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