Making Your Ceremony Unique

Use these tips to add character to your celebration

By Cynthia Myers

Photo by John Partridge Photography

Though part of the romance of weddings lies in the rich history of the traditions associated with the marriage celebration, no two couples are alike, so their weddings shouldn't be alike either. Making your ceremony unique can be as simple as taking your favorite traditions and mixing in personal touches of your own to create a wedding that is at once timeless and distinct.

• What You Need to Know
• Make your wedding ceremony unique by catering its elements, such as the readings, poems, music and vows, to reflect the two of you.
• Enlisting the help of talented friends and family - and perhaps even a few family traditions, can also add unique touches.

Step 1:

Decide what kind of celebration would best reflect your personality and that of your fiancé. Start by listing adjectives that describe the two of you. You might ask friends and family to do the same. These lists will provide clues for ways to make your ceremony unique. A couple who describe themselves as fun, daring, intense and witty might be expected to have a different sort of wedding than that of a serious, family-oriented couple who are proud of their Scottish heritage.

Step 2:

Think about how you might put your personal twist on wedding traditions. This could be as simple as substituting a favorite romantic song for the usual processional or recessional music, or including a favorite poem in the service. You might decide to use a favorite flower in the decorations, or to dress to reflect your ethnic heritage.

Step 3:

Include loved ones in your ceremony. Ask a friend or family member to give a reading, offer a prayer or sing a song. Include your pet as ring bearer, flower girl or one of your attendants. You could set aside a part of the ceremony to remember a loved one who has passed on and display her picture near the front of the room.

Step 4:

Share your story. As part of your ceremony or during the dinner at your reception, talk about how you and your fiancé met. Invite others to share their stories about your courtship, or include your story in the wedding program.

Step 5:

Write your own vows. You can use traditional vows as a guideline or toss them aside altogether. The person performing the ceremony can help you with this if you like. As well as making vows to each other, you could make vows to other people, such as any children who will now be a part of your family. This is a wonderful way to mark the occasion not only as the beginning of your life as husband and wife, but the beginning of a new family.

• Tips & Warnings
• Interview relatives about their weddings. You may discover things you want to turn into family traditions.
• Choose decorations, flowers and even outfits that aren't the standard wedding fare.
• Get creative, not necessarily crazy: add dance routines; performers or fireworks to your entrance or exit and leave a lasting memory for your guests.
• Choose a distinctive setting that encapsulates your respective personalities.