Your reception will naturally get a lot of your focus during wedding
planning, but your ceremony deserves attention too. The small details
and touches you add can take it from merely functional to a truly
touching space where you start your new life together. Lighting
a candle or pouring sand are always fine ideas, but here are some
new ones to consider.
Accessorize Your Guests
outdoor vows are gorgeous, but they can come with some weather-related
obstacles. No one likes to squint or sweat, so if there's a chance
it'll be super-sunny, have your ushers hand out parasols or sunglasses
to your guests. Programs made into the shape of fans are another
fun and functional way to cool down your crowd. If the forecast
calls for crisp weather, offer shawls displayed in a pretty basket
at the front of the ceremony space. Little gestures like these go
a long way toward making your guests feel taken care of and comfortable.
Invite Your Furry Friend
Is your pup a primary member of your family? Then go ahead and include
him or her in the ceremony, either as a nontraditional ring bearer
or flower girl or just as a guest of honor. Try a fresh or faux
flower secured to a pretty collar or a dapper bow tie or tux onesie��just
make sure that both the flowers and the clothes you choose are safe
and comfortable for your pooch. Coordinate with your bouquet and
your groom's boutonniere so your little family looks fashionable
and fun.
Leave a Love Note
For something truly memorable (that you don't want to include in
the programs), pen a letter to those closest to you, whether it's
your mother and father or even a special aunt, uncle or friend,
and leave it on their chair preceremony. Thank them for helping
you get to where you are, and share any thoughts about what it means
to have them there. Better enclose a few tissues too��the moment
you walk down the aisle will be extra-sentimental for them.
Share the Floral Fun
Who says you have to save your favors for the finale? Instead, consider
setting up a table full of fresh boutonnieres (think single roses
or tulips) or flower hairpins for your guests to choose from before
the ceremony. They'll feel instantly appreciated for their attendance
and ready to get into the celebratory spirit of the day. Choose
colors and floral varieties that go well with the bridal party bouquets
to create a cohesive and truly coordinated look that your photographer
will love.
Pick a More Purposeful Processional Song
We have nothing against Pachelbel's ��Canon in D"��it's a timeless
classic that certainly gets the job done well. But if you'd like
to put a personal spin on your ceremony, go with a tune that's meaningful
to both of you��just like you're doing with your first dance. Was
your first date in a country music bar where ��Whatever It Is" by
Zac Brown Band was playing? Did he propose while Adele's soulful
version of ��Make You Feel My Love" played in the background? Consider
acoustic versions of the songs for a more traditional spin, and
then start your new lives off on that same beautiful note.
Water a ��Love Fern��
Remember the ill-fated ��love fern" from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days? Adding scoops of soil from each of your hometowns to a potted plant or tree and then watering it together can be a sweet symbol of your union and a special way to end your vows. once you're home from your honeymoon, give it a permanent place in your garden or backyard where it can continue to grow.
Give out Candy and Crayons
If you've got little ones on your guest list, you'll want them to be extra well behaved during the ceremony. How do you ensure that? Candy is charming, but crayons and coloring books are another fun (and less sticky) way to keep little hands busy.
Nix the Assigned Seating
Have you seen those adorable signs that say, ��Choose a seat, not
a side�� we're all family once the knot is tied"? This decorative
touch does double-duty by acting as an informal usher and setting
the tone for a laid-back, friendly celebration.
Quench Guestso Thirst
There's always some downtime before the ceremony starts as guests
begin to gather. one creative way to warmly welcome everyone is
to set up a drink station. Glasses of prosecco, sparkling water
with lemon or lime, or even a pretty signature cocktail served on
a silver tray is refreshing on a warm day. Gourmet flavored coffee
or hot cider served in mugs that match your wedding palette is a
fun, cozy touch for a winter wedding when guests are coming in from
the cold.
Have a Good Friend Marry You
Is there a person who's super-special to both of you and also happens
to be an engaging public speaker? Honor that person by asking them
to help you tie the knot. There are several ways to get ordained
online, which vary in the time it takes to become ��official" and
the amount of money it costs to do it (it's a nice gesture to offer
to cover those costs since you're already asking for their time
to do this for you). And always check with your local government
to make sure that the marriage will be recognized.
Honor Missing Loved ones
Whether it's a grandparent who's passed or a cousin in the military,
your ceremony is the perfect place to mention those that are in
your thoughts. Save space in your program for a note about them,
ask your officiant to talk about them, or weave a special memento
from them (for instance, a locket) into your bouquet. If you have
several loved ones who are no longer with you, consider setting
up a small table with a selection of photos of them as a way to
incorporate them into your day.
Pick Alternative Props
A ring pillow and a basket of petals may be the go-to for the smallest
members of your bridal party, but why not give them something that
has just as much personality as they do? Your ring bearer can carry
your rings in any vessel from a handmade bird's nest for a playful,
rustic take, to a silver box engraved with your names and wedding
date that will make a great keepsake. Give your flower girl a pomander
or one giant sunflower to carry, or skip the floral theme altogether
and opt for a whimsical pinwheel, ribbon wand or basket full of
confetti.
Surround Yourself With Love
Traditionally, you get married with your guests all seated behind you.Unfortunately, they miss out on the best part��seeing your faces as you say your vows to one another. Give your guests a better view of the action by arranging the chairs in a full circle or semicircle surrounding you and your groom. Dealing with a larger guest list? Set up several concentric rings of chairs, or for short vows, you can do an inner circle of seated guests and an outer one of folks who stand.
