Top 10 Ways for Your Wedding to Reflect Your Personality

Have you ever been to a wedding that absolutely takes your breath away? It may leave you in awe for different reasons, maybe it was a stunning venue or a moving ceremony, maybe the music and the dance floor were so much fun you couldn’t help but shake your booty, or was there an experience that you loved? People take away different things from the weddings they attend, and the couple focuses on different things when they plan their wedding. Universally, guests and couples are happiest when the wedding has unique, personal touches and the personality of the couple shines through.

Showing Your Personality in the Big Decisions

1. Decide as a couple what you want to focus on. Pick 1 big thing, or 2-3 important things and everything else can be trusted to fall into place with less effort and worry. You can check out this link for a list of things people tend to focus their money on when wedding planning. 
2. Share what’s important to you. What is something you love that you would want to incorporate into your wedding? Can you not imagine your day without your pet there? Is there something you bonded over as a couple that would make the day even more special? This could help you plan decor (globes or maps if you’re a globetrotting couple), or the time of year you get married (are you a summer person, or does the cold call to you?). Do you love snowboarding and want to get married on a mountain? Is there somewhere afar (like this destination elopement) that you wish to marry, or revisit for your ceremony? The list goes on! If you feel overwhelmed by the prospects, talk with your partner to figure out what may mean a lot to both of you to have surrounding you on your special day, or if you need suggestions, hit up your vendors for recommendations (If I’m your photographer, I love to help!)

Having Unique Experiences at Your Wedding

1. Play your music during your elopement. Is music your love language? Music can evoke strong memories of an event or a person. Think about the kinds of music you want to incorporate during your day. Is there a certain vibe you want for getting ready? Have you dreamed about walking down the aisle to a certain song? We’re here for it all! I know couples who’ve walked down the aisle to instrumental Disney songs, the Harry Potter theme, and other major movie scores. I’ve loved watching couples start their first dance with a slow version of a rock song that transforms into a rowdy anthem. Working elopements, we’ve vibed to the sounds of nature or had a playlist in the background that is particularly meaningful to the couple. What’s speaking to you? /// Write a song?
2. Add unique experiences to your wedding. Your wedding should be an incredible and personalized experience over everything else. Do you want to ski at your wedding? Or do you want to incorporate traditions you found on your travels? Would you want a special entrance to your reception? Do you want to elope with or without guests? Go for it! I’m here to help you, support you and memorialize your day!

Customize Your Ceremony and Wedding

1. Shake up or ditch the wedding traditions. Is there something you want to include or do at your wedding that isn’t the status quo? Go for it! It’s your day! Do you want to elope (explore some of the elopements I’ve photographed, here)? I’m here for you to help photograph and plan your day. Want to walk yourself down the aisle? Yes. Want to have food trucks instead of a sit-down meal? Delicious. Want to mix up your wedding parties? Great. There are NO RULES you have to follow – make the day go however you want it to! 
2. Your Vows Should Be Yours. Lastly, your vows – whether shared publicly or privately – should be a personal reflection of the love and commitment you have for your partner. Small vow booklets let you look back at your vows. Another way to add personality to your ceremony is to have a friend or family member participate by reading a poem or excerpt or if they’re ordained to marry you. Suppose you include other experiences in the ceremony like hand-fasting, lighting a ceremonial candle, mixing sand, etc. in that case, these add personality and special touches to your wedding or elopement. Make it yours, and celebrate your love and commitment however you choose! This couple chose to involve their entire family in their elopement vows, asking them to stand up and repeat after them.

Here are 5 (Smaller) Details That Add Personality to Your Wedding:

1. Dress the part. Do you want an Old Hollywood esthetic? Do you want to be casual and not dress up at all? Or are you leaning into specific themes of your wedding? Outfits, jewelry, and wearable details can help the vibe! Your and your partner’s outfits can set the tone for the wedding – you want to be dressed comfortably, beautifully, and in outfits that speak to you! If you’re renting a tux – add personality to it with small details like custom cufflinks, boutonnière, and pocket squares, or wear fun socks! You can add jewelry to your outfit or hide them in your bouquet if you want them included but don’t necessarily want to wear them.

1. Small Details Add Big Personality. Sometimes the small, often overlooked details can add the most personality to an event. Have you been on the dance floor and your drink is cleaned away from the table? Specialty cocktail napkins or coasters that say “Please leave my drink, I’m dancing” can help guests keep their drinks. Table numbers are a great way to add personal details to your wedding! Are you a runner? Maybe use old race tags as table numbers. Are you a globe trotter? Name your tables for countries you’ve visited. Instead of a traditional card box, maybe Cinderella’s carriage is more your style. The possibilities are endless!

Your Personality + The Wedding Guest Experience

1. Guest Books Aren’t Just Books. Guest books don’t have to be traditional books anymore. There are many personal options if you want a space for guests to leave you a personal message and well wishes. I’ve seen personalized globes, family trees, records, snowboards, and home decor left out for guests to sign. Polaroid cameras with a photo album let guests show their personalities in your keepsake, and the option for guests to leave a voice message for you to playback is a beautiful way to relive your wedding!
2. Have the Best Wedding Food & Beverage. If you’re hosting a wedding, you want to ensure your guests have enough food and drink (and you want it to be good)! A fun way to add personality to the menu is to have options that reflect your interest. Do you want food trucks? An unusual meal? A dessert bar or a donut wall? Have a featured cocktail (or two or three) and name something fun that makes you smile, like each drink is named for your dog and matches the dog’s personality. If you’re having a private elopement, ensure you have your preferred meal and drinks. Maybe stop by your favorite brewery on the way to your elopement.

At the end of the day, all that matters is that you and your partner love each other and are comfortable with the choices made in planning your day. It can be an overwhelming process, take it step by step, and know I’m here to help you! Contact me to cross one to do off your list!