Make Your Wedding Day Magical And Memorable

Planning a wedding can be challenging, especially if you want to make the day extra special and unique. Here are some ideas to make your wedding memorable and personal:

- Add lots of personal touches, such as writing a personalised note for each guest, including photos of everyone around the room, or curating a special menu.

- Make the ceremony meaningful and inclusive with personalised vows, music choices, and readings.

- Indulge in pre-wedding pampering, like a massage or a hot towel shave.

- Stay somewhere special for your wedding night, like a stylish boutique hotel.

- Hire a great photographer and videographer to document the day.

- Include wedding traditions, like a big white dress, flashy tux, and a first dance, if that's what you want!

- Shake up the timeline by having the ceremony later in the day, leaving room for a first-look photo session.

- Involve your loved ones in the ceremony, like asking a relative to be your officiant or give a special speech.

- Choose a meaningful location for the ceremony.

- Write a heartfelt letter or note to your partner to read on the morning of the wedding.

Personal touches: Include photos of everyone, write a personalised note for each guest, and curate a meaningful menu

One of the most personal ways to make your wedding day special is to include photos of everyone. However, this can be a challenging task, especially for larger weddings. To ensure you get photos of all your guests, you could hire a photo booth and ask your DJ to periodically announce and encourage guests to use it. Alternatively, you could set up a Polaroid guest book station, providing clear instructions on how to use the camera and requesting that guests take photos of each other to place in the book.

Another way to add personal touches to your wedding is to write a personalised note for each guest. It is important to understand the structure of a well-written wedding thank-you note. According to etiquette expert Elaine Swann, a great card includes three essential elements: a "thank you", the name of the gift, and something about the gift. For example, you could mention why you love the gift so much or how you plan to use it. It is also a nice touch to include a fond memory with the recipient from the wedding.

Lastly, curating a meaningful menu is a wonderful way to personalise your wedding. Infuse your personalities into the wedding menu by soliciting ideas and feedback from family members or offering a family favourite or cultural dish. You could also incorporate food that reflects your relationship, such as a dish you ate on your first date or your go-to drinks as signature cocktails. If you are stuck for ideas, leave it to your catering team to share their expert recommendations. Once you have determined a budget, the meal formality, and a general wedding theme, your caterer will be able to suggest food options that match your vibe.

Pre-wedding pampering: Get your hair and makeup done, or go for a massage

Planning a wedding can be stressful, so it's important to take some time to relax and pamper yourself before the big day. A pre-wedding massage is a great way to de-stress and clear your mind, allowing you to focus on the true meaning of marriage. Massage has been proven to significantly reduce physical and psychological stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. It can also boost your immune system, increase your energy levels, and even give you healthier, more radiant skin.

There are many different types of massages to choose from, so do your research and find one that suits your needs. If relaxation is your top priority, consider a Swedish, aromatherapy, or hot stone massage. If you have any specific injuries or areas of tension, you may want to opt for a sports or deep tissue massage.

In addition to a massage, you may want to treat yourself to some hair and makeup services before your wedding. This can be a great way to feel confident and look your best on your special day. When it comes to the timing of your hair and makeup, most artists recommend doing your makeup before your hair. This allows the makeup artist to blend the makeup into your hairline and jaw area without worrying about messing up the hairstylist's work. However, if your hair and makeup artists have experience working together, they may be able to work simultaneously to save time.

Be sure to book your hair and makeup artists at least three months in advance, and don't forget to factor in tips for their services. You may also want to consider a trial run before the big day to ensure you're happy with the final look.

Gifts: Send gifts to your partner's dressing room, like a bottle of champagne or a basket of fruit and snacks

Sending gifts to your partner's dressing room is a great way to make your wedding day extra special. Here are some ideas to make it memorable:

Gifts for Your Partner

A gift for your partner is a wonderful way to express your love and excitement for the big day ahead. It could be something they can wear, like a comfortable pair of satin pyjamas or a stylish pair of monogrammed socks. Alternatively, you could opt for a keepsake item, such as a personalised wooden ring box or a Kate Spade keepsake box to store their jewellery and accessories. If you want to add a touch of luxury, consider a high-quality jewellery piece, like a freshwater pearl necklace or a classic watch. For a sentimental option, a personalised tray or serving platter with your initials and wedding date is a lovely choice.

Food and Drinks

Surprise your partner with a delicious breakfast hamper delivered to their dressing room. Include some fresh fruit, pastries, and a bottle of champagne or their favourite drink. This is a great way to ensure your partner has a nourishing start to the day and can be a fun twist on the traditional wedding breakfast.

Relaxing Treats

Help your partner unwind and relax before the ceremony with some indulgent bath treats. A soothing bath oil or a set of fluffy slippers can be a great way to ease any pre-wedding nerves and provide a moment of calm.

Personal Notes and Cards

A heartfelt, handwritten letter or card is an excellent way to express your love and excitement for the day ahead. Share your hopes for the future, reminisce about your fondest memories, and let them know how much they mean to you. This will be a cherished keepsake that your partner can reread and treasure forever.

