MAKE YOUR DAY TRULY YOU
It’s super important that your big day feels right for you as a couple. Personally I love going to weddings where I look around and think ‘wow that is so them’ or even have a giggle seeing things that make me think ‘only they would do this..’
I have listed some ideas I have seen from others weddings as well as ideas from my own wedding that hopefully will stimulate some thoughts of things that would be very you and only you!
CEREMONY
For me the ceremony is when there are the most opportunities to personalise your day. Having a friend marry you is super special as they really know you which often adds extra emotions. If you don’t have a friend willing to do this or someone that is a celebrant already then I definitely recommend picking a celebrant who you vibe with and can relate to. I always recommend writing your own vows and choosing someone close to you to do a reading wether that be a poem, song lyrics or words of their own.
DETAILS
You could recycle any bunting or decorations from hens/stags do and use it for the night before. It also makes a good backdrop for your getting ready photos. Little personal details such as jewellery with your bridal parties initials or hand made notes or labels for gifts are a sweet and memorable idea.
SIGNAGE
Personalised signage is a good opportunity to express yourselves and compliment your theme. I have seen couples choose signage that can be used in their house post wedding as a piece of art which I think is genius!
TABLE NAMES
Naming your tables after things that mean something to you as a couple is a great conversation starter for guests as well as some insight in to your relationship. You could choose places that you love, favourite meals, celebrities that inspire you or anything that your heart desires!
FOOD
I think it’s such a fun idea to have your favourite snack come out as one of the canapés. I’m personally obsessed with chip and dip so we had little chip and dip boats going around for guests at our wedding. If you love cheese you could have a cheese grazing platter or a cake made of cheese. Speaking of cakes you could pick your favourite for dessert even if it’s not traditional. What about a family recipe that was a big part of your childhood? For me a cheesecake or ambrosia would be very welcomed..
PHOTOS
Having photos around the venue is a lovely personal touch for guests to enjoy. You could have photos of those who could not be there on your gift table or attached to your bouquet. What about photos of your parents on their wedding day or some childhood photos? We put photos of us as kids on the boys and girls bathroom as a quirky and cute idea but you can get as creative as you like! People always remember the little things.
MUSIC
Music makes human beings incredibly nostalgic. Songs stimulate many different areas of the brain and give us a big hit of dopamine while they’re at it. Hearing the same songs over and over, especially during particularly memorable events, can make them stick, sometimes for life. We’re very good at recognising music that we’ve heard before, and associating it with certain memories. Therefore choosing songs that mean so much to you or songs from your childhood or your own parents wedding is absolutely beautiful. You could even ask a friend of family member to sing during the signing or your first dance. Another option is having some lyrics adapted for you or a song written for you. My husband and I loved the song ‘Grow Old With You’ by Adam Sandler but we had the lyrics adapted to suit us and my recent knee injury. Instead of the lyrics saying ‘carry you around when your arthritis is bad’ our musician sung ‘carry you around when your meniscus is bad’ which went down a treat. Get creative.
You’re only limited by your imagination!
Hayley Carville
