Memorable wedding ceremonies are focused on you, the couple being married. They are filled with stories and anecdotes from your time together. They capture your guests’ attention and allow them to feel more connected to you and to your wedding day. And they set the tone for a happy, fun party to follow.
So how do you create a memorable ceremony? First, start with a professional celebrant who knows how to craft a ceremony and can deliver it well. Then, work with them to include elements that are personal and meaningful to you. Look at your ceremony from the start of the processional to your walk back down the aisle for ways to make the ceremony truly reflect you as a couple.
While the tradition of entering the ceremony space with your parent(s) is lovely, it can feel a bit contrived if you have been living independently for a number of years, if you share a home, or if you’ve been married before. Consider walking in to your ceremony as a couple! This simple change at the beginning of your ceremony will have your guests sitting up and taking notice.
I’ve written often about unity rituals, and they remain a great way to personalize your ceremony. If you connect with one of the standard rituals, that’s great, but if not, a custom unity ritual may be just the thing. This season I wrote an ice cream sharing ritual for a couple who included ice cream in every one of their dates – it was fun, memorable and meaningful. Another couple did their first dance as their unity ritual – they weren’t having a dance at their reception, but wanted that traditional moment to remember, so we positioned it as their unity ritual.
Near the end of your ceremony, invite a few of your guests to stand up or step forward to extend wishes for your married life. This can be as scripted or spontaneous as you wish, but do make sure that all guests can hear the offered wishes. Another way to close the ceremony is with a toast. This can be especially appropriate if your venue is a winery or distillery. You can also use your signature drink for the toast, gracefully blending your ceremony into your social hour.
And finally, if you want a visual or auditory send off, consider placing ribbon sticks or bells on each chair that can be used to salute you as you walk back down the aisle. Both are environmentally friendly, but be careful with the bells if there will be children in attendance as you may be serenaded throughout the ceremony.
Each couple is unique and has your own story. You deserve to be celebrated on your wedding day, and your ceremony can do that in a personal, memorable way.