How to Make Your Wedding Unique and Memorable

Comment Written by jenny on July 30, 2010 – 5:00 am

The Wedding Lens welcomes our new guest contributor, Anne.  Having been a bridesmaid 8 times, Anne has plenty of experience throwing bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and assisting the brides-to-be with their wedding planning. To read more about the crazy life of Blogger Anne, check out www.anne-ville.com

Hello Wedding Lens Readers!  I’m Anne, guest blogger and professional (okay, not really) wedding guest.  Today I’m here to discuss ways to make your wedding day unique and memorable!  I mean of course it will be memorable, but to whom?  And unique, well, I guess that’s up to you.

Blank slate

Think of it this way.  This is YOUR day – It’s a blank slate.  You choose everything that goes into this day from your guests to what color napkins.  You create the energy and flow of the event; whether it’s fast-paced with everyone abuzz or a little more mellow and relaxing.

It’s all up to you!  You’re in charge!

Make it a reflection of the values you share, start new traditions and do away with traditions you question (who says a wedding gown has to be white?!)  No one is going to tell you no (unless you’re a bridezilla, in which case, you probably deserve it).

Typical wedding traditions are all fine and dandy, but what about mixing it up, adding some pizzazz?  If you have a double set of left feet, then why risk limbs on a first dance?   Never been a fan of cake? Then serve cookies or pie or banana splits!  And is it really necessary to single out your unmarried cousin Mildred with a bouquet toss?  Maybe gift your bouquet to Mildred’s grandparents who just celebrated their 64^th wedding anniversary.

Themes and other things

There are certainly things to you can do to make your day unique and touching but not cheesy.

Focus on things you and your spouse-to-be enjoy or recall something special about your courtship and weave pieces of your ceremony or reception around that.  For instance, If you enjoy bike riding, leave the church or reception together on a tandem bicycle.

Think back to weddings you attended that really stood out.  Were they fun?  Endearing?  Was the food AMAZING or the setting breath-taking?  In fact, don’t limit it to just weddings … what about a really great concert or someone’s party or your favorite vacation spot?

Take the best elements of each and incorporate those into the day you say ‘I Do’.  Always been a bit obsessed with the circus, well how about a circus themed reception?   Your DJ is no longer a DJ, but a Ring Master!

Know thy audience and include your guests

Of course this is your day, and okay, you’re allowed to be a little bit selfish for the memories you’ll take away, but also consider your guests; your audience.   Will kids be there?  Coloring books and crayons or a TV playing age appropriate movies will keep kids happy and occupied.  (I’m sure their parents would appreciate it too.)  Is 85% of your fiancé’s family from Nashville?  Then toss a few country music songs into the playlist and hire a line dance instructor to teach moves to your Manhattan-based family.

Additionally, your guests may have specific skills or talents you can incorporate into your day.   It’s a great way to create personal touches that are both memorable and special.  Would your uncle-judge officiate?  Could your expert-seamstress-sister make the veil?  Would your florist-bridesmaid be willing to make the bridal bouquet?

Maintaining the memories

So of course nothing preserves your day better than photos and video.   Regardless of your budget, one of your biggest investments should be in the photographer.  The right photographer can capture the beauty of the day even if your flowers wilt or a monsoon floods your reception tent.  He/she can do amazing things and capture the perfect moments you don’t ever want to forget.

- Anne

Photos by Green Apple Photography and Josh Goleman