Make Your Wedding Day Unforgettable: Tips For Couples

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that your wedding day is about celebrating the love between you and your partner. There are many ways to make your wedding memorable, from choosing a unique venue to incorporating personal touches that reflect your relationship.

- Choose a unique venue, such as a zoo, aquarium, or even a cruise ship.

- Incorporate your cultural traditions or rituals into the ceremony.

- Create a wedding time capsule to open on your anniversary and relive your wedding day.

- Add personal touches to your decorations, such as a floral chandelier or a signpost centerpiece.

- Serve signature cocktails or creative food stations, like a cotton candy or soft-serve bar.

- Include entertaining activities for guests, like Jumbo Jenga or a photo booth with fun props.

- Give out meaningful or useful wedding favors, such as themed measuring spoons or mini salt and pepper shakers.

- Spend time with your guests, greet them personally, and share a drink or a dance.

- Create a unique guest book, such as a guitar or a globe for guests to sign.

- Incorporate your pets into the festivities, whether in your photos or as a ring bearer.

Choose a unique venue, like a zoo or aquarium

Choosing a unique venue is a great way to make your wedding memorable. If you're an animal lover, why not consider a zoo or aquarium as your wedding venue? This option will certainly wow your guests and create a truly unforgettable experience.

Zoos and aquariums often offer event spaces for weddings, and many are non-profit organisations with a mission of conservation, research and education, so you can feel good about your choice. Imagine exchanging your vows with a giraffe strolling by or performing your first dance with sharks swimming in tanks nearby. It will undoubtedly be a unique experience for you and your guests.

Some popular zoo and aquarium wedding venues in the United States include:

• Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, Arizona
• San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, San Diego, California
• Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara, California
• Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens, Indianapolis, Indiana
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, Ohio
• Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, California
• Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, Florida
• Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, Arizona
• Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, Columbia, South Carolina
• Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines, Iowa
• New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts
• South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston, South Carolina
• Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Adventure Aquarium, Camden, New Jersey
• Newport Aquarium, Newport, Kentucky
• National Aquarium, Baltimore, Maryland
• North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach, North Carolina

These venues offer gorgeous backdrops for your wedding, and you'll be supporting a good cause with your celebration.

So, if you're looking for a wild and unique experience, a zoo or aquarium wedding venue could be the perfect choice for your special day.

Incorporate your culture and traditions

A wedding is a celebration of love, family, and culture. Embracing cultural and traditional elements in your wedding is a powerful way to pay homage to your heritage and create lasting memories. Here are some ideas to incorporate your culture and traditions into your wedding day and make it a memorable one:

Ceremonial Rituals

Whether it's the Saptapadi in Hindu weddings, where the couple takes seven steps around a sacred fire, or the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass under the Chuppah, ceremonial rituals are a profound way to symbolise unity, blessings, and commitment. These rituals not only add depth and meaning to your celebration but also create a lasting bond between you and your partner.

Cultural Attire

Consider donning traditional wedding attire from your culture. For instance, a saree or sherwani for Indian heritage, a qipao for Chinese roots, or a Scottish kilt. Embracing cultural attire showcases the beauty of your heritage and adds a unique touch to your wedding day look.

Traditional Decor and Symbols

Use decor elements that hold cultural significance to create a visually stunning and immersive experience. This could include specific colours, textiles, or motifs. For example, using Kente cloth as table runners or incorporating African beads into floral arrangements. Additionally, many cultures have unique symbols associated with weddings, such as the double happiness symbol (shuangxi) in Chinese weddings.

Cultural Music and Dance

Music and dance are universal languages that bring people together. Hire traditional musicians or dancers, or invite family members to perform cultural songs or dances. For instance, the lively beats of a traditional Greek dance or the soulful melodies of a Qawwali performance. Encourage guests to join in and create a joyous celebration that transcends cultural boundaries.

Festive Feasts

Weddings are often celebrated with feasts showcasing the culinary delights of a culture. Collaborate with your caterer to design a menu highlighting traditional dishes from your culture or opt for a fusion of flavours if you're blending cultures. Don't forget to include traditional beverages like signature cocktails or culturally specific teas.

Multilingual Vows and Ceremonies

If your cultural traditions involve different languages, consider reciting your vows in your partner's native language or incorporating parts of the ceremony conducted in those languages. This adds a touching personal element and involves guests who speak those languages. Provide translations or explanations in your wedding programs to ensure everyone understands.

Incorporating your culture and traditions into your wedding day not only celebrates your love but also honours your ancestral roots and shared history. Feel free to add, remove, or adapt these suggestions to match your unique cultural background and create a wedding that truly represents your love story.

Create a memorable exit, like jumping into a pool

Create a Memorable Exit

A memorable exit is a great way to end your wedding day with a bang and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Here are some ideas to make your wedding exit unforgettable, especially if you want to jump into a pool!

Plan Your Exit for the Right Moment

The first thing to consider is the timing of your exit. While most couples choose to make their grand exit at the end of the reception, you could also plan your epic exit for after the ceremony. Exiting after the ceremony usually means better lighting and backdrops for photos, and it opens up more possibilities. For example, you could have a confetti toss with your historic church or a beautiful natural setting in the background.

