A perfect wedding isn't only
beautiful, it's personal. It's got carefully selected details that are
meaningful to you and your fiancé. Here are some very simple ways to
add your own subtle, unique touches to your ceremony and
reception:
•Write your own wedding vows. It doesn't have to read like
poetry; the important thing is that it comes from your own heart. Print
it out on an index card and keep it handy during the ceremony.
•Compile a CD with songs that symbolize your relationship or how it
evolved. Play this during your reception or even burn a copy and
distribute as souvenirs. Insert a small piece of paper explaining why
you chose those songs.
•Instead of tossing your bouquet, present it to your mother (or a dear
friend or mentor) during your reception. You can also have an additional
bouquet made for your groom to present his mother at the same time.
•Guests often have free time on their hands during their
reception. In the center of the table, place several pens and small
pieces of paper in a pretty basket. Ask them to write their wishes,
prayers, or advice for you and your fiancé. Compile in a scrapbook.
•Most wedding reception programs revolve around the couple:
friends give speeches. Do something for the guests. Make a video of you
and your fiancé talking about the people who've taught you what true
love means. Mention friends who've demonstrated real loyalty, or family
members who made great sacrifices for you. Intersperse your video with
their photos. This is your chance to say thank you to all of them.
•If you have a close friend or family member who passed away, make him
or her part of the occasion by inserting a small photo in your bouquet,
or lighting a tribute candle at the church ceremony.
•If you have ethnic roots, incorporate a marriage ritual from your
culture into your ceremony or perform it during your reception.
•Wear an heirloom. For example, you can use your grandmother's veil,
or wear a locket that belongs to your mother. This is an excellent way
of creating a sense of continuity between generations, celebrating your
own family even as you go on to begin your own.
•Prepare an audio-video presentation that will be played during the
last dance of the bride with the father. This can be just a simple
montage of childhood photos. A guaranteed tear-jerker!
•If you have kids, help them feel like they're part of the new family
by asking them to stand next to you as you say your vows.
•Add little elements that say something about your relationship as a
couple. For example, if you're giving away picture frames, insert a poem
that you wrote or a copy of your wedding vows. If you met at a
beach (and would rather not have a beach-themed wedding) incorporate
shells into your table centerpiece.
Lesley-Ann Graham runs
WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with
bridal guides, articles for the bride and bridesmaid, wedding
etiquette advice for brides, tips for brides, bridal checklists, wedding
planning worksheets, and more! The Bride, Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids
and Groomsmen can find it all at the http://www.WeddingTrix.com
website.
Copyright Lesley-Ann Graham -http://www.weddingtrix.com
