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Smart Eco-Friendly Swaps for Your Wedding Day

Start with the invitations. "Nowadays, there is a wide variety of recycled and tree-free paper, including handmade, colorful, and artistic materials.

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50 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony

Wedding receptions may hog most of the attention, but the ceremony is ultimately the most important part of the day. Whether you’re saying your vows in a traditional church or at a casual backyard gathering, there are plenty of ways to make the proceedings more personal and entertaining for your guests. Here, steal some inspiration from these couples and their unforgettable ceremonies.

By: Chrisanne Grise

Enter Slideshow

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
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
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
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
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
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
Big Balloons
Skip the bouquets and give your bridesmaids giant balloons for a more whimsical look.
Photo Credit: Watson Studios
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
Appetizers
Nothing says “welcome to the party” better than booze and burgers.
Photo Credit: Olivia Leigh Photographie
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Family Tree
Display old photos of your families in vintage frames for a personal touch.
Photo Credit: Green Autumn Photography
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
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
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
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
Word Search
Keep them busy while they wait with a word search — wedding-themed, of course!
Photo Credit: Blueberry Photography
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
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
Bright Colors
Bright colors make everything cheerier, so don’t be afraid to go all out with bold décor.
Photo Credit: Krista Photography
Bubble Fun
Or, opt for bubbles for your exit toss. They’re fun and they’re mess-free!
Photo Credit: Oana Foto
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Petal Shower
Celebrate your first kiss as a married couple with a surprise petal shower.
Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid Photography