If you’re like us, you’ve been to lots of weddings (or a part of a wedding party) that follow the same traditional timeline and order of events. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with following tradition, sometimes the magic starts when you step outside of the box and plan something that’s more personal and intimate. Here are a few tips that can help make your special day that much more special:
Tip #1: Personalize, personalize, personalize! You’ve chosen your wedding party because those are the people that mean the most to you and you count on their support on your big day. Why not thank them with something that is unique to each person.
Tip #2: Write your own vows. I know, the thought of writing something intimate and personal can be super intimidating. However, if you really think about it, these words are just meant for you and your partner. Words that express how much he/she means to you and why you want to be with them for the rest of eternity. Having a hard time with what to write/where to start? Well, how about start at the beginning – when you first met or how they made you feel at a certain time in your life and why their presence is so important to you. Writing your own vows can be one of the easiest, and simplest ways to bring calm and intimacy into your wedding day without needing to restructure the wedding day itself.
Tip #3: Put some thought into your ‘getting ready’ location. While hotels offer the necessities for a place to get ready, they don’t necessarily scream “personal”. If your parents still have the home that you grew up in this is always our first choice. The nostalgia in the house is reason enough to have this as your getting ready location.
Tip #4: Big wedding? No biggie! One of the things we hear our couples stress over is how they are going to get to every table and speak to every guest at the reception and to make sure there is a photograph of them/you. This can be a daunting task, especially when you take into consideration the time to eat, speeches, first dance… One thing that we’ve seen work really well and is a lot of fun is a musical table game. After everyone has finished their main course and before dessert is served, ask the DJ to play a song (something long and upbeat like “Sweet Caroline”). The married couple then has the task to run to each table, while your photographer follows you around, each guest at each table has to stand up or gather in at the table with the married couple. Then it’s on to the next table, run! The guests are all cheering you on to make sure you get to each table before the song finishes. This ends up being a fun way to make your guests feel like they’re a part of your big day and you get it all documented in a photo!