BluegrassBride Newsletter

Every Bride and Groom wants their special day to be just that; Special. The following ideas are some unique ways to integrate both personal styles and customs into making your wedding ceremony as individual as you are. Bring yours/his heritage into the ceremony. I.e. If you're Scottish-have the groomsmen wear kilts.

Include your pets in the ceremony. If a pooch is small enough you may wish to carry it down the aisle in your arms instead of a bouquet. If your lifestyles are on the laid back side then dress down on your special day, or say your vows barefoot in the middle of a park.

Use a theme for the ceremony just as you would for the reception. Arrive on a white horse to your awaiting groom dressed as Prince Charming. Use your imagination to theme the entire day. Instead of traditional bridal bouquet, carry a family bible or prayer book in its place. The spiritual symbolism will set the mood of the ceremony. Remember that each one of you can pledge different vows to one another; you are not required to repeat the same words to make it official.

Ask all of your brothers (or various siblings) to escort you down the aisle. Has one of you got a family member certified to marry people? Have him/her officiate at the ceremony. This brings special meaning to the day.

When lighting the Unity Candle, each of you turn and share
your light with the first row of seated guests on your side.
Let the guests share the flame with their own small candles
until the entire group is afire and you are pronounced man and wife.

Present your new spouse or stepchild with a symbolic piece of jewelry toward the end of the ceremony.

Ask both sets of parents before your big day if they would like to join you in restating their own vows after you have exchanged yours.

If you are earth lovers, contemplate rentals of large ferns or ficus trees to decorate the site with instead of delicate flowers that die quickly.

Do either of you have deceased family members that will be especially missed? Include a prayer of remembrance in the ceremony that recognizes the importance of these people in your lives.

Whatever you decide to incorporate in the ceremony, keep in mind that your guests will cherish the things that are personal to the two of you. Do not be afraid to "step outside the norm" and be unique. We all love attending a wedding and wondering what will happen in the course of the nuptials. Relax, have fun and don't be afraid to ask clergy or coordinators for additional advice.