Your wedding day is a lot of work. Use checklists and templates to simplify the process and avoid stress.
Make your ceremony feel personalized by including tidbits about you and your fiance. This will make it memorable and fun for guests!
Give your guests an unforgettable exit with fireworks, a carriage ride, or a grand send-off of flower petals or confetti. They will be talking about it for years!
1. Make it Personal
Your friends and family are important to you, and making them feel seen and loved is a great way to ensure they have an awesome time. Try personalizing your wedding by greeting everyone personally, whether that’s a quick chat before the ceremony or visiting their table at dinner.
You can also add a personal touch to your seating arrangement by using benches or even hay bales. A creative seating pattern can leave a lasting impression on your guests, and you could always go big with lighting and fabric to really transform the space. There are ideas for bridesmaid dresses with cowboy boots that you may want to experiment with at your wedding.
If you’re having a reception that is far from your ceremony site, providing transportation can make it easier for older or handicapped guests to get there and back. This is a simple and affordable way to add a wow factor and show your loved ones how much you care.
Another fun idea is to surprise your guests with unique wedding favors that reflect your personality and shared experiences. A personalized gift or memento will be remembered long after the party has ended.
2. Have a Plan B
Whether it’s planning for an indoor alternative to your outdoor ceremony in case of rain or buying parasols for a sunny day, having a backup is important. Also consider your guests’ comfort during the event: If you’re holding a ceremony in the late fall, plan for cold temperatures by providing heat lamps; if it’s hot, provide fans and plenty of shade.
If your wedding includes readings, personal toasts or other ceremony elements that require pre-ceremony preparation, make sure to factor in extra time for these activities. Ask your pros for realistic timelines, then add 15 to 30 minutes to be safe.
Your guests will spend hours — if not days — at your pre-wedding events, the ceremony itself and your reception. They’ll be tired by the end of the night, so be respectful of their energy. If your venue is far from the ceremony space, provide transportation, preferably with an upbeat playlist and snacks (to keep them from getting hungry on the ride). This will leave guests feeling appreciated and will help to ensure they stay engaged throughout the celebration.
3. Make it Fun
There’s nothing wrong with adding a few unique touches to make your ceremony fun. Whether it’s something as simple as a seating chart on your wedding programs, or incorporating a few cultural customs that are important to you and your honey, this is an opportunity to add some personality and excitement to your big day.
Another great way to keep the mood upbeat is to choose music that’s both personal and memorable for you. A DJ can help you with this, or simply ask your wedding planner for suggestions. You could even announce that you’ll be taking requests throughout the evening, which will give guests an incentive to sing along and get their groove on!
Finally, end the ceremony with an unforgettable exit. Whether it’s with flower petals, confetti or sparklers, your guests will love having an opportunity to shower you with affection and send you off to start married life on the right note.
4. Make it Intimate
A memorable ceremony can include unique touches that feel personal and intimate. Whether they are simple or elaborate, these elements can add a sense of ceremony to your day that feels special and unique.
For example, instead of having chairs arranged in rows on both sides of the aisle, you could have them seated in a circle with everyone facing each other for a more intimate experience. Or, you might have them seated on benches or hay bales covered with quilts or even on heaps of Moroccan-style cushions for a more unconventional feel.
You can also create a more intimate feeling by having your ushers greet guests as they arrive and thank them for coming. This is an opportunity to make a great first impression, and it will help set the tone for your big day.
5. Have a First Look
One of the best things you can do to ensure a memorable wedding ceremony is to have a first look before the main event. Not only does it save time, but it also allows you to have beautiful photos of you and your fiance before the guests arrive.
It’s important to have a clear timeline for the day of your wedding, and make sure your photographer and reception site manager are on the same page. A timeline can help you determine the most logical order of events, such as having family and bridal party photos before the ceremony and a string trio play traditional music during cocktail hour.
Your friends and family are there to see you get married, so don’t waste their attention with a drawn-out ceremony. Keep it short and sweet to give everyone plenty of time to make their way to the reception. Welcome each guest as they arrive with a friendly hello (your ushers can help with this) and thank them for coming. This could mean a quick chat, going to their table for a group photo, or dancing with them at the reception.
6. Have a Toast
The best way to keep your wedding ceremony fresh and fun is to give it a little twist. Maybe it’s a modern take on a traditional toast, changing the order of events or swapping out the usual guest book for an interactive experience like a photo booth.
Having one or two of your close friends or family members read readings during the ceremony is another great way to add a personal touch. They can share stories of how you all met, reflect on your past together or express optimism about the future.
It’s also a good idea to provide your guests with something to drink during the ceremony. Whether it’s sparkling water, lemonade or a cocktail, a refreshing drink is an easy way to kick off your big day on a happy note.
7. Have a Dance
Many couples focus a lot of energy on their receptions and forget that the ceremony is by far the most important part of their wedding day. It is what brings you both together in marriage and makes your wedding truly unique. To make your ceremony unforgettable, try some of these fun ideas.
Instead of a guest book, have your stationery designer include a fun write-up about everyone in your wedding party. A fun story about how you met or why they are your best friend will make them smile before your ceremony begins.
For your first dance, choose a song that means something special to you and your sweetheart. It could be a sentimental melody or a ballad that you picked out just for this moment. Make sure that it isn’t too short or too long! You also want to be able to sway together comfortably. Once you’re done, have your guests shower you with flower petals, confetti, or bubbles as you walk (or dance) down the aisle as newlyweds.
8. Have Fun
Your wedding is your day, so it’s important to have fun throughout the planning process. This can help ensure you’re happy and relaxed on your big day, which will make everyone feel at ease. Some tips to keep in mind for having fun include: getting a good night’s sleep the night before your wedding, creating an itinerary or an order of events for the day of your wedding, packing a bag with things you need (like a change of clothes), and doing some stress management exercises like heavy breathing.
Having fun can also include adding unique elements to your wedding ceremony, such as a custom-made guest book that includes a woodblock with etching of the couple’s names, having family or friends sing a duet for you, or even having a synchronized swimming team float down the aisle at the end of your ceremony. Having these small touches can add up to an unforgettable wedding experience for your guests.
Lastly, remember to greet every guest as they arrive to make them feel welcomed and included at the ceremony. This may mean personally giving them a hug, a smile, or simply spending time with them on the dance floor later in the night.
