How to Plan a Personal, Unique Wedding

When planning a wedding, it's easy to get caught up in tradition of what's always been done--leading you to have an almost identical wedding to those of most of your friends. If that isn't what you're looking for, there are some easy ways to put a little bit of yourself into the event, since that's what it's all about! Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Memberships to online bridal sites, as well as magazines
• Time to research vendors carefully
• The help of your fiancé, mom and sibling(s)
• Excel lists will become your best friend

1. Involve your fiancé from the beginning. This wedding is about both of you, which means you should share in its joy and planning.

2. Plan the date and venue around your wishes/schedule. If there is a college football or baseball game you (and probably your guests) don't want to miss, then don't choose a date because it's convenient. Additionally, if you wanted a beach wedding but had to get married in Ohio, find an outdoor location that satisfies you. Remember, you have options.

3. 
   Remember: friends are what matter, not even numbers or matching dresses!

   Bridal party. When planning who is in your bridal party consider who you will still be close with in five years before making the decision. Then, if the numbers don't even out on each side, does it matter? As for attire, consider letting each bridesmaid choose her own style of dress in your color palette. Pictures will look better if everyone is dressed in the most flattering attire even if they don't all match!

4. Communicating with guests about your wedding. Write your own invitation and program wording. If the formal style doesn't reflect who you and your fiancé are, go ahead and change it. Choose your own font and typeface. Create programs that include bits of information about the wedding party, including jokes, fun facts, etc. Show a bit of your sense of humor and personality, further connecting your guests to the event.

5. Hand-pick your ceremony components with your officiant. Ask for recommendations on readings and traditions, but also look for others. If you are open to it, you can incorporate traditions from multiple religions, as well as readings from poets who aren't as obvious. For example, you can combine the Jewish (even if you aren't) tradition of the lighting of seven candles with a reading from Taylor Mali ("Falling in love is like owning a dog"). It may not be "typical" but it may be more "you."

6. Choose music that reflects who you are. Remember you can choose the music you'd like for both your ceremony and reception. If you'd like to walk down the aisle to "Chapel of Love" and have Jack Johnson played during your reception, go for it! Additionally, if there are songs you absolutely must or must not hear, tell your DJ or band.

7. Arrange the order of your reception. If you'd like to plan something a little different, consider an East Coast-style wedding, which breaks up the rush in, eat, rush out flow, keeps your guests around longer and gives you more time to visit with attendees.

8. Choose your food and alcohol. If there is something you'd specifically like, ask your caterer or reception vendor to include it. Additionally, if you would like something other than the traditional cake, provide your guests with multiple options, like your fiancé's favorite, pumpkin cheesecake.

9. Provide guests with welcome letters and bags that reflect the wedding location and include favorite items of your's and your fiancé's.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave no detail unturned. Every part of your wedding, from the date to the invitations to the music and the cake is up to you.
• Look for vendors who share your wedding philosophy and understand you aren't looking for a "cookie cutter" event. Meet with them in person and explain what you do/don't want. Then go with your gut when hiring them; if you don't "click," move on.
• If you do plan an outdoor wedding be prepared for inclement weather, have umbrellas on hand that might even coordinate with your wedding colors. You never know when you might need them!
• Even if you are able to be this involved in your wedding, don't expect things to run exactly as planned. Expect the unexpected and roll with the punches. Once the day is upon you, there is no more that you can do except smile and walk down the aisle!