Planning a wedding as a Christian couple is a beautiful journey, one that intertwines faith, love, and commitment. Here are some wedding planning tips that incorporate scripture and faith-based principles to help guide the couple through this special season:
photographer: Ransom Photography
1. Seek God's Guidance in Your Planning
Begin your wedding planning by seeking God's direction. Prayerfully consider the details of your day, from the ceremony to the reception. Let your decisions be guided by a desire to honor Him in every aspect.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3)
2. Make Christ the Center of Your Wedding
Your wedding is both a celebration of your love for one another and also a declaration of your love for and from Jesus. Consider how you can incorporate Christ into your ceremony, whether it’s through prayers, hymns, scripture readings, or other special ways.
Scripture:
"Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)
3. Plan for a God-Honoring Ceremony
Choose vows, readings, and/or traditions that reflect your faith. Include a time of prayer or communion to dedicate your marriage to God. Choose hymns or songs that celebrate God's love and the covenant of marriage.
Scripture:
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Mark 10:9)
4. Stay Within Your Budget
While a wedding is a joyous occasion, it’s important to remember that marriage is about more than just the event. Be mindful of your budget and prioritize what is most important. Keeping finances in check honors God by being good stewards of the resources He has provided.
Scripture:
"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5)
5. Choose a Supportive Community
Surround yourselves with family and friends who are committed to supporting your marriage. Ask trusted loved ones to be part of your bridal party, and invite those who will encourage you in your walk with Christ.
Scripture:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
6. Serve One Another Through the Process
Wedding planning can sometimes be stressful. Remember to serve each other with love and humility throughout the process. Keep communication open, and be quick to forgive any small frustrations or missteps along the way.
Scripture:
"Serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13)
7. Keep the Focus on the Covenant, Not the Party
While wedding celebrations can be fun and exciting, remember that the wedding day is about the covenant you're making before God. Keep focused on the lifelong commitment you are making!
Scripture:
"A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
8. Prepare Spiritually for Marriage
Before your wedding day, take time to study God’s word alone and together. Spend time in prayer, and consider premarital counseling to strengthen your foundation. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and the spiritual preparation will deepen your understanding of each other and your calling as husband and wife.
Scripture:
"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior." (Ephesians 5:22-23)
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." (Ephesians 5:25)
9. Celebrate God’s Faithfulness
A wedding is an opportunity to celebrate God’s faithfulness and goodness in your lives. Thank God for bringing you together, and express your gratitude to Him for His provision, guidance, and love.
Scripture:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)
10. Enjoy the Journey and Trust in His Timing
Wedding planning can be overwhelming at times, but remember that this is part of the process God has designed for you. Trust that He will guide every detail, and enjoy the journey together as a couple, keeping your hearts focused on Him.
Scripture:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)