Unique Ideas for Your Big Day
Happy planning everyone! I hope this post finds you excited for your upcoming nuptials. I’d like to throw out an idea that some of you might have already seen but I think it’s a great way to combine a few items together thus checking a few things off your list at once.
If you have downloaded my “Where to Save, Where to Splurge” freebie (get it here!), you’ll see that I have Ceremony Programs on the “Save” list. I still think it’s not necessary to print out a bunch of things that everyone will throw away (except that one mom or aunt who will make a scrapbook!). But, I have seen many couples create more of a “get to know us” type of flyer or program and I think the information they include on it is great idea. Most guests will know one of the two people in the couple getting married – or nether if they’re the plus one!, so telling more of your love story is a nice way for every guests to find out more about both of you.
Here are some ideas on how:
Framed Posters and Prints
As I’ve stated on my freebie mentioned above, there is no need to print a bunch of programs. 99.9% of your guests will throw them away or leave them behind. Unless your ceremony needs audience participation (singing, repeating verses, etc.), you can do away with ceremony programs, agendas and menus. Most are interested in who everyone is, how did this all start and they ended up here celebrating with you. My daughter printed out the bridal party names and relationship to the couple on a poster sized print and had it framed. She placed it on an easel next to the gift table. You could also print out smaller, individual ones for each person in the wedding party along with a nice or funny story about who they are and your relationship to them. These can be scattered around the reception, on the desert table, in the hallway between the reception and ceremony site or even posted down the aisle!
Table Decorations and Centerpieces
On each table you could print out pictures of you and your partner along with some information like how you met, your first date, the proposal story, things you like to do as a couple, etc. Include pictures of each of you when you were young and have details of your pre-couple life to introduce yourselves to those guest who may not have met you yet. These could go on each table as part of the centerpiece and guests can visit each table to get your story. Check off programs and table decor! This is a nice distraction just in case there is a lull in the day/night between events.
Videos
Yep, I said it. Let’s bring back the slideshow but this time instead of just still shots of each other, include some actual video to make it more exciting and engaging. Since sound may not be the easiest for everyone to hear in a crowded room full of people, include some text and very scriptive still shots to get your story across. Take a picture next to each of your hometown signs, your employment building or logo, your school, your siblings and parents with their names added on the screen, etc. This is one where you might tap that creative friend on the shoulder and ask for some help and guidance if this isn’t your jam.
Pre-dance or Pre-dinner Trivia
You could have whoever is the host or hostess helping with the buffet line ask some trivia questions to determine who’s table is the next to get in line. This helps pass the time for those waiting for their turn to eat. The DJ or entertainment could also host a trivia before the dance. My niece and nephew played the “which one” game where the DJ asked things like “Who is the neatest?”, “Who is on time the most?”. Then the couple sat back to back with one of each partner’s shoes in their hand and raised it as their answer.
Printed Programs
If you have your heart set on a program, there are some really cute ideas out there. I suggest trying to fit everything on a half sheet of paper, so no pictures. Suggestions for sections include:
- Your timeline (met – first date – met family – engaged).
- Include step children if you have them! This is their day too.
- A few things each person in the couple likes individually
- What the couple likes to do together
- Fun facts
- QR code for guests to upload photos and/or hashtag to use when posting
- Food menu
- Desert menu
- Timeline of the day
- A thank you to your guests
Important – just because you include a thank you on the program DOES NOT mean you don’t have to send out individual thank yous! Using the excuse of “we just had so many people at the wedding” doesn’t exclude you from spending the time to send them out. You invited them. They showed up. They brought a gift. They deserve a thank you.
However you decide to tell your story, be sure to make it fun and simple. There is no need to type up a novel or record your memoir. Stick to the basics and it will make your planning much more enjoyable and simple.
Remember, less is more
~ Melissa
