Your wedding should reflect the uniqueness of you and your future spouse, both as individuals and as a couple, so don’t hesitate to make creative choices, even if they are a bit outside the norm. If you’re at a loss for how to get started or wondering if you really dare to get creative, try a couple of the following ideas.
A Different Kind of Engagement Ring
You might start out with something rather different for your engagement ring. Perhaps you and your spouse aren’t especially fond of diamonds or at least of diamond solitaires. That’s okay! Choose instead from the beautiful selection of colored engagement rings available these days. You might select a deep blue sapphire, a stunning emerald or ruby or even an iridescent opal. Chose a stone that has meaning for you as a couple. It’ll definitely catch other people’s eyes and probably become something of a conversation piece.
Find the Right Dress and Suit
While many couples choose full formal wear for their weddings, you don’t necessarily have to. You can find a dress and suit that work for you. Perhaps you want to be comfortable on your wedding day. You could choose a simple dress and a sport coat with dress pants and a tie rather than a formal gown and tuxedo. Stick with comfortable, easy to wear shoes, too. You don’t have to select flip-flops or sneakers, of course, but make sure you can walk easily. You may get a few odd looks at your apparel at first, but you’ll still look wonderful, be able to move more easily and probably enjoy your ceremony and reception a little more.
Choose a Reception Theme
Even if you have a traditional ceremony, you can certainly choose a fun theme for your reception. Perhaps you and your future spouse share a hobby like reading or a favorite sport. Then make that the centerpiece of your reception. You can decorate accordingly. Your guests will appreciate the touch of whimsey, and your reception will definitely reflect who you are as a couple.
Serve Food You Like
Part of your reception will likely include food, so serve food you like. You don’t need to have a formal, sit-down meal if you don’t want one. A selection of picnic foods or tasty snacks and appetizers might be a good option, and they can ease up your budget, too. If you do have a meal, it can be simple. There is nothing wrong with baked or fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
Do something fun with your wedding cake, too. It need not be huge and elaborate. You can serve cupcakes if you like or even strawberry shortcake. As another possibility, allow your guests to decorate their own sugar cookies with frosting and toppings.
Have a Dance, Your Style
If you choose to include a dance as part of your wedding reception, again make it your style. Have the DJ play music that you and your spouse enjoy, and skip the goofy dances if you don’t care for such things. Or encourage them if you do! You might include some musical games throughout the evening, too, perhaps a version of “Name That Tune,” and be sure to have little prizes for the winners.
Include Family and Friends
Finally, even though this is your special day, include your family and friends fully. Allow them to take an active part in the ceremony and reception. Provide disposable cameras at the reception so that your guests can take candid shots, and allow them to record video messages. You’ll treasure those in later years. Be sure to talk to everyone at some point during the day or evening and let them know that you appreciate their presence. And don’t forget to send thank-you notes to everyone who gave a card or gift.
Your wedding day should be extra special, so make it reflect you and your future spouse through creative choices that make your wedding your own.
