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| Adding Personal
Touches to Your Wedding |
| Wedding
Planning Article by Lesley-Ann Graham |
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A perfect
wedding isn't only beautiful, it's a very
personal occassion too. It's got carefully
selected details that are meaningful to
you and your fiancé.
Here are some very simple ways to add
your own subtle, unique touches to your
wedding ceremony and reception:
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Write
your own wedding vows. It
doesn't have to read like poetry;
the important thing is that it comes
from your own heart. Print it out
on an index card and keep it handy
during the ceremony.
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Compile
a CD with songs that symbolize your
relationship or how it evolved.
Play this during your reception, or
even burn a copy and distribute as
souvenirs. Insert a small piece of
paper explaining why you chose those
songs.
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Instead of tossing
your bouquet, present it to your mother
(or a dear friend or mentor) during your reception.
You can also have an additional bouquet made
for your groom to present his mother at the
same time.
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Guests often have free
time on their hands during their reception.
In the center of the table, place
several pens and small pieces of paper in
a pretty basket. Ask them to write
their wishes, prayers, or advice for you and
your fiancé. Compile in a scrapbook.
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Most wedding reception
programs revolve around the couple: friends
give speeches. Do something for the guests.
Make a video of you and your fiancé
talking about the people who've taught you
what true love means. Mention friends who've
demonstrated real loyalty, or family members
who made great sacrifices for you. Intersperse
your video with their photos. This is your
chance to say thank you to all of them.
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If you have a close friend
or family member who passed away, make
him or her part of the occassion
by inserting a small photo in your bouquet,
or lighting a tribute candle at the church
ceremony.
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If you have ethnic roots,
incorporate a marriage ritual from
your culture into your ceremony or
perform it during your reception.
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Wear an heirloom.
For example, you can use your grandmother's
veil, or wear a locket that belongs to your
mother. This is an excellent way of creating
a sense of continuity between generations,
celebrating your own family even as you go
on to begin your own.
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Prepare an audio-video
presentation that will be played
during the last dance of the bride with the
father. This can be just a simple montage
of childhood photos. A guaranteed tear-jerker!
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If you have kids, help
them feel like they're part of the new family
by asking them to stand next to you as you
say your vows.
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Add little elements
that say something about your relationship
as a couple. For example, if you're giving
away picture frames, insert a poem that you
wrote or a copy of your wedding vows. If you
met at a beach (and would rather not have
a beach-themed wedding) incorporate shells
into your table centerpiece.
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You'll find even
more great ideas for making your wedding the magical
occasion it should be in our Wedding
Planning Toolkit. Don't be scared of the planning;
help us guide you through creating the perfect
wedding you always dreamed of... |
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