The thought of planning a wedding that is truly “you” may feel overwhelming, but don’t stress! We want to help break down what is truly important to you and your partner. So, it’s time to leave your Pinterest board and the TikTok trends behind and get personal. There are no rules for your wedding, do whatever YOU want! You can embrace the traditional or go running in the opposite direction. Think about the magical moments in your relationship that define you as a couple. What are your silly, little inside jokes? What are some of your craziest adventures? What do you love about your partner the most? The smallest details can have the biggest impact! 

We have 8 ideas (and some tips along the way!) to help you personalize your wedding day.

1. Make a Memorable Entrance

After you have exchanged your “I dos,” it’s time to party! But first, your reception will kick off with a grand entrance. This is the best way to set a fun tone for the evening and show off your unique style! Here are a few things to keep in mind before you start choreographing a flash mob:

Organization Is Key

• A little planning goes a long way! Brainstorm with your partner and wedding party which songs you’d like to dance to. Maybe these relate to your friendships and relationships, or maybe you’re just aiming to get some laughs.
• You can have your bridesmaids and groomsmen come out in pairs or two big groups. You can also include family! Again, there are no rules; do what you want!
• Make sure everyone knows the path to take when entering the reception space. We typically recommend that once your wedding party has made their way out to the dance floor, they begin to create a half-moon formation to welcome the couple in as they come in. That way, no one is wandering around, looking confused, or removing the focus from the newlyweds.

• Involve Your Vendors
• All your vendors play an important role, so it is important to involve them in your plans!
• Your DJ will need to know which songs you plan to incorporate and the pronunciation of names.
• Your venue and planner need a quick synopsis to ensure you stay within your contract! It’s common for them not to allow specific props for safety reasons, such as confetti poppers.

Have Fun + Get Creative!

• When it comes to introductions, we can tell you a secret…the unexpected is usually a hit! Make your entrance surprising and set a lively tone for the evening.
• So, bring out cardboard cutouts of the couple, ride in on a motorized toy car, swap outfits with other wedding party members, and grab a few props from the photo booth! Have fun! After all, you only make your wedding entrance once.

2. Put Your Name in Lights

There is no better way to put your name on your day than to quite literally do it. Fantasy Sound Event Services offers many cost-effective Custom Monogram Gobo Lights selections to help you achieve this. Imagine your initials projected on the dance floor during your first dance or your names elegantly illuminated on a wall overhead the bar, making for a focal point to personalize your wedding. Fantasy Sound will assist in designing your monogram to complement your vision and style and project it wherever you’d like. With Fantasy Sound Event Services Custom Monogram Gobo Lights, you can project your love story in your style throughout every corner of your venue.

3. Feature Your Furry Friends

If you love your pets as much as we do, you’re definitely brainstorming ways to include your furry family members during your special day. Depending on your venue, there are many creative ways to incorporate your pet, even if they are not physically there. If your best friend can attend, you may consider only having them present for the ceremony and photos and hiring a pet sitter who can give them the love and attention they deserve! Dog of Honor, located in NorCal, can do just that! Big crowds and new environments could be very overwhelming for them, and the last thing we want is for you or your pet to be stressed.

Here are a few other ideas to consider if your pet doesn’t make the invite list:

• Incorporate them into your wedding signage! Your seating chart, ceremony programs, welcome sign, and photo booth props! The possibilities are endless.
• Show them off at the bar! Illustrations of your pets on cocktail napkins or a signature drink sign are a cute addition to any guest’s beverage.
• Give them the best seat in the house as the cake topper! This small detail is sure to have your friends and family smiling.

4. Stand Out with Your Seating Chart

One of the biggest wedding trends to hop on right now is a statement seating chart. While escort cards have their charm, a single, seamless seating chart can often be exactly what your wedding vision is begging for.

Think of your seating chart as more than a statement piece; it can be an extension of your story as a couple. Use your favorite hobbies, love for travel, sports teams, cherished books, or anything else that inspires you to create a unique and personalized look. Try to think beyond the traditional materials and add elements like glass, wood, or fabric to create a unique look. Imagine a seating chart that not only directs your guests but also adds a beautiful and cohesive element to your wedding decor.

5. Honor The Memory of Your Loved Ones

When planning your wedding, it is natural to feel the absence of your loved ones who have passed. It’s a special time, and It can be hard to accept the feeling that they won’t be there to share in the day’s happiness. While you know they will be watching over you, it’s a day when you will want to honor their memory somehow. Please remember that no matter how you choose to remember your loved ones, do it in a way that feels right for you. Whether you decide to do this publicly or privately, the day is yours, and the key is to do whatever will bring you the most comfort and peace.

Here are some thoughtful ways to incorporate their memory into your day:

• Carry them with you! Consider using their favorite flowers or an ornate locket displaying their portrait in your bouquet.
• A collection of photographs is a great way to let everyone know you’re missing them.
• Save them a seat with a sign, a memento, or a flower. You can look out at your guests knowing they are right there with you.
• A simple reading or poem is a great way to translate your love for them into words.
  If you have musical talent, maybe a song or dance is something you know they would’ve enjoyed.

6. Unplugged Ceremony

For those unfamiliar with this device-free trend, an unplugged ceremony is a wedding ceremony in which the couple requests guests to refrain from using phones, cameras, or other electronics during the ceremony.

This is beneficial for a few reasons:

• It invites all your friends and family to be fully present with you in that special moment.
• It allows your professional photographers and videographers to capture the ceremony without obstacles.
• It keeps the focus on you and enhances the emotional experience for your guests.

A couple more ways to ensure your guests do not stick their arms out at the wrong time is to give them a designated moment to do so! Before you dive into the bulk of the ceremony, have your officiant invite the guests to take 30 seconds to take as many photos as they want! Additionally, if loved ones could not attend due to distance, you can set up a live stream! This way, anyone can join in without feeling obligated to pull out a device.

7. Unique Lighting

Lighting may seem like a small detail on such a big day, but it’s one of the easiest ways to set the perfect mood and add a personal touch. It can completely transform the feel of your venue, highlight those key moments, and create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding day. It is also a great way to drive your wedding aesthetic forward. Whether you’re going for a classy, elegant look or a fairytale chic affair, there are unique lighting options to fit your vision.

You can read more about enhancing your wedding lighting here!

8. Incorporate Your Culture

Adding cultural traditions to your wedding is a beautiful way to honor your heritage and celebrate your background. Whether you and your partner come from the same or different cultures, including these customs in your special day adds meaning and richness. From the breaking of the glass in a Jewish ceremony to surprising guests with the vibrant energy of a traditional Chinese lion dance, these traditions blend the past with the present, creating a unique and meaningful experience for your guests. It’s a great opportunity to share the importance of your culture with your partner and their family as you begin your new life together.

Ready to Personalize Your Wedding Day?

Personalizing your wedding day is about making it truly and uniquely yours. By incorporating the elements that are meaningful to you and your partner, you will create a wedding day that tells your unique love story. Whether you have a crazy grand entrance, your initials shine on the dance floor, your pup carries the rings, or you incorporate your cultural traditions, each layer of personalization makes the day one-of-a-kind. Remember, it’s your day and your rules. Enjoy this time, and have fun creating a wedding that is authentically you!

Need help bringing your personalization to life? Fantasy Sound Event Services can provide lighting, decor, DJ services, wedding coordination, and a photo booth. Contact us today!