1. Include your pets
If you have a pet, chances are they are extremely important to you. So why not have them as a part of your important day? Even if you decide that having a dog ring bearer is too much work or not allowed by your venue, you can still incorporate your pet in various ways. Use pictures of your pet as centerpieces. Have a cake topper made to represent the bond between you and your furry BFF. Include your pet in the decorations (you can have their picture printed on cocktail napkins!). Use a photo or drawing of them on the save the date or invitation. If you’re feeling extra devoted, have a cardboard cutout made to give your companion the best seat in the house during your ceremony and dinner (truly, we’ve seen it all!).
2. Have a signature drink
Even if you are not having an open bar, you can still share a signature drink for each of you during your cocktail hour and reception. A signature drink is one that has you written all over it. It could be your favorite drink, a cocktail you came up with, a standard drink renamed after you, or a delicious combination of your and your future spouse’s favorite drinks. Get creative!
3. Try your hand at decorations
Decorate your wedding with everything that you love - colors, fabrics, patterns, pictures, etc. You can spruce up your venue with photos for your table numbers or even tablecloths to represent your families (even made by your family members). Make your wedding sustainable by reusing decorations and various items from others such as cake cutters, toasting glasses, cake stands, and cake toppers. Repurposing these necessities brings special memories from previous weddings into your own while saving you money and allowing you to be resourceful!
4. Food from your family’s culture
Even if your wedding is being catered, why not represent your families’ cultures through the food that you will serve? Bring together dishes (or ones that are similar) that you always enjoyed growing up. Doing this displays a touch of personality while uniting your families. You can have family members contribute recipes they have always made for family gatherings, but make them more official through your caterer’s style/flare.
5. Give favors that represent you
If you are giving out favors, why not make them represent you and your future spouse?! Show off your uniqueness by gifting guests with your favorite food, decorations that represent each of you, books that you love and cherish or have read together - the possibilities are limitless. Even if you are not giving favors, you can make a donation to organizations that represent each of you in meaningful ways - a gesture your guests will absolutely appreciate. If you are gifting favors, make sure it will be something your guests will want to keep to remember how much they enjoyed sharing your wedding day with you.