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  Sing a Song -160985

  Give the DJ a break and sing your favorite love song as you walk down the aisle. There won’t be a dry eye in the place.

  Photo Credit: Serena Swan Photography

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  Book Décor

  If you’re a bookworm, incorporate your passion into the décor. Choose your favorite love stories (Pride and Prejudice, anyone?) or books that are meaningful to you as a couple.

  Related: 10 Sweet Ideas for a Literary-Themed Wedding

  Photo Credit: Jessica Claire Photography

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  Modern Banner

  Say what you’re thinking – this funny “Best Day Ever” sign gets straight to the point and makes for a perfect photo op.

  Related: 50 Clever Signs Your Wedding Guests Will Love

  Photo Credit: Laura Murray Photography

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  Beer Blending

  If typical unity ceremonies aren’t really your thing, create one that fits your personalities. This couple blended beer to create a extra special black and tan.

  Photo Credit: Libby Neder

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  Beach Balls

  If you’re having a beach wedding, there’s no excuse for not having beach balls. They’re great for an exit toss.

  Related: 70+ Ideas for Beach Weddings

  Photo Credit: Life Long Studios

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  Live Music

  Live music during the ceremony will help create festive vibes. Ask the band to play acoustic versions of your favorite pop songs for a nontraditional twist.

  Photo Credit: Tec Petaja

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  Big Balloons

  Skip the bouquets and give your bridesmaids giant balloons for a more whimsical look.

  Photo Credit: Watson Studios

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  Dramatic Backdrop

  Understated is overrated. These vibrant flowers and drapes make for a breathtaking backdrop.

  Related: 20 Eye-Catching Ideas for Your Ceremony Backdrop

  Photo Credit: Susan Stripling

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  Appetizers

  Nothing says “welcome to the party” better than booze and burgers.

  Photo Credit: Olivia Leigh Photographie

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  Narrative Aisle Runner

  Tell the story of your love (so far) on your aisle runner with photos, dates, and fun facts about your relationship. This DIY activity is a great way to reminisce together before the big day (date night idea!).

  Photo Credit: The Other Sister Photography

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  Favorite Lyrics

  Set a romantic mood by incorporating your favorite love song lyrics into the décor.

  Related: 50 Quotes About Love and Marriage

  Photo Credit: Fete Photography

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  Lego Bowl

  Leave out a bowl of Legos or blocks so kids (and adults) can construct something cool during any downtime.     

  Related: Lego-Themed Wedding Ideas

  Photo Credit: Gemma Clarke Photography

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  Laugh It Up

  Your wedding vows are serious business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with them. Write in a few jokes to lighten the mood.

  Related: 30+ Examples of Wedding Vows

  Photo Credit: Choco Studio

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  Heart Décor

  These adorable hearts will instantly brighten up your aisle. Getting married inside? Consider hanging them off the end of each row instead.

  Related: 40 Ways to Decorate Your Ceremony Aisle

  Photo Credit: Lucky Malone Photography

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  Hand-fasting

  Hand-fasting is an ancient Celtic ritual that’s easily adapted for a modern wedding. Your officiant can help fasten your hands together with ribbon or a cord while you exchange your vows.

  Related: Irish Wedding Traditions

  Photo Credit: Chris Isham Photography

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  Alternative Flower Girls

  Don't have any little ones to be the flower girls? No problem! Just enlist your grandmothers to take on the job instead.

  Photo Credit: Genevieve Leiper Photography

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  Lawn Games

  Keep your guests entertained before the festivities with lawn games. This personalized cornhole board can be a treasured keepsake later on, too.

  Related: 20+ Games to Play at Your Wedding

  Photo Credit: KT Merry Photography

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  Cozy Furniture

  Let attendees kick back in comfort during the ceremony. Rent or borrow mismatched furniture for a homey vibe, inside or outside.

  Photo Credit: Ryan Ray

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  Family Tree

  Display old photos of your families in vintage frames for a personal touch.

  Photo Credit: Green Autumn Photography

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  Grand Entrance

  Want to really relish your moment in the spotlight? Make the grandest possible entrance with candles, subdued lighting, and a sensational train.

  Photo Credit: Stephen Green Photography

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  Farm Animals

  Animals make everything more fun — especially when you walk in with a donkey! If you’re planning a rustic wedding, consider bringing along a gentle farm critter to delight your guests.

  Photo Credit: Jennifer Weems Photography

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  Bring Your Dog

  If you’ve got a furry friend at home, include him as the ring bearer or just as a distinguished guest.

  Related: What to Consider Before Including Your Pet in the Wedding

  Photo Credit: SMS Photography

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  Love Story

  Some of your more distant relatives are probably a little hazy on the details of your love story, so fill them in with a cute infographic in your program.

  Photo Credit: Shewanders Photography

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  Word Search

  Keep them busy while they wait with a word search — wedding-themed, of course!

  Photo Credit: Blueberry Photography

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  Big Board Games

  Set up giant versions of your favorite games, such as Connect Four or Jenga, for guests to enjoy before or after the ceremony.

  Photo Credit: Lawson Photography

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  Confetti Toss

  Hand out confetti for guests to toss during your exit. It’s way more fun than rice and will look prettier in photos, too.

