A wedding celebration is the moment when two people seal their lifelong commitment to each other. While there are many traditional wedding elements to choose from, it’s not necessary to stick with those well-known options. Unless the location of the wedding has restrictions on the ceremonial elements (such as a church), this is a great opportunity for the couple to show off their unique style. Thinking carefully about the following while planning a personalized wedding ceremony is a sure-fire way to create a special event that the couple and their guests will never forget.
Choose the Music
- Select songs that have meaning for the bride and groom, as well as their families.
- Carefully consider including live musicians, pre-recorded music, a singer, etc.
- Think about using appropriate ethnic music, songs written by friends, or even a favorite karaoke tune.
Pick the Right Readings
- Consider using a favorite children’s book or song for a reading
- Have friends share their own favorite quotes
- Use song lyrics, poetry, movie quotes, or whatever else will have the most significance for the couple
Employ Family & Friends
- Ask a friend or family member to preside over the ceremony.
- Create special ways to include people. One option is to have friends and family members present special objects for the ceremony such as a guest book, toasting glasses, the rings, flowers, etc.
Create a Ritual
- Create or borrow a ritual that represents how the couple feels about each other and their marriage.
- Search the internet for ideas and then create something new.
- Use special traditions from childhood, or from the families’ cultural backgrounds.
Find a Theme
- Select a simple, but cohesive theme. Involve family members and friends where possible.
- Choose a motif for use on invitations, thank you notes, and through out the wedding site. This can be anything – butterflies, hearts, fall leaves, baseballs, whatever best symbolizes the couple.
- It may seem obvious, but selecting a color scheme is a simple way to bring everything together.
Decide What is Most Important
- Put a lot of thought into the wedding, not necessarily money.
- Think about what is most important. Is it flowers? The invitations? Food? Music? Focus attention on the things that matter.
- Compromise with family members on the things that are less important and hold ground on the things that matter most.
Buck Tradition
- Don’t like vanilla cake? Go with chocolate. Better still, skip the cake and serve brownies, pie, or cookies.
- Skip toasts, or ask invite everyone to make one
- Have an impromptu talent show. Have a roast. Most importantly, have fun.
Be Yourself
- Don’t worry about what other people think. A heartfelt ceremony will touch those who love the couple most.
- Wear the clothes that feel great. Go barefoot, wear heels. Be comfortable!
In the end, the commitment a couple makes on their wedding day is only the first step in the rest of their lives together. Creating a personalized ceremony is one way to start that journey with a sense of closeness and shared interests.
