Add personal touches to make your wedding the best ever
A perfect wedding is not only beautiful, it is personal. It has carefully selected details that are meaningful to you and your fiancé. Here are some very simple ways to add your own subtle and unique touches to your ceremony and reception:
• Write your own wedding vows. It doesn't have to be read like poetry; the important thing is that it comes from your own heart. Print it out on a token 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 it as a souvenir. Insert a small sheet 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 the reception. You can also have an additional bouquet for your boyfriend to present to her mother at the same time.
• Guests usually have free time during the reception. In the center of the table, place several pens and small pieces of paper in a pretty basket. Ask them to write down their wishes, prayers, or advice for you and your fiancé. Compile into 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 have taught you what true love means. Mention friends who have shown real loyalty or family members who made great sacrifices for you. Sandwich your video with your photos. This is your chance to thank everyone.
• If you have a close friend or family member who passed away, make it part of the occasion by inserting a small photo in their 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.
• Use a relic. For example, you can wear your grandmother's veil or use a locket that belongs to your mother. This is a great way to create a sense of continuity between generations, celebrating your own family even as yours begins to begin.
• Prepare an audio-video presentation to be played during the bride's last dance with the father. This may just be a simple childhood photo montage. A tear drop guaranteed!
• If you have children, help them feel part of the new family by asking them to stand next to you as you pronounce their vows.
• Add little elements that say something about your relationship as a couple. For example, if you're gifting photo frames, insert a poem you've written or a copy of your wedding vows. If you met on a beach (and would rather not have a beach-themed wedding) incorporate shells in the center of your table.
