Celebrate with panache

Wanting to differentiate your ceremony, making it one that is memorable? Here are some unique ideas to get you started: 

1. Thank your guests

Make your guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive by writing them personal notes and leaving them at the ceremony entrance. This is a unique idea that acknowledges all your guests straight away and it also means you could possibly skip the thank you cards later. Consider giving your guests favours in the form of flowers at the ceremony; boutonnieres (for the men) and fresh-flower hair clips (for the women) – arrange them on trays near the beginning of the wedding aisle.

It is also important to recognise your connection to the guests during the ceremony, the officiant could potentially say the following

“To all their family and closest friends (the couple’s first names) are delighted to share this moment with you. You are their nearest and dearest. You have grown up together, you have shared experiences and memories, you have helped to shape their personalities and you know the path (couples' names) have taken to become who they are today. They love that you are part of this special ceremony.” 

Connection is key, you want to make sure that you treat everyone as honoured guests. Yes it is your day but your audience are special and valued participants in your day.

2. Flip a coin

Within the ceremony not everything needs to be structured or scripted.  You could have the best man flip a coin to see who will say their vows first & similarly you could invite the first two people from the crowd who want to witness the marriage to please come forward.  There are many ways you can imbue fun and enthusiasm into the ceremony and be inclusive of others.  This leaves the ceremony a bit more open and casual.

3. Make a time capsule

Before the wedding, write a letter to your respective. During the ceremony, put the letters, vows and a bottle of wine in a box – while the signing takes place, get all the guests to write a wish or thought down, these too are added to the box which is sealed for opening on the first wedding anniversary. A great thing to do if your wedding is one that is progressive with some people attending the ceremony only, it means you can capture their words too.

4. Say 'no' to poems

Plenty of people are opting for no readings or verses in their ceremony and instead encouraging participation of others with their own words of marriage advice or anecdotes about the happy couple, making the ceremony more interactive and conversational in style and more importantly personal to the couple.

5. First dance at the ceremony

Put a stamp on your ceremony in some way. You might decide to surprise your guests during the ceremony with an element that is traditionally covered off later on at the reception. One idea would be to include your first dance – one way to end the ceremony on a high!

6. Personalise your programmes

Set the tone of your ceremony by creating a programme to include; interesting and fun facts about the couple, photos from your engagement shoot, key memorable adventures in your time together, info about the bridal party and your VIP family members. 

7. Get creative with the ring bearer

Have your ring bearer carry your bands on something unique: a felt flower, a mini fishing rod, a shell, a book, or a slice of wood that says 'Here Comes the Bride'. Something that means something to you as a couple.

The key to making your day a memorable one is to decide on your style of day and work from there to incorporate elements that set it apart, making it a day to remember.