Adding Personal Touches to Your Wedding

Title: 
Adding Personal Touches to Your Wedding

Word Count:
492

Summary:
A perfect wedding isn�t only beautiful, it�s personal. It�s got carefully selected details that are meaningful to you and your fianc�.  Here are some very simple ways to add your own subtle, unique touches to your ceremony and reception:


Keywords:
wedding photos, weddings, wedding, marriage, wedding 


Article Body:
A perfect wedding isn�t only beautiful, it�s personal. It�s got carefully selected details that are meaningful to you and your fianc�.  Here are some very simple ways to add your own subtle, unique touches to your ceremony and reception:
 
�Write your own wedding vows. It doesn�t have to read like poetry; the important thing is that it comes from your own heart. Print it out on an index card and keep it handy during the ceremony. 
�Compile a CD with songs that symbolize your relationship or how it evolved. Play this during your reception or even burn a copy and distribute as souvenirs. Insert a small piece of paper explaining why you chose those songs.
�Instead of tossing your bouquet, present it to your mother (or a dear friend or mentor) during your reception. You can also have an additional bouquet made for your groom to present his mother at the same time. 
�Guests often have free time on their hands during their reception. In the center of the table, place several pens and small pieces of paper in a pretty basket. Ask them to write their wishes, prayers, or advice for you and your fianc�. Compile in a scrapbook.
�Most wedding reception programs revolve around the couple: friends give speeches. Do something for the guests. Make a video of you and your fianc� talking about the people who�ve taught you what true love means. Mention friends who�ve demonstrated real loyalty, or family members who made great sacrifices for you. Intersperse your video with their photos. This is your chance to say thank you to all of them.
�If you have a close friend or family member who passed away, make him or her part of the occasion by inserting a small photo in your bouquet, or lighting a tribute candle at the church ceremony. 
�If you have ethnic roots, incorporate a marriage ritual from your culture into your ceremony or perform it during your reception.  
�Wear an heirloom. For example, you can use your grandmother�s veil, or wear a locket that belongs to your mother. This is an excellent way of creating a sense of continuity between generations, celebrating your own family even as you go on to begin your own. 
�Prepare an audio-video presentation that will be played during the last dance of the bride with the father. This can be just a simple montage of childhood photos. A guaranteed tear-jerker!  
�If you have kids, help them feel like they�re part of the new family by asking them to stand next to you as you say your vows.
�Add little elements that say something about your relationship as a couple. For example, if you�re giving away picture frames, insert a poem that you wrote or a copy of your wedding vows. If you met at a beach (and would rather not have a beach-themed wedding) incorporate shells into your table centerpiece.