Gifts for Both of You

Consider sending a gift to your partner's dressing room that you can both enjoy together. A pair of champagne flutes, engraved with your names and wedding date, can be a sophisticated touch to future celebrations. Alternatively, opt for a fun experience gift box with a range of activities you can do together, like a scratch-off activity journal or a gas-powered pizza oven for date nights at home.

Remember, when it comes to gifts, it's the thought that counts. Choose something that reflects your partner's tastes and interests, and don't be afraid to add a personal touch to make it extra special.

Vows: Write your own to express your love

Writing your own wedding vows is a great way to make your wedding day extra special and unique. It's a chance to profess your love and make promises to your partner in front of your friends and family. Here are some tips and ideas to help you craft heartfelt and meaningful vows:

Start with "I Love You"

Don't forget to include these three powerful words in your vows. Whether you start or end your pledge with "I love you", make sure you express your love for your partner.

Reaffirm Your Unwavering Support

Let your partner know that you'll stand by their side through thick and thin. Acknowledge that marriages have their ups and downs and express your intention to face those challenges together.

Share Personal Stories

Recount romantic, funny, or inspiring stories about your relationship. Include how you knew your partner was "the one", or share a narrative about overcoming a difficult time together. These stories will make your vows more engaging and meaningful for your partner and your guests.

Include Real Promises

In addition to personal stories, make concrete promises that you intend to keep throughout your marriage. These could be serious or lighthearted. For example, you could vow to always kill the spiders or never complain about your partner's favourite TV show.

Acknowledge and Request Support from Loved Ones

Your friends and family have likely played an important role in your relationship. Acknowledge their support and ask for their continued guidance and love as you embark on this new chapter.

Start Writing Well in Advance

Don't leave vow writing until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Write down your thoughts and feelings as they come to you, and then edit them into a final draft.

Discuss Expectations with Your Partner

Before writing your vows, talk to your partner about length, tone, and how personal you want them to be. It's important to be on the same page to ensure your vows complement each other and create a cohesive ceremony.

Write Multiple Drafts but Don't Overthink It

Writing a few drafts is a good idea, but avoid continuously revising your vows. Take breaks between edits to gain clarity and perspective.

Focus on the Important Details

You may be tempted to include every detail and moment you've shared with your partner, but try to focus on the most important ones. Highlight the first time you met, when you said "I love you", or any other significant memories.

Avoid Absolute Words

When making promises, steer clear of absolute words like "always" and "never". Instead, make realistic and achievable pledges that you can uphold throughout your marriage.

Embrace Sentimentality

Don't worry about coming across as corny or cheesy. If the words are heartfelt and authentic, they will resonate with your partner and your guests.

Seek Inspiration from Pop Culture

If you're feeling stuck, turn to movies, TV shows, books, or songs for inspiration. Quote a passage or adapt a line to express your feelings.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Don't underestimate the power of practice. Read your vows aloud, work on your delivery, and ask a trusted friend for feedback. Practising will help you feel more confident and ensure your vows have the desired impact.

Music: Choose music that's meaningful to you

Music is a powerful tool for setting the tone of your wedding and can be used to create a romantic, classic, or fun atmosphere. The songs played at your wedding will forever remind you of your special day, so it's important to choose music that is meaningful to you and your partner. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding music:

Choose music that reflects your style and personality:

Select songs that represent your interests, hobbies, and cultural background. This could include anything from classical music to modern pop songs. If you want to add a unique touch, consider choosing songs that are less mainstream but still beautiful and meaningful to you.

Consider the different parts of your wedding:

There are several moments during the wedding ceremony and reception that will require special songs. This includes the prelude, processional, recessional, and interludes or postludes. You can also choose specific songs for events such as the cake-cutting, bouquet toss, and garter toss.

Prelude music:

Prelude music is usually light and ambient, played as guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It can start as early as 45 minutes before the wedding and typically includes 5-10 songs.

Processional music:

The processional music accompanies the entrance of the wedding party, family, and the bride. You can use the same song for everyone or switch it up for a more dramatic effect when the bride enters.

Recessional music:

The recessional is played at the end of the ceremony as the couple and wedding party exit. It is usually bright, lively, and celebratory.

Interludes and postludes:

These are songs played during significant moments such as unity candle lighting or signing the wedding certificate. Interludes and postludes can add a special touch and create memorable moments.

Choose songs with meaningful lyrics:

Select songs that have lyrics that resonate with you and your partner. This could be a song that you both love, your first dance song, or a tune that has special memories attached to it. You can also choose songs with lyrics that echo your relationship with your parents for the father-daughter and mother-son dances.

Personalize your music choices:

Make your wedding unique by incorporating songs that have personal significance. For example, you can walk down the aisle to a song that represents your love story or play your favourite band during the reception. You can also add a fun twist by including song requests on your RSVP cards, allowing your guests to have a say in the music played at your wedding.

Create a mix of genres:

Variety is the spice of life, and this applies to your wedding music too! Mix things up by including a range of music genres, from classical to modern, to keep your guests entertained and create a well-rounded atmosphere.

Don't forget the volume:

While you want your music to be enjoyable, remember that it's a wedding, not a concert or a club. Ensure that the music is played at an acceptable volume so that guests can comfortably converse and enjoy the celebration.

Frequently asked questions