1. SING DURING YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY
I can honestly say, that this was the most magical thing I’ve ever witnessed at a wedding ceremony. Inspired by singing traditional hymns at churches, this couple weren’t religious but loved the idea of standing with all their loved ones singing their hearts out. They printed out the words of the song “All you need is love” by The Beatles and placed on each chair for the guest to sing along to. When it was time to sing, they played the track, and everyone sang along to it. It was really wonderful.
I was totally inspired by this and so added it to our ceremony when I got married. My husband chose “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Elvis, and it was the most moving, joyous experience. I saw tears streaming down my father’s face. There’s nothing like a good old sing song with all the people you love. I can’t recommend this enough.
2. COME DOWN THE AISLE YOUR OWN WAY
The ‘traditional’ way for a bride to walk down the aisle is with her father who then ‘gives’ her away to her husband. It’s a pretty crazy and dated idea if you think about it, but a lot of brides still do this for reasons of tradition and respect, but many are starting to opt out and enter the ceremony in their own style.
I’ve seen brides walk down alone, a bride walk down the aisle with both parents, a bride skip and dance down the aisle with her mates, a bride walk down with her groom by her side, and I’ve seen a bride already being in the ceremony before the guests… my point is, if this tradition doesn’t feel right, get creative!
3. ASK YOUR OFFICIANT TO INVOLVE THE GUESTS
I saw this in a wedding and it was such a fantastic experience for the guests. The celebrant asked questions like: “What does love look like?”, “what does love mean to you?”, “what’s the thing you love most about your partner?” and then walked over with the microphone to the guests and listened to what they had to say… it totally changed the atmosphere and made everyone in the right mood for the ceremony.
4. SAY EXACTLY THE VOWLES YOU WANT TO SAY
Again, there are a few legal things that you must say if you are having a legal ceremony, but you can add your own personal touches to this.
5. GET MARRIED WHEREVER YOU LIKE
To be married legally in England the ceremony needs to be undercover and in a licensed venue. This can be quite restricting, especially if you have fallen in love with the idea of getting married in a forest, for example. But these days, it’s very popular to have the wedding ceremony and party where you wish, get a friend or a professional officiant to marry you, and do the legal bit on a separate day at a registry office with close family.
6 – HAVE YOUR GUESTS FACE EACH OTHER
Depending on where you get married, you may be able to change the seating plan and get your guests facing each other, of even in a massive circle. In the Bodleian Library the seats are all ready facing eachtoher and there is something really inclusive about facing into the room like this.
So, there are my top six ideas taken from some of the weddings I’ve been to. If you feel inspired by any of them, get creative with your wedding!!