Your Wedding, Your Way

Are you planning your big day? Here’s how to make sure your celebration feels like yours.

Few events in modern life are as steeped in traditions, stereotypes, and expectations, as a wedding. Whether your future mother-in-law is insisting you wear her old bridal veil or your groomsmen are trying to convince you to have your bachelor party at the local strip club— everyone seems to have an opinion on how your wedding should be.

So, how can you make sure that your wedding really feels like yours? You and your partner are unique individuals about to start a new chapter together. Your event should feel as unique as you are. Maybe you’re planning an intimate event at city hall, or maybe you’re pulling out all the stops for the wedding bash of the century. Whatever your style, make sure your wedding day is what you and your future spouse want and that it feels like the right celebration for you both.

Here are some points to consider when planning a wedding with your own personal flair.

Bachelor & bachelorette parties

Before the big day comes the big night out! But what if you’d prefer a quiet night in, or a weekend camping trip? It’s your party, so do it your way. Let your bridal party know what sort of event you’d most enjoy—they’ll be happy to have your input and celebrate in a way that really feels like you.

Are you the one planning the party for your bestie? Here are some tips for adding a personal touch to their celebration:

• Brainstorm their favorite foods, drinks, and games— then incorporate them into your shindig.
• Create a fun look for your group to showcase the bride or groom’s personality. Don’t be afraid to go overboard and look goofy— it adds to the fun!
• Be a detective. If you want to keep some elements of the party a surprise, recruit friends to talk to the bride or groom about their dream bachelor or bachelorette and have them report back to you!

Location, location, location

It’s easy to get swept away touring grand venues or dreaming of exotic destinations for your big day. But sometimes the perfect venue is the one that holds personal meaning to you and your partner.

Think outside the box! People nowadays hold their wedding celebrations in the woods, at amusement parks, in museums, or simply at home. Reflect on your relationship together and ask yourselves if any special locations stand out. They might be just the thing to add a personal touch to your wedding day.

Ceremony and vows

These days, even the most traditional part of a wedding— the  ceremony itself— is  by no means set in stone. If a traditional religious ceremony is your thing, go for it. If you would rather dress up as pirates and go barefoot on the beach, nobody can stop you! Rings? Bridal parties? Processional music? It’s all in your hands.

If you and your partner want to personalize your ceremony, sit down together and talk over what elements are “must-haves” for both of you. What does it mean to you to get married? How can your ceremony reflect your values, hopes, quirks and connection as a couple? Take notes on your conversations, do some homework, and craft a ceremony that feels genuine to you both. Writing your own vows can also be a great way to actually talk to your fiancé(e) about what marriage means to you and what you feel you can honestly, authentically vow to the other.

Personalize your look

Once you’ve settled on a location and thought about how you want your ceremony to be, you can start thinking about your ensemble. Whether you go for a classic or quirky style, don’t let anyone pressure you into wearing something you don’t like on your wedding day. You should both feel like you’ve never looked better… and be comfortable enough to boogie the night away at your reception, of course!

Here are some ideas for adding a personal touch to any wedding style:

• Ask loved ones. Maybe your mom has an heirloom necklace to lend you, or your grandfather’s old pocket watch. Does your friend love to sew? Maybe she’d love to sew some special handkerchiefs to wipe away your tears of joy.
• Get colorful. Adding a splash of your favorite hue can be a playful way to inject some personality into your look, and your bright yellow shoes will be sure to make your friends smile as you sashay down the aisle.
• Don’t be shy. It’s your wedding— if you’re in love with a certain look, don’t be afraid to express yourself and go for the unexpected! You can definitely pull off that pink suit if you rock it with confidence.
• Shop local. Incorporating some jewelry or other handmade elements from your hometown can add a subtle personal touch to any outfit.

Music to your ears

Music can create an atmosphere that feels totally unique. When you’re getting ready in the morning, put on a playlist that makes you feel confident and happy. Music with a special meaning to you and your future spouse can add a personal touch to any ceremony. And if you’re planning a party, make sure you include the tunes that will get you and your partner out on the dance floor! If you have any songs that remind you of when you and your partner first met or other significant moments in your relationship, your wedding day can be the perfect time to revisit them.

Don’t forget to say thank you!

If you have a bridal party, don’t forget to express your appreciation for them. A personal gift for each bridesmaid or groomsman on your wedding morning will start their day with a smile and leave them with a fun souvenir from your special day. A little wedding survival kit can be a useful and funny present.  You could include: breath mints, snacks, mini bottles of alcohol, hangover-fighting ibuprofen, bobby pins, tissues… get creative!

Keep it real

One final word of advice: keep your wedding real. Focus on what’s important to you and your future spouse. If you don’t want to get caught up in minute details like napkin colors or which envelopes to choose for your invitations— then don’t! For your loved ones, the most important thing is seeing you and your partner happy. So be yourselves, keep your wedding authentic, and enjoy a memorable celebration of your happiness together.

Your wedding is about your love—hold that close and your celebration is sure to be meaningful, personal and unique.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and happy planning!

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