"Jeremy, I can't say we fell in love at first sight or that I wasn't hesitant to go on a date with a co-worker, but I can say with 100 percent certainty that today, I am marrying my soul mate. Minimalist bouquets make a chic and classy statement in a way that the average bountiful bouquet can’t—it’s the perfect way for a bride to channel her modern style. Jackson also suggests incorporating a custom illustration into your save the date card that unfolds to tell the story of how you and your partner met, where you went on your first date, and where you became engaged. Have a ring warming ceremony, in which both wedding bands are passed through guests to send their well wishes and love into before they’re placed on each finger. This couple chose to do their first Twister game as husband and wife instead. I vow to be the man that you inspire me to be and the man that you deserve. We’re also into balloons and lanterns as bouquet alternatives. Add a custom stamp of your and your partner’s first initials throughout the wedding for a personal touch. 4. These greenery wreaths with statement flowers are absolutely gorgeous and eye-catching. Show your florist photos of your mother’s bouquet so a florist can design a similar one, like this white ‘80s-inspired cascading bouquet. Stop a 4-foot Jenga set from tumbling down! For a couple who spends time together walking in parks and birdwatching, a subtle bird motif will personalize their wedding invitation and be repeated through the use of specially selected fabrics and china," Jackson says. If you're up for the challenge, we're here to help along with several experts—author Monique Honaman, XO Juliet founder Alexis Dent, and celebrity officiant JP Reynolds, M.Div.—who offer their own professional insight. "I love bold color, like a palette of jewel tones mixed with softer pastels. Planning for your big day and looking for affordable wedding dresses? The only way to make sure everything sounds perfect is to hear it out. Give your bridesmaids something a little more untraditional to carry in lieu of bouquets. This seems like a no-brainer, but Monique Honaman, a wedding officiant and author of The High Road Has Less Traffic, says she is often shocked at how many couples leave those three little words out of their vows. Keep the explanations short and significant, and include them on the printed menu. Traditional guest books often end up stashed in a closet. It's not always going to be easy, so don't promise perfection. Keep the vows a secret from your partner until the ceremony. Favors are great and all, but there’s nothing like a heartfelt message to thank guests, especially when it’s displayed so beautifully. Make sure to say "I love you." While this rustic-chic light bulb topper is the perfect touch for an industrial style wedding, a flamingo topper could be a nod to beach nuptials. A vow exchange should be an even one. While traditional wedding vows are usually very structured, you don’t have to be quite as strict while writing your own. Practice reading out loud. I promise to celebrate the joy of every day with you. Do you want to incorporate elements of traditional or religious vows into your own. For a summer wedding, consider using beach balls or seashells as escort cards. Other confections to consider include a trio of macarons, a cupcake, a warm cookie, or gourmet chocolates. Photo by Kate Headley, Planning and Designing by Pineapple Productions. Crystal glasses in shades of blue and wicker baskets complement a southwestern ranch wedding with boho flair. Jackson says. I promise you that laughter will always be commonplace in our house. But how do you decide which personalized details to include, and how do you even come up with them in the first place? If you plan on serving food from different cultures, then an elegant buffet could be a unique way to satisfy a variety of palates. Consider incorporating custom artwork into your invitations and mementos. Today I become your wife, your other half, and I can't wait for all the blessings we will wait for together." Give your cocktail napkins some personality by having them printed with fun facts about you and your partner. 1. Don't try to include everything. ", 3. If you have a favorite line from a movie or song that expresses your feelings, use it as a starting point. Headley Lyons, Planning and designing by Pineapple Productions. From a wedding planner's perspective, Jackson shares, "We like to make little nods to the interests our couples shares. want to hear vows that are real," says Alexis Dent, founder of vow- and toast-writing company XO Juliet. I promise to be the most dependable person in your life. Here are our top tips for writing—and delivering—your own wedding vows. I vow to stand by you in life's wonderful moments and when life is difficult. Perfect for adults and children, be the last player to keep the blocks standing to win. For that I am grateful, and every day you will see that appreciation." 5. Ask a trusted friend to listen. Make a fresh copy of your vows for the ceremony. Tell your partner you'll be there through thick and thin. Stock welcome baskets with a quiz that leads out-of-town guests on a scavenger hunt to your favorite haunts (the best little bakery, a scenic park). I promise to always honor your passion for hockey. That doesn’t mean they have to be heavy though. Does your groom have a thing for bowties? Another idea is to stack the dessert table with cookies frosted with your monogram or shaped like the numerals of your wedding date ("6," "20," "17") for a personal touch. “Reading your vows out loud will help you catch spots where the grammar might be iffy or where you’re missing a word as well as figure out if the structure is cohesive,” Dent explains. I vow to watch reruns of Gilmore Girls and Friends. "If you've been through bumpy spots, you should express that.”. Place your wedding ring on your right hand ring finger and your engagement ring on the other, or the other way around. You could also include trivia questions about the newlyweds as an icebreaker for guests. I vow to love you and honor our commitment when we are near and far from each other. Will they lean more humorous or sentimental? "Kristen, as the cliché says, you showed up when I was least expecting you. I love you dearly for all that you are. While it’s still in style to have an album, the wedding photo book has earned its place as the modern way for couples to capture the mood and story of their wedding day. Actually make promises. I may not want to admit it, but I even love your awful puns. Having an outdoor wedding? For example, "Aunt Martine's French Onion Soup/Grandma Betty’s peach pie. Trust us: You'll be thankful for the rehearsal when those wedding-day jitters kick in. 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