Anyone who has ever spent time browsing Pinterest can tell you that there are many different ways to have a picture-perfect wedding ceremony. And while much of the way we perform wedding ceremonies today is based on tradition, those traditions have changed and evolved to fit our modern sensibilities.
Whether it’s an elegant, black-tie affair or a rustic, country-chic celebration, there’s no one right way to say, “I do.”
You and your spouse-to-be are individuals, with your own tastes and your own visions of what the perfect wedding ceremony looks like. And, while movies, magazines, and social media are great for offering you ideas and inspiration, your nuptials should be a celebration of all the things that make you unique.
There are plenty of opportunities to personalize your wedding ceremony. If you are looking for ideas, we’ve put together a list of X creative ways to make your wedding ceremony perfectly your own.
Writing Your Vows
The vows exchanged between the happy couple are probably the most personal, intimate part of the wedding ceremony. It’s a moment where the guests wait with bated breath as the two speak aloud words of affirmation and love for one another, and make promises to last a lifetime.
Using quotes or song lyrics is fine, but they can sometimes feel impersonal.
It’s important that the vows you share are your own words, not someone else’s. Let your partner know everything that you love about them, or mention a few of your favorite memories.
Switching Up the Seating
When you imagine a wedding ceremony, what do you see in your head? Is it two rows of seats with an aisle down the middle and an altar at the front? It probably is. So why not change it up?
Why not arrange the seating in a circle around the altar, or break the seating up into four groups in a square formation? There are plenty of ways to rearrange the seating in your ceremony. You can even do away with the aisle altogether if you want to skip the traditional walk.
Cocktail Hour
Who says that the drinks have to wait until after the ceremony? Get the celebration started right when the guests arrive with a cocktail hour before it’s time to tie the knot.
This gives your guests time to mingle and say hello to one another before they have to sit down and gives you the opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the event. Is it going to be casual with ice-cold beer and bar snacks, or fancy with martinis and canapes?
Create Your Own Ritual
Depending on your family’s cultural background, you may have a traditional way that marriage ceremonies are usually performed. But what better way to make your wedding ceremony unique than by creating a ritual of your own?
Many modern couples are doing away with simply saying, “I do” in favor of exchanging tokens, lighting a fire, planting a tree, or one of many other creative rituals that are meant to symbolize love and unity.
Don’t be afraid to involve your friends, family and guests in the ritual as well!
Colorful Attire
For weddings in Western countries, most wedding ceremonies have fairly similar expectations when it comes to attire. The groom will wear a (probably black) suit, the bride will wear white, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen will wear more subdued matching attire.
However, if you want to break that mold and make your wedding more unique to you, there’s no law that says you have to stick to the plan! After all, bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen’s attire come in all kinds of colors and styles. And there’s no reason the bride can’t wear a colorful dress as well.
Coordinate with your bridal party, and create a colorful and festive ensemble that would make your ancestors laugh, or even cry!
Conclusion
There is one thing that makes your wedding extra special – it’s yours! Don’t be afraid to personalize it however you see fit, and do away with conventions that don’t make you feel excited or inspired.
