Customizing a simple ceremony takes only a little thought and time. Even if you opt for an elopement style ceremony – I call it a Vow Exchange ceremony – you can leave your personal mark on it. From venue to vows, from music to rituals, your short and sweet ceremony can still be uniquely yours.
When you’re working with me and choose a Vow Exchange Ceremony you still get to choose from sample vows that I offer. And of course, a great way to personalize your ceremony is to write your own vows. The promises you make to each other are always going to be unique to you, because your relationship and your personalities are unique. However, if you’re shy, vows can be adapted to allow for a simple, “I do,” response to keep you relaxed and comfortable.
Choosing music to be played as you enter and/or leave the ceremony space is totally optional for these simple ceremonies, but is another way to make the ceremony reflect your personalities. Just make sure you’ve identified the person who will play the music and provided the necessary equipment so the music can be heard by your guests.
Vow Exchange ceremonies don’t usually include a unity ritual following the vows, but one can be added if you wish. Selecting or creating a meaningful unity ritual will certainly make the ceremony memorable for you and your guests.
An additional option for customizing a simple ceremony is by choosing a venue that reflects you as a couple. I recently did two Vow Exchange ceremonies on two consecutive days, and they were very different. One took place at an historic park, included white chairs for the 15 guests, and began with a somewhat elaborate processional. The second ceremony took place on the family farm with three generations of family gathered to celebrate. Guests sat on hay bales covered with hand made quilts. The couple chose a seed planting as their unity ritual, so appropriate for the farm setting.
Both ceremonies were authentically perfect for the couples being married and demonstrate how customizing a simple ceremony can make it memorable for everyone from the couple to the attendants to the guests who come to celebrate. Just remember that wedding ceremonies don’t have to be elaborate, lengthy, or complex to reflect you as a couple.