Wedding receptions may hog most of the attention, but the ceremony is ultimately the most important part of the day. Whether you're saying your vows in a traditional church or at a casual backyard gathering, there are plenty of ways to make the proceedings more personal and entertaining for your guests. Here, steal some inspiration from these couples and their unforgettable ceremonies.
50 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony
Heart Décor(01 of49)
These adorable hearts will instantly brighten up your aisle. Getting married inside? Consider hanging them off the end of each row instead.Related: 40 Ways to Decorate Your Ceremony Aisle (credit:Lucky Malone Photography)
Spiral Seating(02 of49)
Who says your guests have to sit in straight lines? This spiral set-up lets everyone get a close-up with the bride as she makes her way to the center. (credit:Gideon Photography)
Appetizers(03 of49)
Nothing says “welcome to the party” better than booze and burgers.Related: 50 Fun Menu Innovations for Your Reception (credit:Olivia Leigh Photographie)
Bright Colors(04 of49)
Bright colors make everything cheerier, so don’t be afraid to go all out with bold décor. (credit:Krista Photography)
Aisle Décor(05 of49)
Get your guests in the right mood and set a dreamy, romantic vibe before the festivities even begin by sprinkling white flower petals on the aisle. (credit:Alison Duke Photography)
Friend as Officiant(06 of49)
Having a friend or close relative act as your officiant adds a sweet personal touch to the proceedings. (credit:Vienna Glenn Photography)
Farm Animals(07 of49)
Animals make everything more fun — especially when you walk in with a donkey! If you’re planning a rustic wedding, consider bringing along a gentle farm critter to delight your guests. (credit:Jennifer Weems Photography)
Modern Banner(08 of49)
Say what you’re thinking – this funny “Best Day Ever” sign gets straight to the point and makes for a perfect photo op.Related: 50 Clever Signs Your Wedding Guests Will Love (credit: Laura Murray Photography)
Love Story(09 of49)
Some of your more distant relatives are probably a little hazy on the details of your love story, so fill them in with a cute infographic in your program. (credit:Shewanders Photography)
Paper Flowers(10 of49)
Choose an alternative bouquet, such as this beautiful mix of paper flowers. You won’t have to worry about it wilting, and it will be a timeless souvenir of your wedding day.Related: Say No to Flowers: 25 Alternatives to the Bridal Bouquet (credit:Ria Mishaal)
Newspaper Programs(11 of49)
Get creative with your wedding program. We love this couple’s personalized newspaper featuring stories and photos about their love. (credit:Riverland Studios)
Dramatic Backdrop(12 of49)
Understated is overrated. These vibrant flowers and drapes make for a breathtaking backdrop.Related: 20 Eye-Catching Ideas for Your Ceremony Backdrop (credit:Susan Stripling)
Ring Security(13 of49)
Promote your ring bearer to a security guard. Just be warned — he might steal the show!Related: 100 Times Kids Stole the Show at a Wedding (credit:Kim Le Photography)
Alternative Flower Girls(14 of49)
Don't have any little ones to be the flower girls? No problem! Just enlist your grandmothers to take on the job instead. (credit:Genevieve Leiper Photography)
Family Tree(15 of49)
Display old photos of your families in vintage frames for a personal touch. (credit:Green Autumn Photography)
Favorite Lyrics(16 of49)
Set a romantic mood by incorporating your favorite love song lyrics into the décor.Related: 50 Quotes About Love and Marriage (credit:Fete Photography)
Scenic Setting(17 of49)
A scenic setting — like this one in the mountains — will make your guests gasp in amazement.Related: 50 Unexpected Places to Tie the Knot (credit:Atlas and Elia Photography)
Sneakers(18 of49)
If sneakers are part of your daily uniform, there’s no reason why you can’t wear them on your wedding day, too. Colorful Chucks add personality and style to the event, and you can customize them with your new name or wedding date.Related: 30 Wedding-Worthy Flats (credit:Mary & Roy)
Lawn Games(19 of49)
Keep your guests entertained before the festivities with lawn games. This personalized cornhole board can be a treasured keepsake later on, too.Related: 20+ Games to Play at Your Wedding (credit:KT Merry Photography)
Time Capsule(20 of49)
Ask your guests to leave a message for your time capsule, to be opened at least a year after your marriage. Now you have one more reason to look forward to your anniversary!Related: 50 Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas (credit:Leah Moyers Photography)
Cozy Furniture(21 of49)
Let attendees kick back in comfort during the ceremony. Rent or borrow mismatched furniture for a homey vibe, inside or outside. (credit:Ryan Ray)
Narrative Aisle Runner(22 of49)
Tell the story of your love (so far) on your aisle runner with photos, dates, and fun facts about your relationship. This DIY activity is a great way to reminisce together before the big day (date night idea!). (credit:The Other Sister Photography)
Crossword Puzzle(23 of49)
Keep them busy while they wait with a crossword — wedding-themed, of course! (credit:Blueberry Photography)
Mismatched Bridesmaids(24 of49)
Letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses gives each lady a chance to show off her unique personality. You can give them guidelines as to what color, length, fabric, or style you prefer — or you can go with a bold variety like this bride.Related: Mix & Match Done Right: 25 Ideas for Your Bridesmaids (credit:Beautiful Day Photography)
