How to Represent Your Personality on Your Wedding Day

Wedding season is in full swing and many couples who postponed their big day rescheduled for 2022 or 2023. Most of us have at least one wedding to go to within the next year or are even in the planning process. Wedding planning can be super stressful. There are million things to do on a never-ending list.

One way to stay calm and start the planning process, is to focus on you and your significant other. We know, a lot of people have opinions and expectations. However, what’s most important is that the big day represents the couple and their personalities. Below, we came up with some great ideas for how to keep your wedding personal.

1. Choose a Theme or Color Scheme

Before you plan any of the little details, start with the overall theme of the day. Think of the big picture. When choosing your theme, reflect on what the two of you love to do together or something you both love. It doesn’t matter if it’s unconventional or never been done before, find something that matches your vision for the day. Also, consider your couple style and whether you imagine a causal outdoor affair or a glamorous ballroom.

After you have an idea of the themes, start picking your main and accent colors. Think of the season as well. It can be as simple as picking your favorite colors or drawing inspiration from the time of year. Color is a great way to represent personality because it gives you a chance to go bold, glam or subtle.

2. Pick Attire

Picking attire should be fun! You read that correctly. Ignore the drama on Say Yes to the Dress and other wedding shows. You can wear what you want and can ignore tradition. You don’t need a traditional black tux or white gown if that isn’t your personality. Dress clothes for all genders come in many colors and styles.

If you do choose a white dress or tux, you can add your personality to the accessories. You don’t have to wear a veil, white shoes, or fancy jewelry. There are many alternatives and ways to add a pop of color. For example, headbands or clips in your hair, bright shoes (maybe even flats!) and unique necklaces, bracelets or earrings. Tuxes also don’t have to be traditional either. Be playful with the color of the vest and tie, nix the boutonniere or go for a more casual suit instead. Remember, there are no rules.

3. Find the Right Venue

The right venue goes hand and hand with the theme. You probably wouldn’t plan a black-tie affair in a barn or a casual luau at the Plaza. When searching for a venue, keep in mind the theme, colors and big picture. Start finding places in the area that meet your expectations. Inside or outside, ceremony and reception or just one, all-inclusive or outside vendors, natural beauty vs complete decoration. These are just a few of the factors you need to consider. But if you and your husband are outdoorsy and spend summers hiking trails, find a venue with a mountain view. If you’re a city person through and through, find a location with the perfect view as a backdrop for photos. All that matters is representing what you both love.

4. Play Your Favorite Type of Music

Have you been to some wedding where the same lousy music is played over and over? Or are there just songs that you know you have to play/never want to hear. Working with your DJ or band to cultivate the right vibe is essential. There are many special moments to choose a song for, including first dance, walking down the aisle, cake cutting, etc. These don’t have to be traditional either. If you’re like us and not into top-40 music, don’t play any. Pick what will keep the both of you on the dance floor all night long.

5. Choose the Pre-Events

There’s no rule about which pre-events you must have and if the thought makes you stressed, ignore them. Some couples to choose a bridal/couple shower, engagement party, bachelorette/bachelor party and a rehearsal. You don’t have to do these if it’s not your style. Only agree to events that make you excited for your big day!

6. Cultivate a Guest List

This can be one of the trickiest parts of planning a wedding. You don’t want to offend anyone, but you really only want the people that matter. Remember, it’s up to you. Invite those who will make your day even more special.

Also, deciding on a guest count can impact the overall vibe of the day. If you have your heart set on a small intimate wedding, don’t let anyone pressure to invite your mom’s workout buddy or your uncle’s new girlfriend. Decide on the amount of people with your significant other and stick to it.

7. Serve Your Favorite Foods

Now food is the most fun portion, in our opinion. Food selection usually means tasting everything from appetizers to cake. But few weddings use the food as a chance to be creative. When deciding on what to serve, play into the venue and surroundings. Will it be a formal dinner or something more casual? Either way, incorporate your favorite foods and make sure they taste good.

You don’t have to do a traditional white cake and a plated steak with two sides if you don’t like that. Try a creative station, like a taco bar or a mashed potato bar. Choose any flavor of cake you love, or if you don’t like cake, pick your favorite dessert. There’s no rule that wedding food has the be bland. Put your personality and individual tastes into the planning.

8. Create a Slideshow for Cocktail Hour

If you want your guests to see you and your significant other together doing what you love, consider a slideshow. Some people don’t like to share a lot of pictures of themselves and that’s okay, but if you do want to create a slideshow, pick photos from your entire lives. Then, have some special couple moments, such as travel, the engagement, the first date, etc. It’s also a way to show your individual or couple hobbies.

9. Have a Signature Drink

Whether it’s alcoholic or not, consider a signature drink that matches your wedding day vibe. Work with the bartender to create a cocktail or mocktail that is yummy and aesthetically pleasing. It can even match the color scheme. But there are tons of ways to make this personal by using your favorite liquor or mixer, having the bartender make the drink you had on a special occasion or even just making something seasonal. We can get behind a pina colada in the summer and an appletini in the fall.

10. Decide on Your Budget

Okay, so this is essentially one of the first things you do to get an overall budget. However, what we mean is allocate your budget how you see fit. If you’re not a flower person, then don’t make florals a huge part of your spending because other couples do this. But if you want a specific pricey photographer, budget for that. If you search online, many websites have a suggested budgeter for what percent each vendor should cost out of the total budget. We disagree with this! If your wedding ceremony and venue are at the same location and you’re staying onsite or close by, you probably don’t need to hire transportation. Choose to prioritize which vendors you want and go from there!

11. Don’t Feel Pressure to be Traditional

Weddings are changing and less people are having the traditional wedding of religious ceremony and then a reception to follow nearby. If you’re not religious, don’t feel pressure to please your parents and get married in a place of worship. However, traditions can come in many forms. Our main point here is not to let other people’s expectations hijack your wedding. At the end of the day, it’s about the commitment you two are making together. It should be exactly what you want, not what anyone else believes a wedding should be.