most experienced leaders in the wedding industry and asked them how couples can share intimate moments during their special day. Here's what they had to say:

“One way to stay connected without breaking that tradition of seeing each other prior to the ceremony is to write one another a love letter that can be handed off and exchanged on the morning of your wedding day. This starts your day off with the perfect mindset for a positive day filled with love and great energy. I highly suggest that you start to compile this letter at least a month before, it is not an easy task when filled with emotions, nerves, and most likely some lack of sleep!” - Kristin Sullivan, Founder, The Bridal Retreat

“While dancing with family and friends is great, a number put in there for just the two of you to look into each other's eyes and catch up (that isn't the first dance when all eyes are on you) allows for great photos and a few moments of whispering funny moments you want to register in each other's ears.” - Vijay Goel, COO, 440 Elm Weddings

“Find a quiet area to share a bite to eat together or a quick toast. You could also take a short stroll together. This not only provides a breather but allows you to soak in the significance of the day as a couple.” - Anna Rodenbeck, WCO Events

“After months of planning, the wedding day goes by extremely fast when you are surrounded by friends and family, so it's important to create opportunities for meaningful connection with your partner. I recommended a private last dance at the end of the night before your exit. This moment will give you the opportunity to slow down, connect, and share your feelings. This will also give your photographers the ability to capture moments of just the two of you sharing authentic emotions.” - Heather Durham Photography

"A couple of texts and even a phone call can go a long way the morning of the wedding. It's always nice to hear that familiar voice, and read ‘I Love You!’” - Kristin Sullivan, Founder, The Bridal Retreat

“We're noticing a new way that couples choose to spend time together on their wedding day. Traditionally, many brides choose to wait to see their partners until they walk down the aisle. These days, it seems a lot of our couples are choosing to not only put the kibosh on that and see each other earlier but even going so far as to get ready together. It's your day together after all, why spend the majority of it apart?” - Chloe Skelly, Chloe Alise Events

“Instead of having their first dinner as newlyweds in front of all their guests, consider having a private dinner. Having this time together allows you to soak in the moments of the day, enjoy each other's company, and have some quiet time amidst the whirlwind of a wedding day. When opting to have a private meal, coordinate with your planner, venue, and caterer to ensure it is included in the wedding day timeline, there is a room or location to have this private meal, and you have a dedicated catering staff to take care of you. I would also suggest the MC making an announcement that you will be having a private meal, so guests aren't wondering where you are. The timing of this dinner will be brief, around 20 - 30 minutes, but during this time your guests will be occupied eating as well. So during this short period of time, enjoy each other's company, reflect on the wonderful day you have had, and have a moment of connection before joining the celebration with your family and friends.” - Krisy Thomas, Owner, Southern Sparkle Weddings & Events & Vice President, CWP Society

“I highly suggest sitting at a sweetheart table throughout the duration of your dinner! This will most likely be the ONLY time you have together for a few moments on this day. It gives you a chance to share in your first meal as a married couple.” - Kristin Sullivan, Founder, The Bridal Retreat

“The first look for photos can help everyone relax and get beautiful photos with ample time ahead of the ceremony. Yes, it is still special no matter how you first see your love on your wedding day, and your vendor team of photographers and wedding planners can help lay out the best private spot for this moment along with flowers, and make it very special. This will allow you later on to enjoy all of the celebration with your guests, rather than spending time while everyone is there taking photos.” - Valarie Kirkbride, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design

“Typically, the last time you see your fiancé prior to the wedding day is at the rehearsal or rehearsal dinner. If you don't want to wait until the first look or the wedding ceremony to see each other, consider having breakfast with each other before the hustle and bustle of the day gets started.”  - Krisy Thomas, Owner, Southern Sparkle Weddings & Events & Vice President, CWP Society

“If you’re morning people, wake up early to watch the sunrise together! You can also take an early morning walk together and relax in the fresh air in each other’s company.” - Katie Records, Emily Coyne Events

“Transform wardrobe changes into a clandestine escape during the open dance floor kick-off, adding an element of surprise and a touch of mystery to your celebration.” - Weddings by Susan Dunne

“Create a shared album of photos to look at separately that day, going through memories of what got you to your special day in the first place. Even better, put it to music and add some of your favorite songs.” - Kristin Sullivan, Founder, The Bridal Retreat

“It works well after the ceremony heading off to photos or coming back before a reveal or after cocktail hour going into a dinner. It gives you a bit of time to capture a few thoughts (you can record them if you want), check in with each other, get a bit of hydration and food, and stay fresh and energized for the rest of the wedding.” - Vijay Goel, COO, 440 Elm Weddings

“With a room reveal, your wedding planner and photographer and schedule a time for you as a couple to see all the completed details of your reception space. It's a joyful moment where you can take in all of your planning and special details before the room is filled with your guests.” - Krisy Thomas, Owner, Southern Sparkle Weddings & Events & Vice President, CWP Society

“Plan your exit and a romantic evening for your wedding night! If it works, do a grand exit and go to a special place whether it's the upstairs hotel suite or a romantic bed and breakfast.” - Valarie Kirkbride, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design

“Honestly, this may be our favorite trend that's taking precedence on a wedding day. While this is a pretty traditional component of a wedding day, it's great to have it just for you two and your photographer (and your wedding planner who is likely filming it for your BTS!). With a day filled with your family and friends watching you at almost every step, this is a really great way to have your traditional elements meant with just the two of you in attendance.” - Chloe Skelly, Chloe Alise Events

“One of my favorite wedding traditions actually stems from the Jewish practice of "Yichud," which takes place immediately after the ceremony and involves the couple taking a few minutes completely alone. This does not have to have a religious affiliation and can be a time of reflection or simply a planned moment to spend with your new spouse without the hustle and bustle of guests vying for your attention. Some couples arrange to have their cocktail of choice and some hors d'oeuvres available during this private time so they don't miss out on a chance to snack!” - Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning

“Greet your family and friends together instead of going off on your own.” - Erica Trombetti, Infinite Events

“Throughout the festivities, steal a few quiet moments to just observe all of your loved ones, in one place, celebrating you. Watch them dance, laugh, and see different groups from your lives interact. It's those moments that will be ingrained in your memory!” - Nora Sheils, Founder, Bridal Bliss & Co-Founder, Rock Paper Coin

“On your wedding day, the earlier part of your day is the perfect time to spend dedicated time together. Exchange your vows privately, or simply cherish a quiet moment alone before the busy day begins.” - Katie Records, Emily Coyne Events

“Take a pause to express your feelings in handwritten letters. Exchange them before the ceremony for a personal and emotional touch. You could also surprise each other with thoughtful gifts. It's a gesture that adds a personal touch and creates a sense of excitement.” - Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography