CEREMONY IDEAS
Many couples choose to get married in their own homes or in their backyards. Others prefer the beach or lakeside. Regardless of where you choose there are lots of little things you can do to make your ceremony special.
First of all remember it's your wedding. Incorporate your ideas into your plans.
Wear red tennis shoes under your long white gown. Your feet will be happy and chances are the only people that will know will be those you choose to reveal your secret to.
On the way down the isle, before taking her place beside the groom have the bride pause and present both her mother and her soon-to-be mother-in-law with special lace handkerchiefs embroidered with details of the occasion. Guaranteed they will come in handy when the happy tears start flowing.
Have the groom escort both his mother and the bride's mother to their seats.
Consider facing your guests instead of having your back to them.
Mention and thank the person that introduced you in your ceremony.
Have all parents stand to be recognized at the time the Bride is presented to the Groom.
Have a close friend or family member read a poem during the ceremony.
Nothing is more romantic than candlelight.
Evening Christmas weddings with all the seasonal decorations and lights are especially lovely.
Include children or mention of them if you are blending two families.
Mention a special family member that has passed or have a flower arrangement close by with a tasteful acknowledgement of who they are for.
Have a surprise wedding. Crazy sounding, I know. But one of the most fun weddings I've ever attended was a surprise to all but the closest circle of people. The Bride and groom invited friends and family to what the guests thought was the Groom's 30th birthday party. Imagine their shock when they snuck off a short while later and changed into tuxedos and gowns. The guests were speechless and it was wonderful. Entries into their guestbook read differently than most - "You rats! You sure got us good!"
Instead of a guest book have your engagement photo blown up and mounted in a matte frame. Have guests sign it.
Select something nontraditional for your recessional music. How about James Brown's "I feel good"?
Have your children sign the wedding certificate along with your witnesses.
Instead of including young children in the bouquet toss have a "Bride and Groom"
Teddy Bear toss for them.
