So, you’ve rummaged through every bridal pinterest board you could get your hands on and googled every possible thing to narrow down the endless possibilities for your big day. And what have you come up with? Beautiful flowers, timeless decorations, elegant touches.. But one piece seems to be missing from the endless sea of ideas. And that is you. 

As much as we love to look at perfect pictures of the perfect wedding, remind yourself that this day is meant to be the greatest day in your wildest dreams, not a random woman snooping on your facebook wedding pictures 5 years down the road looking for advice for her wedding day!!  

There are so many endless ways to personalize your day that you cannot possibly scratch the surface, but alas I shall try. So ladies, here are our best tips to sneak a little bit of you into every part of your day:

Respect traditions, but push the boundaries

Weddings are traditional! There’s no way to go around that. There are so many traditions included in wedding ceremonies and receptions that we may not even notice were traditions to begin with; bouquets, wedding cake, garters, bridesmaids, not seeing each other before the wedding, etc! But that is not to say that all people feel that these traditions are important. More and more I have seen weddings with first looks, no wedding parties, and donuts for dessert! Traditions can be gorgeous, sentimental, and beautiful all at once. But let’s be honest, sometimes they can be a bump in the road. 

That’s why I encourage you to push your own boundaries for which ones are most relevant to you. Sit down with your spouse, your mom or future mother-in-law, your sister, your grandma; whoever you feel and have a talk about what traditions you want to uphold! Decide what means something to you, and if it doesn’t, fill that space with something that does! 

Walk down the aisle to a song that is special to you and your spouse

I know, I hear you.. This is also a tradition. But I feel this one is worth a stand-alone point! About a summer ago I went to a wedding where the couple walked down the aisle to “Old Pine” by Ben Howard. From the moment the melody escaped the speakers, every single lyric had my attention. The song was different, it was beautiful, and it meant something to the couple! Now every time the song comes on in a coffee shop or in my car, I am back at that wedding watching the bride walk down the aisle.

This is a perfect example of how to make your wedding your own! So before you opt for the classics like Canon in D or Here Comes the Bride, remember that this tradition truly only matters if it means something to you!

Brides, write a letter to each of your bridesmaids

This is one of my favorite ideas I’ve come across. Maybe because I love writing, but mostly because what a wonderful way to fill your day with love. These are the women you hand picked to stand next to you, so why don’t you let them know why!! This is an inexpensive way to show your love and appreciation for the girls who shaped you into the woman you are today. This doesn’t have to be fancy, just let it reveal your heart.

Place elegant black and white pictures 

At first thought, pictures could sound a little tacky but if done right it could be a simple and effective touch to your day. Keeping the same color tone, like black and white, will help make this a classy touch! Choose your favorite pictures of you and your spouse, and let them tell your story whether that be on each table during the reception or even just around the room for cocktail hour. Your first date, your favorite memory OR maybe use your engagement pictures! However you decide, your guests will appreciate a little sneak peek into your relationship. Plus, it may even help strike up a few conversations between newly-met guests! Who doesn’t love some good old-fashioned small talk!

Write your own vows

Many churches follow set vows, which are beautiful as ever and reflect love and commitment to your spouse in better words than anyone could ever come up with! I mean truly, “for better, for worse,” just about sums it up. These vows are gorgeous and often reflect exactly as each part to the couple feels, but I encourage you to add your own words.  

Daunting, I know. But be flexible with yourself! This could be completely starting from scratch and creating your own script, or just adding your own touch to the end. Whichever way you feel that fits. Proclaim to the love of your life what your heart feels. And if reading your feelings aloud to a crowd doesn’t suit your style, sneak a moment after/before the ceremony to read them privately to one another! This could end up being your favorite part of the day.

Make your own song playlist for the reception

If you’re anything like me, music is your world! I have just about 500 playlists on my Spotify for every single mood, at any given time. Making a playlist can be time intensive, but make it a group effort! Bring together all of your friends (grooms and brides, alike ) and make a shared google sheet to have your friends flood with songs that will reflect your personalities! 

Now of course you don’t want every song to be the top hits of 2021, but this is a great way to alleviate the pressure from you to make your own playlist, but also make sure that the music that you enjoy is what you can dance the night away to! (Tip: always read through the playlist before the big day, don’t want any unwanted surprises!)

Final Note and Main take away

Most important thing to remember.. as every past, present, and future bride could attest to…  is to make decisions for your wants and needs, whatever they may be!