  Photo Credit: Jeremiah and Rachel Photography

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  Bright Colors

  Bright colors make everything cheerier, so don’t be afraid to go all out with bold décor.

  Photo Credit: Krista Photography

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  Bubble Fun

  Or, opt for bubbles for your exit toss. They’re fun and they’re mess-free!

  Photo Credit: Oana Foto

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  Scenic Setting

  A scenic setting — like this one in the mountains — will make your guests gasp in amazement.

  Related: 50 Unexpected Places to Tie the Knot

  Photo Credit: Atlas and Elia Photography

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  Sand Ceremony

  A sand ceremony is symbolic of blending your two families together. Each of you chooses a different sand — some people choose different colors, while others pick from a meaningful location. If you have children, this is the perfect time to include them as well.

  Related: 10 Meaningful Touches for Your Ceremony

  Photo Credit: True Photography Weddings

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  Ringwarming

  A ring warming lets your guests be more involved in the ceremony and is a great way to incorporate different religions. Pass your wedding bands around so each person can privately make a wish or say a blessing over them. 

  Photo Credit: Chard Photographer

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  Ring Security

  Promote your ring bearer to a security guard. Just be warned — he might steal the show!

  Related: 100 Times Kids Stole the Show at a Wedding

  Photo Credit: Kim Le Photography

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  Unusual Recessional

  Opt for a peppy, nontraditional song for your recessional. It’ll signal to your guests that it’s time to get the party started.

  Photo Credit: Raechel Denise Photography

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  Unique Reading

  Select a lighthearted reading to make your guests laugh and cry at the same time. If you’re stuck, try children’s books or poem (like “Oh the Places You’ll Go”) for simple but heartfelt descriptions of love.

  Photo Credit: Designs by JK

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  Popcorn Machine

  Guests will love munching on a tasty snack before the ceremony starts. Bonus: the vintage popcorn machine adds a quaint feel.

  Related: 50 Ideas for a Vintage-Inspired Wedding

  Photo Credit: Sarah Dicicco

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  Pom Poms

  Let guests celebrate your union by tossing bright pom poms as soon as it’s official (kids will particularly love this one!).

  Photo Credit: Hannah Costello

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  Pot a Plant

  Get those freshly manicured hands dirty by potting a plant together. Then, watch it grow alongside your relationship.

  Photo Credit: Studio 29

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  Pinwheels

  Pinwheels add the perfect amount of breeziness to your big day. Use them as décor, or simply leave them to entertain kids while they wait for the ceremony to begin.

  Photo Credit: Sugar + Soul Photography

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  Play with a Piñata

  Immediately following the ceremony, let attendees take a swing at a pinata full of treats. Bonus points if it’s wedding-themed, like this one!

  Photo Credit: Debra Gulbas Photography

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  Aisle Décor

  Get your guests in the right mood and set a dreamy, romantic vibe before the festivities even begin by sprinkling white flower petals on the aisle.

  Photo Credit: Alison Duke Photography

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  Paper Flowers

  Choose an alternative bouquet, such as this beautiful mix of paper flowers. You won’t have to worry about it wilting, and it will be a timeless souvenir of your wedding day.

  Related: Say No to Flowers: 25 Alternatives to the Bridal Bouquet

  Photo Credit: Ria Mishaal

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  Friend as Officiant

  Having a friend or close relative act as your officiant adds a sweet personal touch to the proceedings.

  Photo Credit: Vienna Glenn Photography

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  Newspaper Program

  Get creative with your wedding program. We love this couple’s personalized newspaper featuring stories and photos about their love.

  Photo Credit: Riverland Studios

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  Mismatched Bridesmaids

  Letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses gives each lady a chance to show off her unique personality. You can give them guidelines as to what color, length, fabric, or style you prefer — or you can go with a bold variety like this bride.

  Related: Mix & Match Done Right: 25 Ideas for Your Bridesmaids

  Photo Credit: Beautiful Day Photography

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  Unity Painting

  You don’t need to have artistic talent to make a beautiful unity painting. You and your partner each pick a color and carefully pour a small amount on a blank canvas, watching as they blend together.

  Photo Credit: Bek and Addison Photography

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  Honor Tradition

  Honor your heritage by working in cultural traditions, such as this tea-pouring ceremony.

  Related: Fun Cultural Traditions to Include in Your Wedding

  Photo Credit: Docuvitae

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  Time Capsule

  Ask your guests to leave a message for your time capsule, to be opened at least a year after your marriage. Now you have one more reason to look forward to your anniversary!

  Related: 50 Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas

  Photo Credit: Leah Moyers Photography

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  Spiral Seating

  Who says your guests have to sit in straight lines? This spiral set-up lets everyone get a close-up with the bride as she makes her way to the center.

  Photo Credit: Gideon Photography

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  Sneakers

  If sneakers are part of your daily uniform, there’s no reason why you can’t wear them on your wedding day, too. Colorful Chucks add personality and style to the event, and you can customize them with your new name or wedding date.

  Related: 30 Wedding-Worthy Flats

  Photo Credit: Mary & Roy

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  Petal Shower

  Celebrate your first kiss as a married couple with a surprise petal shower.

  Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid Photography

50 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony