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15 easy ways to personalize your wedding

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your personal life. So, why not make it entirely your own?

This is possible when you carefully plan out the details that can make it unique. With so many factors going into every wedding, there are no dearth of options to add a signature touch and style to your special day. And the good news is that it doesn’t have to be handmade or homemade. All it takes is some creativity, and you are on the way to having a bespoke wedding; one that will be remembered for its personal style.

Here are some interesting ideas to inspire you. Check them out to choose ones that appeal most to you. Don’t forget to tell us which of these you have decided to embrace in the comments section below.

Start with your save-the-date

save-the-dateGet creative when drafting your save-the-date cards. Play with interesting quotes, jokes and notes to make it different. You can also make it truly yours by adding your picture to it. This is a great way to make use of your engagement photos in a photo card, and give your guests a sneak peek at what is in store at the wedding. (More about how you can nail your engagement shoot in this article on the Knot.)

Or, if you and your fiance share a hobby or passion, let it reflect in your  cards. This could even be the theme of your wedding. Or skip save-the-date cards altogether and go with a save-the-card magnet instead. It would serve the purpose, but have a unique twist to it.

Add your personal touch to the invitation card

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All your guests expect to receive a standard invitation card. This card would contain all the relevant details about the wedding in it. Surprise them with a fun invitation with a feature they least expect to see. Let this be a reflection of your personal style and unique in every way.

From engraved real wood invitations to fairy tale story wedding invitations and cards with hand-drawn illustrations, there are many unique ideas on this article at the Brides website. Take a look and make your pick. 

Add unexpected elements to your bouquet

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The bridal bouquet is a wonderful accessory to add your special touch. We have watched brides wrap lace hankies around the stems, pin brooches and decorate with family heirlooms for an extra-personal touch.

You can also personalize it by adding a photo locket to it.  Or choose flowers that are not commonly used in wedding bouquets. Don’t go with the traditional choices. Instead spice it up a little with an unusual twist on your bouquet, and let it be a symbol that stands out.There are plenty of non-traditional bouquet ideas on this article at the Martha Stewart website.

Design your own wedding dress

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The wedding dress is the focal point of the bridal look, and one that never goes unnoticed. It is also the one wedding detail that will help you make a statement. Although it is tempting to try the numerous designer dresses out there, remember that there will be at least one bride who has worn the same design.

However, this isn’t the case when you custom-create your own bridal gown. Identify a talented bridal dress maker who understands your personal style and preferences. Use her services to custom-create a dress that is perfect in every way. You could even take an heirloom wedding dress and re-purpose it into a modern wedding dress with features you fancy. It won’t be too expensive when you do your research well and find the right person for the job. If you think you have the skills to make the dress from scratch by yourself, this article on A practical wedding blog is pretty helpful. 

Engrave your favorite quote on your wedding rings

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Pick a short quote you love or one that you can relate to as a couple. Split it in two. Have the first half engraved on your ring, and the rest of it on your fiance’s. This is a symbolic extension of how both of you complete each other, and I think it is very romantic.

It could even be something special that the two of you only know about. A simple engraving such as this will definitely add to the sentimental value of your wedding rings and make this prized possession even more special.

Make your own monogram

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How about customizing everything in the wedding with your own personalized monogram? It is easy to make an interesting monogram with both your names using free online monogram designers like this one.

Design it in the colors of your wedding theme and personalize it with a design of your choice. Then use it on your invitations, wedding favors, website, thank you cards and even in the posters and rest of the wedding décor. Thus, a monogram allows you to mark everything wedding-related with your personal stamp and make it more memorable.

Or have a custom couple portrait rubber stamp made

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An interesting alternative to the monogram is a rubber stamp with your custom couple portrait on it. You can get this done for a small fee on Etsy, and choose from various options according to your preference.

The fun part is that you can use this wedding stamp beyond the wedding day. You can use it for various celebrations afterwards, and even for personal correspondence. So, it is a fun keepsake that you should definitely consider.

Make your welcome gift meaningful

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Even if the hotel where you host your guests has a welcome gift in the package, make an effort to make it extra-special by adding your personal touches. Remember that the greeting gift makes a lasting impression, and you want to nail it.

The guests who have taken the trouble to fly in from far to be part of your special day deserve it too. A pretty box will make an amazing presentation, and use custom labels and tags to decorate it. (This is where you monogram would be really useful, don’t you think?)

