How Do We Make Our Ceremony Unique?

What are some great ways to make our ceremony unique?


Writing your own vows is an obvious way to personalize your wedding. It’s one of the best ways to set your ceremony apart from the standard spiel. Another way is to really get your guests involved. Before your officiant pronounces you husband and wife, he could ask the crowd to confirm your union. Whether your loved ones show their approval with applause or hooting and hollering, nothing will touch your hearts more than watching (and hearing) them give the thumbs-up to your marriage.

There are other, more subtle things you can do to make your guests truly feel like they’re an important part of your ceremony. Consider facing the crowd as you exchange your vows (instead of facing your officiant) because, often, your guests aren’t able to see your faces as you say your “I dos.” Note: Some religious sites might have rules against this, so be sure to check beforehand with your officiant. Or, for a short outdoor ceremony, ask your guests to stand in a circle around you rather than setting up the traditional bride’s side/groom’s side rows of seats.

Another surefire way to make your ceremony unique and personal is to do it family style. If any of your relatives are talented singers, why not ask them to belt out a tune during the ceremony instead of doing a traditional reading? Or ask a small group of pint-sized nieces, nephews or cousins to sing a sweet song. Next up are your parents. Without them your wedding wouldn’t be possible, so make sure they know it. Take a moment during your vows or at another point during the ceremony to thank them for everything they’ve done to enrich your lives. Or present both moms with special bouquets during the ceremony for them to carry on the way out.

And finally, there’s nothing like a vow renewal to set your celebration apart. Whether this means asking your parents to exchange new promises of love with each other or inviting all the marrieds witnessing your ceremony to reaffirm their love in unison, people will walk away from your wedding with a big reminder that love truly does make it happen.