Ceremony Ideas
By Rebecca Williamson
We’ve said goodbye to cookie-cutter nuptials – these days anything goes, and those wonderful creative elements you want to incorporate into your celebrations don’t have to be reserved solely for your reception. Here are some ideas to personalise the most important part of your wedding day.
The essentials
Choosing a location or venue that has relevance to your romance will make your ceremony extra special. Think about where you met, dated, holidayed, lived, got engaged – or even just a place you both love – and determine if you are able to hold your ceremony there or nearby.
Writing your own vows is perhaps the most intimate way of personalising your ceremony. Begin by jotting down your feelings, hopes, dreams, beliefs and values, then compare notes with your partner and go from there. Alternatively, pen your words separately as a surprise for each other on the day, borrow the promises of a long-time married couple, such as your parents, or put your own twist on traditional vows. Be aware that certain phrases will need to be spoken to ensure your vows are lawful – your celebrant or officiant will provide more information on this.
Select music that is special to you both for the processional (played as the bride enters) and the recessional (played as the bridal party exits). You may also opt to play a special track during the signing of the register or your first kiss as a married couple.
Beautiful decorations have a place at your ceremony as well as your reception. Some options include saying‘I do’ in front of an unconventional backdrop such as a wall of flowers, photographs or treasured artwork, or dress up a traditional altar with elegant lanterns or bunting. You can also be imaginative with your aisle – a gradient of colourful rose petals looks amazing, as does a trail of vintage rugs, or a customised aisle runner emblazoned with your initials. Seating is another avenue for creativity – instead of stand-alone chairs, why not consider couches, bean bags, mismatched bench seats or even picnic rugs?
Rituals and honours
Readings, poems and blessings are an ideal way to tailor your ceremony. A loved one can deliver a piece that resonates with you, or you could enlist friends or family members to share their marriage wisdom and special words of advice.
Unity rituals, which symbolise two families becoming one, can also add a unique point of difference to your ceremony. Consider lighting a unity candle, sipping from a unity wine glass or merging coloured water or paint.
A great way to get your attendees involved is by having a ring warming, in which your guests hold your wedding bands and offer a silent wish, prayer or blessing for your marriage.
If a certain pet has played an important part in your lives, then it’s perfectly appropriate to include them in your ceremony (provided your venue approves). For example, your dog can act as a ring bearer with your wedding bands attached to his collar or he could accompany you both as you walk down the aisle as newlyweds.
Dedicating a reading or a moment of silence is a lovely way to honour lost loved ones, as is lighting a candle in their memory or placing a rose on an empty seat. Incorporating family heirlooms into your nuptials – such as placing your grandmother’s lace tablecloth on your registry desk or wearing your father’s cufflinks – is another way to pay tribute to loved ones past and present.
Honour each other by creating a time capsule. Write a secret letter to one another and secure it in a wine box at the ceremony – don’t open it until your 10th anniversary!
Treats and surprises
Ensuring your guests are comfortable won’t go unnoticed. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, it’s thoughtful to offer extras such as parasols, fans, sunblock, mosquito repellent, umbrellas, blankets and shawls to protect them from the elements.
Consider providing entertainment as guests await your arrival – a photo slideshow of your love story, a video of personal messages from friends and family (especially those unable to attend) or live music is sure to impress.
Create a unique celebratory cocktail for guests to enjoy in a special toast at the end of your ceremony (remember to also have a non-alcoholic version available). You could also treat them to a post-ceremony ice-cream from a van!
The finishing touches
As well as being an adorable addition to your bridal party, your pageboy or flowergirl can go beyond their traditional duties and carry signs such as ‘Here comes the bride’ or ‘Now let’s party’, introduce you as newlyweds, carry the bride’s train or veil, or act as an usher and escort elderly guests to their seats.
Adopt a signature scent for your ceremony and light fragrant candles, burn mild incense or decorate your venue with aromatic herbs or flowers such as lavender.
Little details such as an original ring pillow or box, personalised wedding programmes depicting your love story, a bespoke monogram of your initials, or a table featuring the wedding photographs of friends and family will delight your guests.
Your ceremony exit can be just as exciting as your arrival. Have your guests throw eco-friendly confetti or rose petals, shake ribbon wands or pinwheels, or go wild with noisemakers – the perfect precursor to a fun-filled reception!
