Your wedding day is one of the most personal and
cherished days of your life. Your wedding ceremony itself should be just as personal. Every aspect of it, from readings to music to symbolism, should be a reflection of you, your betrothed, and the bond that you share.
"To make this day truly your own, rejoice in everything that makes your union unique," says Charlotte Eulette, National Director, Celebrant USA Foundation. "Express yourself among family and friends through a
personalized ceremony." Here are several ways from the Celebrant USA Foundation to make your ceremony unique to you:
Tell your personal story
Share the story of how you met
and why you fell in love. What were the first words you said to each other? Where was your first date? How did the proposal happen? What actions of the other say I love you? What does your partner do that always makes
you laugh? Your Celebrant can include these words in the introduction or elsewhere in the ceremony.
Interview your family and friends
Include their anecdotes, wishes and advice in the body of the ceremony.
Honor the Presenter
If one or both of you will be presented in marriage, take this time to reflect on what this
relationship means to you. Have your Celebrant include words of homage, amusing stories, and thanks.
Beyond "Here Comes the Bride"
If the traditional wedding music doesn't appeal to you,
include songs or music that have created the soundtrack to your relationship.
Celebrate Your Heritage
Make a list of your respective ethnic, cultural or religious backgrounds. Research
wedding rituals, poets and music from these traditions and create a distinctive blend of words and symbols. Honor both your backgrounds and the ceremony will reflect your unique partnership.
Something New
Borrow freely from the rich wedding customs around the world. You don't need to belong to a particular culture or religion for its rituals to have meaning. Such rituals have been performed for
hundreds or thousands of years because they resonate with universal truths about marriage.
