If there’s one thing your wedding should revolve around – it’s you. Remember that you and your love story are what anchor this celebration, so when it comes to planning it, you have the freedom to customize every detail, from your arrival to the last dance. Yes, this might mean doing away with antiquated traditions, cookie-cutter timelines, and expected clichés – and doing things your way. So don’t be afraid of mixing it up and adding special touches that really represent you as a couple.
“Couples do battle satisfying what family wants (sticking to tradition) versus what they want,” Flora’s wedding experts say. “Instead of forcing a vision, reflect on something meaningful to your relationship and use that element to personalize your day. It will feel more natural.” Need some ideas? We’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll share a handful of really creative ways you can incorporate your personalities into different elements of your wedding – from naming tables after countries you’ve visited to adding a cherished family recipe to the menu.
Your fur babies are a part of the family – so there’s no reason they shouldn’t be a part of your big day. If your venue allows it, bring your canine companions in on the fun by dressing them up as flower pups, ring bearers, or in your wedding party colors. Even if your ceremony or reception space doesn’t allow pets, there are plenty of ways to incorporate them into your wedding. You can include their likeness in your wedding invitation suite, table numbers, and cocktail napkins. Alternatively, cheers to their goofy personalities by having your mixologist whip up a personalized cocktail inspired by your pet!
If you feel connected to your family and cultural roots, there are many ways (both big and small) that you can honor them in your wedding. Spend some time jotting down elements of your heritage that are close to your heart. Is it a family recipe you’ve always adored? Offer it up on your menu! Is it a national dance from your hometown? Traditional clothing or music, perhaps? Whether it’s an East Asian tea ceremony, an Egyptian zaffa, or a wedding saree, weave in your customs and traditions in a way that feels authentic to you.
Is there a bigger source of wedding inspiration than your leisure pursuits? If you love a particular sport, tie it into your decor, stationery, or overall theme. If you have a green thumb, bring in your favorite plants and flowers. Passionate about the environment? Adopt eco-friendly, sustainable practices for your wedding day. (We’ve gathered the best of them here.) Think of the things you love and are drawn to – even if it’s a particular color, animal, or season! “For example, one of our brides loved giraffes and added a giraffe statue to every table,” Flora’s wedding experts note. “The groom did photography, so he added old-timey cameras to the bookcase.”
Who said you need to walk down the aisle to the tune of “Here Comes the Bride”? (In fact, who said you need to walk down the aisle at all? Both partners can make a grand entrance by meeting in the middle!) Don’t be afraid to loosen up tradition, and march to the beat of your own drum. “A friend walked down the aisle to the “Imperial March” from Star Wars,” Flora’s wedding experts say. “These days, a lot of couples pick their favorite song to walk down the aisle to rather than the traditional wedding songs for the processional or recessional.”
“One of our couples hired a caricature artist,” Flora’s wedding experts share. Unique and out-of-the-box activities like that will ensure your wedding stays memorable for all of your guests. Not only do they get to pose for a painting, they can also take it home. (Talk about a thoughtful wedding favor!) There are so many other interactive elements you can add to your reception or cocktail hour. If you and yours are known for hosting game nights, keep your guests busy with some of your favorite dice-rolling adventures. Love to sing? Find a venue with top-notch sound systems – like Flora’s – and host a full-on karaoke party!
What do your guests love about you as a couple? What do they think of when they think of you? What are some of their favorite memories with you? Another unique way to personalize your wedding is to ask your guests to pitch in with details you can easily turn into fun decor. “During one of the weddings at Flora, every guest brought an item attributed to the couple and added it to our bookcase,” Flora’s wedding experts share. “The guests took home their items at the end of the event!”
If you and your partner are veritable globetrotters, let your guests in on your favorite travel memories. Name tables after countries you’ve visited, or recreate special dishes for your menu. Incorporate native plants and greenery from your favorite far-flung locale, and don’t forget to showcase your best travel photos in a thoughtful display. And if you really want to, you can opt to base your entire theme around your love for travel. “Go for it,” Flora’s wedding experts say. “You only do this once, so if it will make you happy, do it.