Choose a Unique Exit That Represents You

Think outside the box and choose an exit that represents you as a couple. Are you a fun and playful couple? Try a colourful parasol umbrella toss. Are you traditional? Go for the classic rice toss. Love the beach? Have a mini beach ball toss! You could even jump into a pool filled with colourful balls for a unique and playful exit.

Make it Safe

While you want your exit to be memorable, it's important to prioritise safety, especially if alcohol is involved. If you're set on a sparkler exit, for example, be sure to have a safety talk with your guests first and consider doing a faux exit with just your bridal party and family to keep things more controlled.

Get Creative with Your Location

Most send-offs occur outside the ceremony or reception venue, but you can get creative and plan your exit for the dance floor or even the pool! If you're jumping into a pool, consider providing guests with pool noodles and colourful inflatables to join in the fun.

Add Some Extras

To enhance your pool exit, think about adding some extras like confetti poppers, biodegradable glitter, or even a smoke machine for a dramatic effect. Just be sure to check with your venue and photographer beforehand to ensure your plans are allowed and everyone is prepared.

Don't Forget the Photos

A memorable exit deserves to be captured in photos! Be sure to brief your photographer so they can get the best shots of your unique exit, whether it's a pool jump, a sparkler send-off, or something else entirely.

By choosing an exit that represents you as a couple and adding some creative touches, you can make your wedding day exit truly memorable and fun for everyone involved!

Add a creative twist to your invitations

Adding a creative twist to your wedding invitations is a great way to get your guests excited about your big day. Here are some ideas to make your invitations memorable:

• 'Tying the Knot' Cards: This unique twist on "Save the Date" cards features a piece of string inside the card that ties into a knot when opened, symbolising the union of the couple. It's a fun and interactive way to involve your guests in your celebration.
• RSVP Cards with a Song Request: Adding a line for song requests to your RSVP cards is a great way to get your guests involved in creating the wedding playlist. It ensures that your guests will hear songs they enjoy and creates a more personalised experience for them.
• Incorporate Your Theme: If you have a specific wedding theme, such as a particular season, colour palette, or hobby, reflect this in your invitations. For example, if you're having a rustic-chic wedding, you could use invitations with a barn or vineyard design.
• Add a Personal Touch: Include something that represents you and your partner, such as a meaningful quote, a map of the place you met, or even a photo of the two of you. This adds a heartfelt touch and gives your guests a glimpse into your relationship.
• Get Creative with the Design: Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and materials for your invitations. Consider using unique fonts, illustrations, or even your own artwork to make them stand out. You could also add embellishments like ribbons, wax seals, or dried flowers to give them a luxurious feel.
• Include a Teaser: Give your guests a sneak peek of what to expect at the wedding. For example, if you're planning a surprise performance or a unique menu, hint at it in the invitation to build excitement and curiosity.

Remember, your wedding invitations set the tone for your special day, so have fun with them and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Provide guests with welcome baskets

Providing welcome baskets for your guests is a great way to show your appreciation and make your wedding memorable. Here are some tips and ideas to create thoughtful and practical welcome baskets:

Practical and Personal Items:

Include a mix of practical and personal items in your welcome baskets. Practical items can include lip balm, sunscreen, hand sanitiser, and other health and safety essentials. Personal items can be luxe bath products, pampering toiletries, or your favourite snacks and drinks. You can also add mints, sewing kits, pain relievers, and hangover kits for the morning after.

Introduce the Area:

If your wedding is a destination affair or you have out-of-town guests, use the welcome baskets to introduce them to the local area. Include local treats, snacks, and beverages that showcase the region's cuisine and specialties. For example, consider local chocolates, wines, or fresh produce. You can also add a guide or map of the area, highlighting must-see attractions, restaurants, and activities.

Destination-Specific Items:

Customise your welcome baskets to your wedding destination. If you're getting married on the beach, include items like sunglasses, hand fans, and beach towels. For a mountain wedding, consider pashminas, cosy socks, and hand warmers. If your wedding has a specific theme or colour palette, tie that into the welcome basket as well.

Something Personalised:

Add a personalised touch to your welcome baskets. You can include custom tote bags or boxes with your names, the wedding date, or a monogram. You can also add a handwritten welcome note, expressing your gratitude and excitement for their presence.

Keep it Affordable:

Welcome baskets don't have to be expensive. Consider your budget and choose affordable options like paper gift bags, local treats, or DIY projects. You can also skip the basket altogether and set up a table with welcome items for guests to pick and choose from.

Entertainment:

In addition to practical items, include something to entertain your guests. This could be a deck of playing cards, a local magazine, or a small game. You can also add a personalised fan with your wedding date and names, which will come in handy during the festivities.

Remember, the key is to make your guests feel welcomed, appreciated, and excited about your wedding. Choose items that are thoughtful, useful, and reflective of your wedding style and location.

Frequently asked questions