How do you keep your wedding from becoming theatre? Some drama is a natural part of wedding planning, and for most couples, the wedding is the first public event to express themselves as a couple, not just individuals. Furthermore, money is involved, as is family and the dysfunction that comes with it. Add to that a myriad of details that seem to emphasize appearances, how can wedding planning not be akin to a stage production?
Wedding planning pros advise couples to keep their eye on the ball by consciously seeking ways to weave special, meaningful pieces of their relationship into the planning details. Here are some thoughtful ways this can be done:
Engagement
- Choose a special photo for your save the date cards. The photo could be a favorite shot taken at a special time or in a special place.
- Incorporate a diamond or other piece of jewelry, however small, into the engagement ring handed down through family. This creates an immediate, tangible connection, as was so poignantly conveyed by Prince William with giving Kate Middleton his late mother’s engagement ring. (it’s the meaning not the money!)
Attire
- Incorporate some family history from either side into either the dress itself or in an accessory such as a purse, hairpiece, shrug, or jewelry. Lace or other material from an ancestor’s vintage gown is a good start.
- For the groom, a monogrammed kerchief or cuff links for his tuxedo can be a meaningful gift from the bride or her family.
Venue
- Create a photo collage to displays pictures of each of you separately during your childhood. Guests enjoy seeing these, especially old friends and family of either side, and it’s a great way to introduce them to the individual that your “better half” truly is.
- Include some fun photos of the two of you as a couple to tie together you as individuals.
- Have a thumbprint tree to remember your guests by in sharing the sanctioning of your relationship.
Place setting cards
You can tie your place setting cards directly to your wedding invitation design for a cohesive style statement, but you can also choose to personalize them
- Choose a theme that revolves around a shared interest, such as a hobby, sport, Alma mater or other interesting fact
- Make a donation to a cause in lieu of wedding favors and personalize your place setting cards with this information.
Vows
- Probably the most common way couples try to express the unique meaning for them of their bond in marriage is through writing their own vows. This is not an easy practice for many couples, so it’s good to work with your wedding officiant for guidance.
- Print the text of your vows in whole or in part directly in your wedding ceremony programs, or include a special note of thanks or other meaningful quote.
Get starting by finding the details that are meaningful to each of you by shopping the extensive collection of wedding invitations available at www.looklovesend.com. All wedding invitations can be personalized with your photos and wording, and are coordinated by design with other components for your entire and complete wedding invitation suite. If you are planning a 2012 wedding, enter the 2012 Wedding Invitation Sweepstakes to win a complete wedding invitation suite of your choice valued up to $1500.
