How to make your wedding personal to you
Wedding traditions will mean different things to different couples. However it’s important to make them feel right for you. Whether it’s cake cutting, first dance, bouquet toss, none have to be essential if they don’t suit you.
Photo by Grace and Mitch
Although there may be a place for wedding traditions, they do not make a wedding, it’s people who make a wedding. Even if you do know which wedding traditions you would like to incorporate and which you’d prefer not to, it’s hard to go against strong opinions and perhaps even disapproval from loved ones.
But I’d urge you to stop feeling any pressure to follow traditions, think about why you’re getting married and what makes you both happy - instead of others. When deciding on a wedding tradition ask each other does the idea make you feel excited? If so, then go for it but if not then wouldn’t you rather add in an alternative to your day which does? If you’re unsure, give it some time and thought and ask yourself “why” until you reach your conclusion.
Photo by Grace and Mitch
Moving away from “old” traditions, feel free to make them your own or start a brand new tradition. Here’s a few examples below of how my couples have done just this to give you some inspiration:
When choosing your music, think about what you dance around the kitchen together to or perhaps the first movie you went on a date to see. Any song that feels special to you both is a great choice.
Are you sunset lovers? How about ditching the usual timeline and have dinner before your ceremony so you can enjoy it with that beautiful backdrop. It’s your day to design how you would like it to be.
If you feel like a slow first dance isn’t for you both then opt for an upbeat track to get all your guests on the dancefloor together.
Think about the ways you usually mark a special occasion. Going to your favourite italian restaurant or ordering a particular cocktail? Why not incorporate it into your wedding day too!
Photo by Grace and Mitch
You don’t have to stick to the traditional speech makers. Brides, mums or even a joint couple speech. It’s really not necessary to make anyone feel so uncomfortable if they don’t want to make a speech. Perhaps they can write it and have it printed and hung during your drinks reception for guests to read in their own time instead.
Instead of asking each guest to sit on a specific side during the ceremony, how about letting your loved ones pick a seat.
If the traditional three courses doesn’t get you excited then think about your go-to food you both indulge in together. Or perhaps you have a favourite cocktail. All these things can be incorporated to ensure your wedding feels unique to you.
Photo by Grace and Mitch
Ultimately? Do you. When we work together, I make it my priority to get to know you both as a couple and what makes you happy. Where you like to holiday, your favourite restaurant, any hobbies you enjoy together. All these answers help to spark ideas of how we can make your wedding unique to you whilst still incorporating those special wedding traditions if you wish to. If you’d like to find out more about me and how I work then you can here!
Photo by Grace and Mitch