photo by Sharon Pye Photography
Congratulations on your engagement! It’s time to start planning a dreamy wedding to celebrate your love. Since this day is about you and your partner, add your own personal touches to it and make it unique to your relationship. A wedding doesn’t have to just be during the ceremony, or even a grand surprise—although most people love a good surprise. We have rounded up nine unique ways to personalize your wedding from the smallest details to a grand gesture.
1. Skip The Traditions
Wedding traditions may not fit you and your partner’s style. If there isn’t a specific tradition that feels authentic to you and your partner, then opt out of it. There aren’t any rules that say how to throw a wedding, so don’t feel pressured to follow traditions that aren’t unique to your love.
Sit down with your significant other and go through a wedding planning checklist—be sure to stay at a high level. This will help you figure out what traditions you’re not interested in following, and then lean into your interests when you create a wedding mood board. Find colors you both love, things you want to do to celebrate your union, and then lay it all out there.
photo by Phan Tien
2. Write Your Own Vows
Here at Junebug, we’re huge advocates of writing your own vows. These words are straight from the heart and they make the ceremony extra special. Whether you use quotes from a song, write a poem, or just share why you love your partner, this is such an intimate moment that truly celebrates your love.
Plus, it helps make the ceremony truly feel yours. You don’t have to be the world’s greatest writer to tell your partner why you love them, so even if you’re not confident that writing your own vows is for you, give it a try. Grab that pencil and paper and profess your love—it’ll be worth it.
Shop vow books: personalized wedding vow book ($24+); set of 2 wedding vow books ($25); leather wedding vow book ($20)
3. A Family And Friend Photo Wall
RSVPs are in, but not everyone on your list can make it. There’s still a way to make it feel like they’re there on your special day—a photo wall. When sending RSVPs—or after receiving regrets—request images from those who can’t attend to print and hang. Whether you decide to display the photo wall at the ceremony or reception, this can also honor any late loved ones who you wish could be there.
photo by Map + Compass Photography
4. Ask A Friend Or Family Member To Officiate
When it comes to officiants, picking out the perfect one can be difficult. Officiants are there to both help express the love between you two and also serve in a legal capacity to make sure you’ve done everything to tie the knot. If you can’t find the perfect officiant for your wedding, ask a close friend, or a close relative.
There’s something special about asking someone you love to officiate your wedding. It always adds more personality when they tell the story of your relationship, narrate cute moments, and the day you both decided to spend the rest of your life together will be brighter for it.
5. Pre-Write Thank You Cards For Guests
A thank you card to your guests on your wedding day is a simple, sweet gesture that makes them feel especially welcomed. Leave them for your guests to find when they find their seats for your ceremony or reception. Obviously, a thank you card for any gifts is thoughtful after your wedding day is over, but this is both unique and personal to you and your guests.
6. Leave A Shoe Note
If you haven’t seen the infamous shoe note all over Pinterest, don’t worry. The “shoe note” is a little love note or poem that you write on the bottom of your partner’s wedding shoes.
This note may not last until the end of the night—especially if the dance floor is popping—but it’s a fun and unique way to remind your partner that you love them before you say “I do”. Try writing it on the bottom of their shoe, or leave a tiny card inside of it, and get ready for happy tears!
photo by SASs Photography
7. Add Small But Meaningful Details
Think of something meaningful. Picture it in your mind. Now, find a way to incorporate that meaningful item into your wedding day. Whether it’s a family heirloom, your late grandfather’s favorite shirt, or maybe even seashells from your first date, including heartfelt items into your wedding makes it that much more—well—special. Add the heirloom to your bouquet. Stitch the shirt into your dress or suit. Put the seashells in a vase on the couple’s table. Get creative while you’re brainstorming places to use these meaningful items.
8. Personalize The Escort Cards
It’s likely that you’re planning to put guests’ names on escort cards to help them find their seats. That’s not what we mean by personalizing them. Go the extra step and add a memory or an inside joke onto each guest’s card. Or turn their escort cards into faux Polaroid pictures that they can keep after the wedding.
Whatever you choose, don’t feel obligated to have the escort cards match exactly with your wedding aesthetic. They can be as unique as the guests who will take those seats.
photo by Sergio Alcala Photography
9. Include Your Pets
We all love pets, so include them. If you’re able to bring them to your wedding there are many ways to include them on your special day. A few of our favorite options include walking down the aisle with them or posing for pictures with them.
Of course, not every wedding allows for all pets to join in on the fun. Pay homage to any late favorite pets by including them on small details at your wedding. Try adding a photo or sketch of your pet on the napkins, drink menus, coasters, or your stationary. Whether it’s your dog, cat, reptile, or any other of your lovable animals, it’s a fun way to make it feel like they’re at your wedding.
Shop Etsy products: pet illustration napkin ($34.80); pet wedding tag ($10); save the date pet portrait ($198)
As your head down your wedding planning journey, remind yourself that this is you and your partner’s wedding. Stay true to who you both are and make it your own. To help, we have a guide on how to plan a truly wedding unique. This guide will help you plan the perfect wedding and navigate the decision-making process. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
photo by Map + Compass Photography
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