One-of-a-Kind
for your Wedding
Just last week I interviewed a bride about her vision for her wedding. Over and over she said that she and her fiancé wanted something “different”. Of course, when I heard that, I wondered if we were headed towards something “odd”—did she want to wear black or have her reception look like a Las Vegas casino? Fortunately, she didn’t want anything like that; she just wanted some way to have her wedding stand out from all the others so it would be remembered.
Weddings, by their very nature have a lot in common. Allowing for differences in religion or ethnic traditions, the ceremony consists of the couple taking vows, committing themselves to each other in front of witnesses, family and friends. It is usually followed by a party where food and drinks are served, there are toasts and dancing. Many couples, in order to have something “different” avoid many of the long-standing traditions like tossing the bride’s bouquet and garter and leaving in a shower of rice. (That makes it less like a wedding and more like any other dinner party with dancing!)
So, what is a bride to do, to have a wedding that will be remembered amid the many weddings that her family and friends have attended? Here are my suggestions:
1. Make your Dress One-of-a-kind.
v Unless you have a huge budget, you will not have the luxury of hiring a designer to put you in a one-of-a-kind wedding gown. But every bride can do something to make her “off-the-rack” dress special. Consider adding a one-of-a-kind belt or sash. It could add a touch of color, or have a very special detail made from a piece of vintage jewelry owned by your grandmother or great aunt.
v Pay to have a special alternation done. By changing the dress’s neckline—adding straps or sleeves you will change the look and make your dress unique.
2. Make your accessories one-of-a-kind.
v Have a seamstress make your veil—or make it yourself. Veils can have endless variety. They can be different colors, different lengths, different shapes, be decorated with glitter, crystals or pearls, have ribbon or lace edging, have embroidery, or even include a monogram or symbol.
v Have someone make your jewelry or make it yourself. Bead shops abound and you can even purchase jewelry materials at Michael’s and Joann Fabrics. It takes a little time, but in the end you will have a piece that is one-of-a-kind.
3. Make your table settings one-of-a-kind.
v Instead of setting your centerpiece on the tabletop, try hanging it from the ceiling. (This will only work in rooms that will allow you to hang things from the ceiling.)
v Instead of one centerpiece, place a small vase at each place setting (doubling as your wedding favor).
4. Make your entertainment one-of-a-kind. You don’t have to go crazy, just take a wedding tradition and make it your own.
v Everyone has a dance, but what if, on your response cards you gave your guests the opportunity to select a song. You could incorporate your guest picks into the DJ’s song list and have guests called to the floor to begin the dance they requested.
v Hire a dance teacher to instruct your guests on how to do a special dance. It could be an ethnic dance from your family background, or a fun line dance that not everyone knows.
v Ask your photographer to take a picture of you with each of your guests, by couples or family groups, as part of your receiving line, or at the dinner tables. Use the photo on your thank you notes giving each guest a remembrance of your day.
This is not a complete list, but it should get you started. Ask yourself, what will really make a difference to you on your wedding day and then take the time to make it one-of-a-kind.
