| Hey - it's all about you; take back your ceremony! It is | | | | piece of drift wood as a weight, and place programs |
| a ritual - time honored and sacred - but that does not | | | | on each guests' chair before arrival. You get the |
| mean your wedding ceremony has to be like every | | | | idea...Or keep the shape and style traditional, and |
| other...yawn. Of course, some couples choose to be | | | | include a personal letter or poem to add some interest |
| extremely original and opt for exchanging vows on a | | | | to this often overlooked detail. |
| roller coaster, while bungee jumping or even dressed | | | | The Grand Entrance |
| as trekies. I say - good for them for such uninhibited | | | | There are other ways to make your entrance beyond |
| displays of originality. But even if you prefer a more | | | | the traditional march with your father. Ride in on a |
| traditional and "scream-free" wedding ceremony, you | | | | horse.... Or be escorted by both parents, a close uncle, |
| can still add a touch of personality. | | | | brother, friend-even a pet! |
| A Scenic Location | | | | Monogrammed Aisle Runner |
| Not every wedding ceremony must take place in a | | | | You will know this is your ceremony while walking |
| house of worship. Outdoor locations and other unique | | | | down the isle on a runner personalized with your |
| ceremony sites can make for ceremonies that are | | | | monogram or logo. |
| both spiritual and memorable. | | | | Beyond "Here Comes the Bride" |
| A Refreshing Welcome | | | | If walking down the isle to the same song as |
| Welcome and refresh your guests by serving | | | | thousands of brides before you doesn't sound |
| lemonade, iced tea or water. It's a nice touch, and your | | | | appealing, let your favorite tune can't make a |
| guests will appreciate the gesture. Depending on the | | | | memorable substitute! |
| season or nature of your wedding, you can use your | | | | Gender Bend the Bridal Party |
| refreshment of choice to tie in the theme or style of | | | | Who says your maid of honor must be a "maid?" If |
| the day. | | | | your best pal happens to be a guy, have a "man of |
| Personalized Pew/Row Decorations | | | | honor." Same goes for the best man; there's no |
| Who says your ceremony decorations must be floral? | | | | reason why there can't be a "best woman." |
| How about draping framed photographs of the bride | | | | Write your own Wedding Vows, Readings, Poems etc. |
| and groom tied with ribbon over the ends of each | | | | Nothing puts that special personalized stamp on a |
| row? | | | | ceremony quite like vows and readings prepared by |
| Customized Programs | | | | the bride and groom themselves. These spoken words |
| Summer brides - how about ceremony programs in | | | | expose your mind and your heart to each other and to |
| the shape of a fan? Beach brides - use a shell or small | | | | your audience. |