9 Great Ways to Personalize Your Wedding & Celebrate Those Close to You

Photo by Milou and Olin Photography

Guest post from Tess DiNapoli

Your wedding day should be one of the happiest of your life—after all, it’s a day that celebrates your love and future! So why not make sure it’s also one of the most memorable? To make your wedding extra special, consider adding some personal touches that reflect who you are as an individual couple as well as what you have to offer each other in your marriage. Here are 9 great ways to personalize your wedding day and celebration to make it even more memorable and fun!

If we haven’t met yet, hi! I’m Lindsey Nickel and I’m a local Sonoma and Napa wedding planner and the owner of Lovely Day Events. My team and I have planned more than 140 destination weddings, so I can tell you firsthand that wine country weddings are something special. My clients want the ceremony to be outside, the food to be outstanding, and the dance parties to be epic. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

1. Choose a Wedding Day Theme

Before you can think about your vows, your menu, or which wedding gifts you want to receive, you’ll need to choose a theme for your big day. There are literally hundreds of options, but if you and your spouse have specific hobbies that bring you together, there’s no better way to honor those shared interests than choosing them as the theme for your big day. Plus, having a theme makes it easier to incorporate different elements into your celebration.

No matter which theme you choose, there are a number of ways to incorporate it into your wedding day. For example, you can opt for a rustic vineyard or beach-themed wedding for more casual settings and centerpieces, or select themes like Hollywood glamor or classic elegance for something more traditional. The theme of your event directly impacts other decisions you’ll be making like venue choice and decor, so keep this in mind when selecting your theme.

2. Don’t Forget the Pre-Wedding Day Festivities

Have a special party in honor of your engagement—and treat your nearest and dearest to a fun event. A traditional engagement party usually involves inviting friends and family members for a celebration of your upcoming nuptials, but it doesn’t have to follow tradition. The best thing about throwing an engagement party is that you can decide what it means to you—so plan something that really reflects your own personality and relationship.

3. Choose Personalized Wedding Day Decor

Nothing is more meaningful than showing how much you love and care for those closest to you. What better way to do that than by opting for unique wedding decor and favors that display a little something about your relationship? From memorable save-the-date cards and custom invitations to DIY candy bars with personalized wrappers, there are lots of ways you can use your own sense of creativity and ingenuity to give your guests an unforgettable experience.

4. Celebrate Both Sides of the Family on your Wedding Day

Remember that your wedding is not just about you and your partner; it’s a time to celebrate those around you, too. That means that after deciding on what type of wedding you want (say, a beach or ski-themed affair), choose elements of both sides of your family to highlight on the big day. How? The easiest way is to choose one element (such as a color or design) that represents your family and one that represents your partner's family and incorporate those elements into your decor.

Photo by Arrowood Photography

5. Add a Personal Touch with Signature Drinks at Your Wedding

A personalized drink is a great way to add a special touch to your wedding day. Start by finding out if you’re allowed to have alcohol at your venue and whether there are any restrictions on what kind of beverages you can bring in. Then, create custom cocktails and sodas based on your guests’ preferences. If some of your guests are driving, be sure to offer non-alcoholic options like mocktails, so they can join in on the fun, too!

6. Pick Meaningful Readings for the Ceremony

Choosing readings for your ceremony can be difficult because there are thousands of choices out there. Selecting a few meaningful passages is one way you can personalize your ceremony and incorporate some reading into your program. Couples often choose something that they, as a couple, can relate to or a piece that represents them as individuals or as a couple. For example, if one of you loves science fiction, you might pick excerpts from Star Wars. If faith is important to you, you may choose to read your favorite verses from a religious text.

7. Have a Family Member Officiate Your Wedding Day

Having a family member officiate your wedding ceremony is a lovely way to include them on such an important day. Whether you choose someone from your partner’s side of your family or your own, it’s an excellent way for you and your spouse-to-be to show appreciation for their love and support. A close relative can be a wonderful addition to what will already likely be a memorable ceremony.

Photo by Milou and Olin Photography

8. Incorporate Family & Cultural Traditions In your Wedding Planning

Perhaps your family has a long history of incorporating specific traditions into their weddings. For example, if you’re from a country where it’s common for parents to walk their daughters down an aisle as part of a wedding ceremony, consider keeping that tradition alive by asking them to play such an important role in your wedding. Even a small gesture like arranging for your mother and father or aunt and uncle to write letters on your behalf (as is often done in traditional Chinese weddings) can be beautiful, touching, and meaningful.

9. Make Photo Cards Unique By Letting Guests Choose the Pictures

Many modern couples are opting to send photo cards in place of traditional thank you notes, and one way to personalize these is by allowing guests to choose their favorite photos from the big day! Share some of your favorite photos and let your guests (or other loved ones) choose the ones they like best, then create a special collage that you can put on each card. This can be a great way for friends and family who couldn’t make it, or friends who didn’t get an invitation, to be included in your celebration.

Make Lasting Memories On Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime affair, and it should be as unique as you and your partner! From the reception to the ceremony to the pre-wedding parties, there are so many ways you can personalize your event and make it meaningful to you and your loved ones.

Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for event planning, but she also enjoys covering the fashion industry and the world of fitness.