Personalize your wedding program

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The wedding program is an essential part of the wedding ceremony, as it lists the details of the events in your wedding day. Sadly, the program serves little to no purpose and is simply discarded at the end of the day by most guests. With a little creativity, you can transform it into a memento that your guests will feel like holding on to.

An easy way to do this is to add a functional aspect to the program. The idea on the Real Simple Blog suggests printing the wedding program on a fan. I think this is brilliant, especially at a warm summer wedding. It is likely the guests will find it so useful that they decide to actually take it home with them to use again. For more interesting ideas, check out this article. 

Add a photo board to your wedding décor

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A photo board is entertaining and interesting, especially if your guests have to wait a while between the different events on your wedding day. Use pictures to tell your guests the story of your courtship and your interesting journey as a couple.

Add both casual and professional pictures to this photo board and place it at a strategic location. You can also create smaller photo boards and distribute it throughout the venue. Let your creativity flow as you design these.

Have unique bouquets for each of your bridesmaids

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While we are all for a cohesive look to tie your wedding details together, this doesn’t mean everything should perfectly match. Take inspiration from the bridal bouquet when planning the bridesmaids bouquets. However, make it different for each bridesmaid.

Customize each bridesmaid bouquet to represent the woman who holds it. While all the bouquets should have a cohesive factor, let subtle differences set each bouquet apart from the other. This way, your bridesmaids will feel extra-special, and your guests are also bound to notice the uniqueness. Use ideas like bouquets of the same color, but different flowers. Or, bouquets with the same flower throughout, but in different shades.

The centerpieces deserve attention

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The details that matter the most are those that people are bound to see from close. This is why your wedding centerpieces are important. Instead of spreading it out horizontally, I suggest you do a vertical centerpiece. This will add more impact and grandeur to the entire setting. Just make sure that it doesn’t obstruct the views of those seated opposite to each other on the same table.

Use an eclectic collection of items and vary the designs across the hall to make it more interesting. Inexpensive décor items like tea lights and candles can instantly add a unique feel to the entire setting. So, consider these options as alternatives to standard floral centerpieces.

Serve signature cocktails

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An open bar is fun, but signature cocktails are better. It is easy to add a personal touch to your wedding this way. Use your creativity to come up with interesting names for each of the cocktails you serve, and display the name in a creative way. Also add special garnishes to make them prettier.

Use the serving glasses to double up as party favors, and have your monogram added to them for this purpose. Not only will your guests enjoy the gesture, they will also remember your celebration every time they happen to see the glass you gifted them. For bottled drinks don’t forget to add custom labels to make them just right for the occasion.

Let your deserts do the talking

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Your wedding cake is a statement piece at your wedding. So, make the most of it and it will be remembered by your guests for long. You do not need a towering one to make an impact. For it is the unique details that have better effect.

Unexpected embellishments and life-like toppers are ideal. Or, you can entirely forego the cake and choose to have a desert bar instead. Serve up a variety of decadent deserts that will tease every taste bud and will be appreciated by one and all.

Always pick edible favors

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The likelihood of your wedding favors being unused is small, when you gift your guests edible favors at the end of the day. After all, who can say no to a snack.

Use custom wrappers or boxes to add a touch of finesse to your gift, and pick from popular favorites like cookies and pop corn as the content. These mini-delicacies are just right for munching on after the drive home, and do not spoil easily. It will give your guest a chance to recollect the events of the day, as they leisurely chomp it down once they are back home.

Have you thought of any other idea that will help you personalize your wedding and make it extra-special and memorable? If so, we would love to hear from you.

For more wedding related tips and advice, keep visiting us at our Best for Bride blog page. Best for Bride is the one-stop wedding destination for all things wedding-related. With an impressive collection of bridal dresses and dresses for the bridal party, we have one of the most important aspects of your wedding planning covered. Also find evening dresses, dresses for special occasions, accessories and a range of wedding services on our website.

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Your guide to planning a formal wedding ceremony

After a brief spell of laid-back, casual style weddings, more and more couples are once again opting for formal weddings. Also known as black-tie weddings or white-glove worthy weddings, this classic form is slowly growing in popularity, and this is why. The elegance of having a luxurious wedding with all the details right, is very tempting. When you know that traditions never go out of style, is a better reason required,to choose it as your event style?

