Your Own Unique Wedding

Want to add your own unique flare to your wedding? Although following trends has always been . . .well, a trend, your wedding should definitely be an event that reflects the real you, and although you may wish to follow tradition for some of your wedding plans, here are a few ideas of simple ways you can personalize your day.

1- Hang a series of framed photos of each of you as children around the reception so guests can peruse and catch a glimpse of your lives while growing up.

2-If you're not a big fan of sweets, serve a grand "cheesecake" built entirely of your favorite types of cheese: goat cheese, Roquefort, and more.

3- Order custom labels for bottled water to be served.

4- Make a toasat (can use grape juice) to the woman who has had the greatest impact on your life, then offer her your bouqet as a special tribute.

5- Have your florist design your bouquet in the same style as your mother's.

6- Personalize the bridesmade's flowers by selecting blooms that pair with each girl's birth month. You may want to stick to one color to look more unified; for example, pink rose, pink tulip, pink piony, and so on.

7-Forget the traditional guest book that just gets tossed aside after the wedding. Choose a coffee-table book you love and will want to display at home, and let guests write on the photos or in the margins.

8- Attach a ribbon embelished with your birthstone to your bouquet.

9-Create one large floral cednterpiece out of 10 mini vases and invite guests to take one on their way out.

10-Offer cookies baked from family recipes and provide recipe cards for guests to take home.

Whatever you decide for your special day, be sure to make it your own. Don't be afraid to try something new. After all, this wedding is about YOU and your new spouse, so don't hesitate to add your own special touch.