Author: Emily Lewis, Certified Wedding Planner
While planning my wedding, I wanted my guests to think, “This is definitely Emily and Bennett’s wedding.” I wanted my wedding to be unique to us, our relationship, and our love story. We used this thinking to help direct our decision-making—what do we love, what are our priorities, what are our hobbies, and how can we incorporate those into our wedding?
As a wedding planner, I’ve had the privilege of helping several couples create unforgettable celebrations, and one thing I’ve learned is that no two weddings should ever be the same. Each couple is unique, and your wedding day should reflect who you are as individuals and as partners. Whether you're a laid-back couple who loves the outdoors, a pair of foodies who can’t wait to serve the most delicious meal of your life, a couple who loves a night in playing card games with their friends, or party animals who prioritize a good reception dance party, your wedding is an opportunity to express these interests.
So how can you make your wedding feel authentically "you"? Here are some tips and ideas to help you personalize your wedding in a way that will make it truly memorable - for you and your guests.
Your Love Story
Your relationship is a unique story that only you two share. Start by thinking about the moments that defined your journey together. Was there a meaningful trip you took that influenced your relationship? Did you meet in an unusual way? Have you known each other for years and did not expect to fall in love later in life? Incorporating elements of your love story into your wedding can make it feel more personal and memorable.
“Now, how do I incorporate our unique love story into our wedding?”
Custom Vows: Writing your own vows adds such a personal and sentimental meaning to your special day—whether private vows or not, this will be an unforgettable moment for you and your partner.
Photo Timeline: Displaying photos of you and your partner can be a memorable and fun experience for your guests. They can see how you have grown together and be reminded of important dates such as dating and engagement anniversaries.
Purposeful Music: Playing music that is special and correlates to your life, family, culture, and religion will create an environment that feels at home for the couple.
Officiant: Is there someone in your life who knows you and your partner well? Having a personal friend/ family member perform the ceremony at your wedding can make the day extra memorable. They can incorporate stories, experiences, and traditions that are unique to you and your partner. (Tip - I would recommend giving this person time to decide as this can be a lot of work)
Let Your Personalities Inspire Your Decor
Decor is a perfect opportunity to showcase your personalities. Your wedding decor should feel like an extension of your style, hobbies, interests, and priorities.
“How do I achieve this vision?”
Craft and Creative Couple: If you're crafty and creative, consider making some of the decor yourselves. This could include handmade centerpieces, custom signage, personalized favors, programs, card box, or flower girl baskets.
Sporty Couple: If you are a couple that loves sports, you could incorporate this shared interest into your decor. Instead of the traditional guest book, grab your favorite sports team jersey and have your guest’s autograph it. If you and your partner love baseball and plan to have assigned seating, you could display baseballs with each guest's name and table assignment; that can also be a favor. If you and your partner bond over playing pickleball together, you could do a “first game as a married couple” - a personalized and fun spin to a traditional reception.
Traveling Couples: If you are a couple who loves to travel and seeks adventure, skip the traditional table numbers and have each table represent a different place you have or want to vacation together. For example, instead of “Table 1,” someone could be seated at “Hawaii.”
Musical Couples: If you are a couple that loves to listen to or play music, make the music at your wedding a priority. You could create your own custom playlist. You could also get a live band to create a romantic and unique experience.
Foodie Couple: If you are a couple who loves cooking, baking, or trying new fun drinks, consider adding a personalized signature drink for you and your guests to enjoy. You could also have a specific food station—a pizza oven, taco bar, donut wall, s’mores bar, or a create-your-own ice cream sundae bar.
Sentimental Couple: If you are a couple that enjoys sentimental memories that reflect your pasts and families, an adorable twist on table number is to include a photo of you and your partner at that specific age. For example, table 4 would showcase a picture of you both at age 4. You could also have a “generations of love” table dedicated to photos of couples that have significantly impacted your lives.
These simple but intentional additions to your wedding can create the feeling of “Wow, this really must be insert your name and insert partner's name’s wedding.”
Your wedding is a reflection of you and your partner. It’s an opportunity to celebrate your lifelong journey and the life you are building together. Create a day that is unique to your love story. This can be easier said than done. However, we would love to help bring your personalized wedding vision to life without the extra stress!
D’Amore Wedding and Event Planning
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