If you want sophistication and style to set the tone at your wedding, a fantastic formal wedding may be beckoning you. Here, we look at the essentials to plan such an event, and help you determine if this is indeed, what you want.

Step everything up a notch, including the budget

The venue will have to be classic and stunning; think along the lines of a castle, historical site or country club resort. The décor will involve lavish decorations and dramatic centerpieces. The guest list is usually large (certainly more than 100), and the reception will be formal and sit-down style. The bar should feature top-class wines and classic cocktails.

Everything from the perfect invitation to a fantastic cake and even your wedding favors and vehicle to leave the venue, should look and feel formal. So, aim for this option only if your budget is on the higher side.

Attire of the couple and all the others

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Formal affairs require everyone to adhere to a strict black-tie dress code. Your wedding gown, as well as those of your bridesmaids would have to look formal, and all the men should be in tuxedos.

Ball gowns have always been the traditional favorite for brides, but you can opt for other styles as long as they are full-length gowns. Your gown should ideally feature at least a cathedral train, and a veil would be appropriate.

Your bridesmaids should also be dressed in classic patterns. These weddings normally involve more bridesmaids and ushers than regular weddings do. All your wedding guests will have to appear in formal wear, and you will have to specify this in your wedding invitation.

Decor, cake and Flowers

Choose to decorate the venue elegantly, and in classic style. Employ stylish flower arrangements, candle lights and lush textiles like silk and satin to create a magnificent setting. Roses, stephanotis and orchids are flowers suitable for the ceremony.

The wedding cake is usually a classic three-tier cake, with elegant elements like ribbons, flowers, beads or textures adorning it. You can choose round or square, or for a more contemporary touch choose a hexagon cake. Do not choose a pastel palette or the whimsical topsy-turvy cake design, as it is inappropriate for this type of ceremony.

Keep up the style, but don’t tone down the fun

A vintage car like a Rolls Royce, or stylish limousines are ideal choices to carry you to and from the venue. Although a black-tie wedding may seem very prim and proper, remember that it can still be lots of fun. Get a lively band or orchestra, celebrate in full swing, have some interesting photographs taken and have a blast.

For more wedding tips, as well as to pick the perfect wedding dress for the occasion, check out the collection at Best for Bride.

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Great Cocktails for the Wedding Reception

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A wedding reception is intended to be something fun and a celebration that the bride and groom can enjoy with their wedding guests. One of the best ways to do this is to have a bar on site where guests can enjoy a few fun cocktails throughout the evening.

This is also a great way to make sure that there will be plenty of drinks available when it comes time to enjoy all those wedding day toasts. If you are looking for a fun cocktail to serve at your upcoming wedding, there are many to choose from. But, the options listed below are great for weddings and can add that little something extra to your wedding reception.

Fruity Drinks

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These make great options for weddings that are in the summer or have a beach theme. Of course, you may want to have a more manly option available for the men, but this is a fun drink for girls to enjoy. Plus, you can serve it frozen or on the rocks in order to give guests more of an option. Another great idea is to experiment with the different flavor options so that you create a drink that matches the color scheme of your wedding.

Serious Options

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Men will probably prefer something a bit more sophisticated than women will. For this reason, drinks like cognac make a perfect addition to any wedding. Make sure that you have plenty of fancy glasses on hand when you choose this drink. That way, even though the drink is simple, you will still be able to dress it up with an awesome looking glass.

Wine or Champagne

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Wine is also a popular addition to weddings and one that is certain to be a popular choice. This is also a fantastic option to provide to guests just before the toasts are ready to take place. Remember, there are many different types of wine, but it is common for both red and white wine to be present during a wedding reception. Champagne is also a popular option at weddings as well.

Conclusion

When you are planning your drink selection for your wedding, make sure that you take into consideration that there will also be children present as well. Even though the focus will be on the adults, it is a good idea to include them in on the fun as well. You can do this by bringing in some brightly colored punch or juices that they can enjoy in fun kid safe glasses of their own.

There are many different recipes for drinks that may make your wedding more fun and formal. You may even have a fun day of finding the right recipes by inviting your bridesmaids to try out a few of the recipes that you are considering. This will allow you to find options that are fun and taste great.

Best for Bride

Don’t forget to stop by Best for Bride to find all the wedding supplies that you could possibly need for your wedding. This one stop bridal shop specializes in wedding gowns for every bride as well as every item that you would need for a wedding.