And now onto the “how.” How do you and your fiancé write a wedding vision statement? First of all, and this is stating the obvious, the word vision means “to see.” Therefore, in order to cast a vision for your event, you need to take a moment (even try closing your eyes) and envision your wedding day (do separate visioning sessions for your ceremony/reception). Dream big. Make your vision as perfect and inspiring as possible, while also maintaining a slight grasp on reality. What do you see? What do you hear? Use all of your senses. What does it sound like? Whatever you are envisioning, write it down. The only rule here is that it has to inspire passion in you. If it doesn’t, then it isn’t big enough.
While the two are writing your collective wedding vision, use “present tense” language. For instance,let’s pretend I’m getting married this summer, here is my vision statement for my wedding with Danika: “It is July 7 2014 and Danika and I are at our wedding reception. We see 250 of our closest friends at our outdoor wedding, eating garlic infused brussels sprouts and sushi while Fleet Foxes “Mykonos” is playing in the background. Our close friends James and Michelle are tuning their banjo and guitar, and they are 5 minutes away from performing. Small children are playing horseshoes with their grandparents by the bonfire pit (but not too close to it though). There is an espresso bar serving our guests Mochas, Americanos, and Cappuccinos, many of our guests are enjoying these drinks while sitting on hay bails and couches. There are lights strung in the trees and the scent of barbecued tofu is filling the air as our dinner is almost ready. The DJ is going to be playing his 90 minute set after the live band, at which points the dance lights will flood the dance floor, and everybody will be having the best time of their lives…”
As I write that, I get excited! I wish that Danika and I could get married again in fact after writing that. It makes me happy, and passionate for that sample vision to come about. Your’s should do the same. It should be at least 2/3 of a page, and should reveal in detail all of your aspirations for the evening.
I want to invite you and your fiancé to do that right now. Before you finish reading this. Write one for the reception, and write another one for the ceremony. In addition to how productive this is, it is a great way for the two of you to build a shared vision and flesh out both of your hopes and expectations for the wedding.
Now that you have written out your vision, let’s boil it down even more. Based on your vision that you cast, what do you want people to say as they are leaving? It will most likely look like this: That was the most __________ wedding ever! Fill in the blank. Possible words you might use are: fun, creative, hipster, trendy, extravagant, romantic, thoughtful, action packed, etc. You can even choose a totally different word that isn’t on this list. Whatever your word, or even a combination of two words, write it down. This is what we call your “vision buzzword.”
Now that you have your vision buzzword (VB), go through your original 2/3 page vision and examine everything in the light of your VB. What will it take to get them to say that as they leave? Will it take more decoration? More vintage props? More dancing? Whatever it takes to achieve the success of people saying exactly what we want them to say, make the necessary changes to reflect your vision buzzword.
Now that you have your vision and your vision buzzword, you are ready to set your plans in stone. In fact, you are officially on your way to creating a more thought out wedding or event than the vast majority of people who embark on this process.
Just don’t forget this important point: Along the way, let every decision not only reflect, but promote these two items.
If along the way you find that your vision changes, make changes to your original vision at any time. My hope for you is that you find the joy in watching your vision come to fruition. There truly is no greater joy.
For more resources in your visioning process, check out:
Vision Part 1
For help infusing your wedding reception with great ideas to fit your vision, click here for Bridal Guide’s 15 Fun Wedding Reception Ideas
Happy Visioning!