Getting ready to plan your wedding is both thrilling and overwhelming. You’ve just said yes to one of the biggest milestones of your life, and now you’re faced with countless decisions about venues, colors, guest lists, and more. It’s easy to get lost in the frenzy of it all.

But here’s a gentle reminder — your wedding day is yours. It should reflect your unique relationship, your values, and your story. Taking some time to journal about your hopes and priorities can help center you throughout the planning process.

These journal prompts aren’t about picking napkin colors or debating chicken vs. fish. They’re about reflecting on what really matters so your wedding can be an authentic and meaningful experience for you and your partner. I'm also including below what I wrote before we got married, to spark your thoughts. Whether you’re newly engaged or just dreaming about your future "I do," grab a cozy spot, your favorite pen, and a cup of coffee — it’s time to take a little pause and reflect.

1. What are the three most important things to you about your wedding day, and why do they matter?

Start by grounding yourself in your priorities. Is it meaningful to you to have all your loved ones there? Do you want the ceremony to feel deeply personal? Maybe it’s all about creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

This prompt is your chance to think about what matters most beyond the surface-level details. Write about the values behind your wedding vision — you may find it sheds light on what’s really worth focusing on (and what isn’t).

What I wrote about: First, I wanted the day to feel warm and fun, surrounded by the people who matter most to us. Second, I wanted animals to be involved in some way. And last, I wanted room in the budget for a great photographer because these memories will matter forever.

2. If your wedding could be described in three words, what would they be?

This prompt taps into the overall tone and feel you want. Do you picture something romantic, glamorous, or low-key? By nailing down three words, you’re giving yourself a guide to refer back to when making decisions.

Here’s a fun twist — get your partner to write their three words too, then compare! Seeing where your visions align can create a great starting point.

What I wrote about: My three words were fun, colorful, and musical. I wanted music playing at all times, and although I wanted my favorite color (blue!) to be the main event, I didn't want a monochrome palette at all. And most of all, I wanted our guests to reflect on the day remembering how fun it was.

3. What’s one thing you’ve always dreamed of including in your wedding?

Maybe there’s a tradition you’ve always admired, or you’ve daydreamed about a moment that feels uniquely yours. This is the time to honor your inner child or draw inspiration from treasured memories.

What I wrote about: I wanted my favorite band to play at our reception. One of my favorite things to do is to go see live concerts, and I could think of no better way to spend our wedding reception than by turning it into a concert by my favorite band. (This did not end up happening, but it was fun to think about!)

4. How do you imagine feeling as you walk into your ceremony or reception? What’s happening around you?

Rather than getting caught up in aesthetic details, imagine the feel of the moment. Take a second to close your eyes. What energy greets you as you walk into that space? Are you calm and grounded? Are people cheering and laughing?

What I wrote about: I thought about walking into the ceremony feeling totally free and comfortable. I wanted time to stop in that moment, as I focus on Jay in front of me but am surrounded by the beautiful setting and our closest friends.

5. What’s your favorite setting or place to be, and how could that influence your wedding location?

Everyone gravitates toward specific settings. Do you feel most at home in the mountains, by the ocean, or in the urban buzz of a city? Maybe you cherish intimate gatherings at home. Lean into those instincts when brainstorming your venue.

What I wrote about: My favorite place is the field outside my grandmother's house. I love my memories of running and playing out there, flying kites, and, of course, my uncle trying to set off fireworks around the fourth of July. Unfortunately, that field no longer exists (it got turned into a housing development), but I knew I wanted to find the next best thing.

6. Who or what do you want to include in your wedding to make it feel uniquely yours?

This could be a nod to your heritage, a shared passion, or even the inclusion of a beloved pet. Adding personal touches makes a wedding memorable. What elements would make your day feel authentic to you as a couple?

What I wrote about: My bunny, Sperry. I had Sperry before I got Jay, and he was my baby — well, now, our baby. The day just wouldn't feel right without him involved in some way.

One of our engagement photos featuring Sperry. Photo by Verlee Bishop ♡

7. What’s one thing you don’t care about or want to skip in your wedding planning process?

Not everything has to be a priority. Allowing yourself to step away from trends or expectations can take a load off your shoulders.

What I wrote about: I wasn't really into florals. Instead of spending a big chunk of our budget on flowers, I preferred minimalist greenery and simple centerpieces. It doesn’t have to be traditional.

8. What does a low-stress wedding day look like to you? What support or systems would help you achieve that?

The best weddings are ones where you can actually enjoy the day. Use this prompt to think about what a stress-free experience would look like for you. Does it involve delegating tasks to a wedding planner or asking trusted friends to help?

What I wrote about: I'm a huge introvert, and being around lots of people exhausts me very quickly. So I wanted there to be only a very small number of people in my getting-ready space, and I wanted to be able to spend as much time with Jay as possible throughout the day, so that I could re-charge my social batteries.

9. What are some small details that would make this day feel extra special for you and your partner?

It’s often the little things that make a day feel magical. Small, personalized details leave a lasting impression — not just on your guests, but on you too.

What I wrote about: Jay is huge into board games, and I know that not everyone is as big of a fan of dancing as I am, so I wanted to have board games available to our guests after dinner in case they didn't feel like dancing.

10. When you look back on your wedding in ten years, what do you hope to remember most vividly?

Finally, take a moment to zoom out and think long-term. What memories do you want to cherish? This prompt helps you stay focused on what you really want to hold on to.

What I wrote about: I wanted to be able to say that I had the wedding that I wanted, not what I was influenced to have. I also wanted to remember having all my closest friends near me as we celebrated.

Create a wedding day that’s truly yours

Journaling about your wedding dreams and priorities can help you plan a day filled with purpose and meaning. It’s not about checking off boxes on a planning checklist; it’s about creating memories that truly reflect you and your partner's unique love story.

If you’re looking for more guidance or inspiration, check out other posts on my blog. Happy planning — you’ve got this!

Ready to capture your love story?

I’d love to learn more about your wedding plans and discuss how we can create timeless memories together. Let’s make your big day unforgettable.

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Ten journal prompts I wrote about before I started wedding planning