This topic is a biggie. And you gotta know we’re not trying to make your wedding unique solely for the sake of being unique–but your wedding should feel like you. It should be a perfect celebration of your completely unique flavor of love–and it will be perfect, despite inevitable quirks and hiccups–if you focus on the things that make your love wonderful.
1. Include things that are special to the two of you. Places you adore, music you dance to, your favorite things to do together. One of you is an artist? Include watercolors of your favorite dates/memories in the decor. You both love unknown restaurants? Host an intimate dinner or your reception in your favorite eatery.
2. Personalize-and not just your initials. Make the details mean something to you and they will be unique. Write handwritten notes for each table for them to read during the reception, give a welcome basket for guest who have traveled a long way–a little personalized TLC for guests goes a long way in making your wedding feel like an intimate affair to celebrate love instead of a never-ending line.
3. Make the flow of your day special. Plan brunch with the bridal party, breakfast with your groom, a cake fight at the reception, or a rockin’ after party at the pool. It goes without saying, but make sure your photographer is there to capture these elements! I swoon over wedding timelines that incorporate unexpected fun, and these are the times when everyone can let loose and make memories.
4. Forget tradition and infuse your personality. Colored tights with your dress, bare feet, pie instead of cake, a non-white dress, cushions instead of traditional seating, etc. If a tradition isn’t meaningful to you, why not skip it and opt for something more you?
5. Shop local and handmade. Try your local farmer’s market, etsy shops, consignment stores and flea markets for one-of-a-kind wedding goodies that can often be re-purposed after the big day. (Feeling overwhelmed yet? Send bridesmaids on a quest at these fun places with a few specific guidelines.)
Of course, all of this comes from a photographer’s perspective–and I’m all about creating incredible moments for you to savor beyond your wedding day. You don’t need a cheesy theme or completely-custom-everything to make your wedding original; focus on what makes the two of you tick and you’ll have everything you need to make your wedding fabulously you.
For more wedding tips for brides, check out 7 Ways to Create Amazing Photo Ops on Your Wedding Day.
Brooke Schultz is a wild-hearted Utah-based wedding photographer crazy for truly unique weddings, rose gold, and the ocean. She’s passionate about capturing soulful couples in love and helping other creatives find their vision and voice.
