_edited.png)
To say that there is a lot that goes into planning your wedding would be an understatement. Amidst all of the catering decisions, music selections, tracking RSVPs, placing Etsy orders - it is important to prioritize that ultimately, your wedding feels true to who you are your partner are as a couple. Below are a few tips to help you in along in this process!
Consider which common wedding traditions do and don't feel right for you and your partner.
I am linking some helpful articles below listing out a variety of these, but think along the lines of bouquet and garter tosses, being apart from each other all day leading up to your ceremony, dances like the Cha Cha Slide, YMCA, the "money dance," etc. Have a conversation with your partner early on and don't be afraid to cut certain traditions that don't feel representative of your love.
Choose your vows carefully and make your ceremony your own!
Writing your own vows is a great way to personalize your ceremony. If you don't feel comfortable saying these in front of all of your guests, a great alternative is to say them privately to each other during a first look. If you choose to say traditional vows during your ceremony, many officiants will provide a list of different verbiage options (and of course, the internet has a wide variety to choose from as well!). Take the time to read through your options together and see what feels best for you two! You may also want to consider sharing a sweet story or memory of your relationship with your officiant that they can then include in their message to aid in the goal of again, making your ceremony feel more personalized.
Choose your favorite color(s) as your wedding color(s)!
It is as simple as it sounds! Don't put too much pressure on keeping up with what color palettes are currently trending, or ensuring that your wedding colors perfectly align with the season. Choose shades and tones that are (or at least incorporate!) you and your partner's favorite colors!
Personalize what you can!
Do you and your partner have a certain spot or location that is special to you? Or perhaps a beloved pet (or a few!)? These are just a few examples to get your creativity flowing. Incorporate things/pets/people that are near and dear to your heart where you can. Some great ways to do this might be placing photos on your guest book table, incorporating sketches/designs into your table numbers, stationary, cocktail napkins - the list could go on! Have fun with this.
Favors: put your own spin on it!
Many couples are doing without favors completely these days. If you do choose to provide favors for your guests, consider using you/your partner's favorite treat(s) or candies, individually packaged for each guest of course. Adding some cute, personalized tags to these can be a great addition too! Another trend that I have been seeing (and love!) is foregoing favors and instead donating to a charity or foundation that is close to your heart. Many couples put up a sign at their reception stating something along the lines of "in lieu of favors, we have donated to xx", which is a sweet touch.
Honoring loved ones who cannot be at your wedding.
Whether it is a loved one who could not travel to be there for your wedding or who may have passed away, there are a lot of wonderful ways to honor them at your wedding. A few of my favorites include signage with candles lit representing each person, reserved seats with picture frames at the ceremony and/or reception, and designating one of your reception guest tables for this placing their photos at each place setting.
Finding the perfect song for your first dance!
If you and your partner already have "a song," then this one will be easy. If you do not, however, I recommend listening to love song playlists of whatever genre you two agree on - keep going until one jumps out and hits you both!
*Photos by Taylor Ford Photography
Comments