Why You Should Consider a Private Dinner With Your Fiancé During the Wedding Reception - Austin Wedding Planners

Weddings are beautiful, emotional, and joy-filled celebrations—but they’re also a whirlwind. After months (sometimes years) of planning, your big day finally arrives, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, constantly moving from one moment to the next. One of the most common regrets we hear from newlyweds? “We never actually sat down to eat.”

That’s why we always recommend scheduling a private dinner with your fiancé during the wedding reception—just the two of you. It may sound simple, but carving out this small window of intentional time offers major benefits you’ll be grateful for long after the last song plays.

1. You Actually Get to Eat

It sounds obvious, but many couples end up nibbling at best during their reception. Between greeting guests, coordinating photos, and hitting the dance floor, food often becomes an afterthought. A private dinner ensures you both have a moment to sit down, breathe, and enjoy the delicious meal you carefully selected. You spent time tasting the menu and choosing your favorite dishes—don’t miss out on experiencing them!

2. It Grounds You in the Moment

Your wedding day is one of the fastest days of your life. A private dinner lets you step out of the spotlight, reconnect, and reflect on the fact that you just got married. It’s a meaningful pause—a moment of quiet gratitude in the middle of the celebration.

Imagine clinking glasses together and saying, “We did it,” without distractions or interruptions. That memory will stay with you forever.

3. It’s a Built-In Buffer for the Reception Flow

Logistically, this quiet time serves an important purpose. While your guests begin their meals, you and your partner are tucked away, sharing yours in peace. Then, once you’ve eaten, you’ll be full, refreshed, and free to walk the room and greet guests without trying to multitask between bites and conversations.

This flow feels natural, relaxed, and allows you to actually connect with your people—rather than feeling like you’re sprinting table to table.

4. You Get a Moment Just for You

The entire day is about the two of you, yet you’ll spend most of it surrounded by everyone else. This private dinner becomes a rare moment to be alone together as newlyweds. You can talk, laugh, take it all in, and enjoy a few minutes that are just yours. After all, these are the kinds of memories that make the day feel real.

Pro Tip: Ask your planner to set up a small sweetheart table in a quiet room or tucked-away corner. Make sure your catering team brings your plated meals as soon as guests begin dining. You can even have champagne or a signature cocktail waiting. Keep it simple, cozy, and special.

Your wedding day goes by in a blur—but taking a private dinner together slows it down in all the right ways. It’s a small decision that makes a big impact—and one we promise you won’t regret!

Featured Wedding Vendor Team:

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair

Venue: @theaddisongrove

Photography: @annafletcherphoto

Videography: @photohousefilms

Florist: @nativebloomfloral

DJ/Band: @drywaterband

Catering: @laperaaustin

Hair/MUA: @stylesbyvero

Rentals: @premiereeventstx

Transportation: @flyridesatx