If you’re getting married soon, congratulations! This is SUCH an exciting time, and you should definitely be getting pumped! One of the things I hope becomes the “norm” in the wedding industry is, well, getting married however the hell you want. If you’re looking for ways to personalize your wedding and make it as intentional as possible, you’ve come to the right place my friend. I’ve had the honor of being a part of so many weddings that were so unique to the couple, so I figured I’d share some of my favorite ideas!
Choose a meaningful venue/location
This could be any place that holds significance for you and your partner. Think: the city you met in (or fell in love), where you had your first date, or a venue near the place you got engaged. Anywhere that you’ve had happy memories as a couple would be such a meaningful location to celebrate your love together.
Write your own vows
Another great way to personalize your wedding is by writing your own vows! Of course the traditional vows will get the job done, but if you have the opportunity to write them yourself, I for sure recommend taking advantage. You could get little vow notebooks that coordinate with your wedding colors, or hand write them on a specialized piece of paper. Writing your own vows together could even be a fun pre-wedding date night activity!
Break the wedding party “rules”
It’s 2023, who says you have to have a wedding party at all? If that tradition isn’t something that you’re really feelin’, I give you full permission to leave it behind. On the other hand, if you still want to have a wedding party but don’t want to feel too tied to tradition, invite your closest friends to be your VIPs, MVPs, or party people. This way, your very best friends (no matter how they identify) can feel super special and be there to support you on your best day ever.
Share a first song
Instead of a first dance, have you ever thought of sharing a first song instead? If you and your partner are the musical type, this could be such a unique way to personalize your wedding. I attended a wedding recently where one partner sang, and the other played guitar, and it made me feel all the feels. There are a few different ways you could incorporate this, depending on what you and your partner are comfortable with!
Spark a joint
You know how mimosas are served while the couple + wedding party are getting ready? Well, let’s put a twist on that! If you’re 420 friendly, you and your wedding party can skip the mimosas and calm the pre-wedding nerves by smoking a joint.
It’s all in the details
Pro Tip: Don’t let anyone tell you what you should and shouldn’t wear/accessories with for your big day. You should look and feel like yourself – especially on your wedding day! This could look like: wearing “untraditional” shoes (like Doc Martens) with your wedding outfit, ordering a customized leather/jean jacket, having personalized cufflinks, or wearing fun jewelry/accessories – the sky’s the limit here!
Include a family heirloom
If there’s an item or family heirloom that has special meaning to you, don’t be afraid to use it to personalize your wedding. Or if there’s a family member that you want to memorialize, this is a great opportunity to do that! A few examples could be including a charm/photo on your bouquet, wearing your mother/grandmother’s veil, or wearing jewelry passed down from family members.
Somethin’ stitched
Stitching a message or the date of your wedding where you see fit is another great way to personalize your wedding. It could even be a little love note from your partner stitched somewhere like your dress, jacket, or handkerchief. Bonus points if you have a family member who can hand stitch it for you! Or if you want to keep it local, check out <OK Sew Co or Field Study Clothing!>
Have a loved one get ordained
What better feeling is there than having one of your best friends marry you and your boo? Truthfully, anyone can become an ordained minister, so if you know anyone who’s willing, don’t be afraid to take advantage. If you want to know how to become an ordained minister in OK, click here!
Include your pets
If you ever ask me if you should include your pets in any situation, the answer will ALWAYS be “yes!” You could have your furry friend walk down the aisle with you, or just be present with you throughout the day (and of course, in the photos). Or if you’re comfortable with entrusting your pet with this task, you could have them be the ring bearer!
Include the grandparents
Speaking of ring bearers, have you ever thought about having your grandparents deliver your rings to you at the end of the aisle? This would be such a special way to have them be a part of your wedding day! You could have one be the ring bearer and one be the flower person. How cute would that be?
Have your favorite foods
I’m not saying that ALL weddings should have taco trucks (or am I?), but I am saying that you should have whatever food makes your heart happy! If you want Empire Slice to cater your reception, that’s an automatic “hell yeah!” from me. Or if you want to have your favorite dessert (think cinnamon roll cake) instead of a traditional cake (or both), you have my vote all the way.
Well, that’s my list of ways you can personalize your wedding with intention! Never be afraid to do your wedding your way, no matter what anyone else tells you. And if you need someone to remind you of that while you’re knee deep in planning, I’ve got your back.
If you’re still on the hunt for a wedding photographer, I would LOVE to chat with you about what you envision for your day. To get in touch with me, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