Popcorn Machine(25 of49)
Guests will love munching on a tasty snack before the ceremony starts. Bonus: the vintage popcorn machine adds a quaint feel.Related: 50 Ideas for a Vintage-Inspired Wedding (credit:Sarah Dicicco)
Pinwheels(26 of49)
Pinwheels add the perfect amount of breeziness to your big day. Use them as décor, or simply leave them to entertain kids while they wait for the ceremony to begin. (credit:Sugar + Soul Photography)
Book Décor(27 of49)
If you’re a bookworm, incorporate your passion into the décor. Choose your favorite love stories (Pride and Prejudice, anyone?) or books that are meaningful to you as a couple.Related: 10 Sweet Ideas for a Literary-Themed Wedding (credit:Jessica Claire Photography)
Big Balloons(28 of49)
Skip the bouquets and give your bridesmaids giant balloons for a more whimsical look. (credit:Watson Studios)
Live Music(29 of49)
Live music during the ceremony will help create festive vibes. Ask the band to play acoustic versions of your favorite pop songs for a nontraditional twist. (credit:Tec Petaja)
Play with a Piñata(30 of49)
Immediately following the ceremony, let attendees take a swing at a pinata full of treats. Bonus points if it’s wedding-themed, like this one! (credit:Debra Gulbas Photography)
Lego Bowl(31 of49)
Leave out a bowl of Legos or blocks so kids (and adults) can construct something cool during any downtime. Related: Lego-Themed Wedding Ideas (credit:Gemma Clarke Photography)
Big Board Games(32 of49)
Set up giant versions of your favorite games, such as Connect Four or Jenga, for guests to enjoy before or after the ceremony. (credit:Lawson Photography)
Grand Entrance(33 of49)
Want to really relish your moment in the spotlight? Make the grandest possible entrance with candles, subdued lighting, and a sensational train. (credit:Stephen Green Photography)
Sing a Song(34 of49)
Give the DJ a break and sing your favorite love song as you walk down the aisle. There won’t be a dry eye in the place. (credit:Serena Swan Photography)
Sand Ceremony(35 of49)
A sand ceremony is symbolic of blending your two families together. Each of you chooses a different sand — some people choose different colors, while others pick from a meaningful location. If you have children, this is the perfect time to include them as well.Related: 10 Meaningful Touches for Your Ceremony (credit:True Photography Weddings)
Laugh It Up(36 of49)
Your wedding vows are serious business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with them. Write in a few jokes to lighten the mood.Related: 30+ Examples of Wedding Vows (credit:Choco Studio)
Honor Tradition(37 of49)
Honor your heritage by working in cultural traditions, such as this tea-pouring ceremony.Related: Fun Cultural Traditions to Include in Your Wedding (credit:Docuvitae)
Unity Painting(38 of49)
You don’t need to have artistic talent to make a beautiful unity painting. You and your partner each pick a color and carefully pour a small amount on a blank canvas, watching as they blend together. (credit:Bek and Addison Photography)
Hand-fasting(39 of49)
Hand-fasting is an ancient Celtic ritual that’s easily adapted for a modern wedding. Your officiant can help fasten your hands together with ribbon or a cord while you exchange your vows.Related: Irish Wedding Traditions (credit:Chris Isham Photography)
Unique Reading(40 of49)
Select a lighthearted reading to make your guests laugh and cry at the same time. If you’re stuck, try children’s books or poem (like “Oh the Places You’ll Go”) for simple but heartfelt descriptions of love. (credit:Designs by JK)
Pot a Plant(41 of49)
Get those freshly manicured hands dirty by potting a plant together. Then, watch it grow alongside your relationship. (credit:Studio 29)
Ring Warming(42 of49)
A ring warming lets your guests be more involved in the ceremony and is a great way to incorporate different religions. Pass your wedding bands around so each person can privately make a wish or say a blessing over them. (credit:Chard Photographer)
Beer Blending(43 of49)
If typical unity ceremonies aren’t really your thing, create one that fits your personalities. This couple blended beer to create a extra special black and tan. (credit:Libby Neder)
Petal Shower(44 of49)
Celebrate your first kiss as a married couple with a surprise petal shower. (credit:Heather Kincaid Photography)
Confetti Toss(45 of49)
Hand out confetti for guests to toss during your exit. It’s way more fun than rice and will look prettier in photos, too. (credit:Jeremiah and Rachel Photography)
Pom Poms(46 of49)
Let guests celebrate your union by tossing bright pom poms as soon as it’s official (kids will particularly love this one!). (credit:Hannah Costello)
Unusual Recessional(47 of49)
Opt for a peppy, nontraditional song for your recessional. It’ll signal to your guests that it’s time to get the party started. (credit:Raechel Denise Photography)
Beach Balls(48 of49)
If you’re having a beach wedding, there’s no excuse for not having beach balls. They’re great for an exit toss.Related: 70+ Ideas for Beach Weddings (credit:Life Long Studios)
Bubble Fun(49 of49)
Or, opt for bubbles for your exit toss. They’re fun and they’re mess-free! (credit:Oana Foto)
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By Chrisanne Grise for Bridal Guide
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