This one is for you, brides-to-be. We know full well that wedding planning can be exhausting. You’ve got timelines to follow, phone calls to make, guests to track down… In all of the busyness of planning, it’s so easy to lose sight of the end goal: a meaningful experience for you, your future spouse, and your family and friends. The good news is, at the end of the day, some of the best weddings aren’t the most elaborate; they are the most personal. We asked local wedding planners about weddings they felt were truly memorable. Their overwhelming response was about weddings that added little personal touches. You might be surprised by just how easy some of these things can be!
Full PDF here.
Add keepsakes to your bouquet.
“One of our brides made her own brooch bouquet using brooches that had belonged to her grandmother. I thought incorporating those timeless heirlooms was not only beautiful, but really told the story of her roots. It was the perfect touch to their vintage rustic wedding and it is a keepsake she will have forever.”
—Christy Huie, Posh Parties: Wedding & Event Planning
Incorporate heirlooms into your attire.
“One wedding that particularly stands out was a May wedding at the beautiful Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the historic Sheraton Read House. The bride took sections of lace from her mother and mother-in-law’s wedding dresses and added them as accents to her cathedral length veil. If you are getting married, seek out your grandmother, mother, or any other special ladies in your life for special details that can be incorporated into your big day!”
—Veronica Seaman,
Veo Weddings
Send personal notes.
“One thing that can be special is having the children in the bridal party carry chalkboard messages from the bride to the groom. Guests love it!”
– Trinity K. Pearson, The Finishing Touch Wedding
& Event Planning
Have a “first look”—and photograph it.
“One of the most tender moments I have experienced as a wedding planner was a ‘first look’ between a bride and her father. The look of adoration in both their eyes was priceless and a moment they will treasure forever. The bride’s mother in the background looking on was an added touch and it seemed as if time stood still for them.”
— Cheryl Hyland,
Blissful Moments,
Wedding and Event Planning
Get creative with items.
“We often encourage our brides to use unique items for the flower girls and ring bearers. Rather than your traditional pillow, have your ring bearer carry jewelry boxes that later the couple can use in their own home and hopefully use again as an heirloom item in their children’s weddings.”
—Morgan Holland,
Owner, Soirées
Other things to think about personalizing…
The music. These days, it doesn’t have to be classical—unless you want it to be. Think about incorporating some of your favorite songs into the ceremony, no matter their musical genre.
The food & drinks. Create a signature cocktail, serve a favorite family recipe, or have the food catered by your favorite restaurants. Guests will love getting a taste of who you are.
The centerpieces. Create custom centerpieces out of things you love (e.g., wine bottles, books, seashells, antique items, autumn leaves, etc.). If you are having a sit-down dinner reception, swap out table numbers with printed cards of your favorite movies, books, albums, songs, date destinations, etc.
The guestbook. Instead of using a standard guest book, find an item for everyone to sign that reflects your personalities or interests. Why not make the guestbook a showpiece?
The programs. Have your programs double as bookmarks (for the intellectual couple) or fans (for summer weddings). Think about including an “about the bridal party” insert—your guests will appreciate knowing who they are watching!
The send-off. Forgo rice for confetti poppers, paper airplanes, flags, rose petals, glowsticks or even butterflies. Trade the limo for a tandem bicycle or a motorcycle. Whatever you love or makes you unique—use it!
The dessert. No one says you have to have a traditional three-tier white wedding cake. Think about the type(s) of dessert that you love and create a special dessert table.
