10 Ways to Incorporate Sentimental Elements Into Your Wedding
Your wedding is a momentous occasion you want to be unique to you and your lifetime partner. The best way to do this is to incorporate sentimental elements into your ceremony and reception.
This approach can make your day even more memorable for you and your loved ones. Go as subtle or as visible as you’d like when choosing which parts of yourselves to share in your wedding.
Photo by Caitlin Alohilani Photography
1. Wear Heirloom Wedding Bands
Heirloom rings have immense sentimental value as people pass them down from generation to generation. These rings have been present for the love and relationship of each couple before you and your partner. Wearing the same bands as you navigate your marriage together can be a great blessing.
2. Add a Cultural Element
Are you marrying someone from another culture or want to showcase yours? Consider incorporating cultural elements into your attire or decorations to make your celebration all the more special and personal.
For example, unlike in the United States, brides in many other cultures wear bright colors on their wedding day. In Chinese culture, brides typically wear red silk gowns with gold jewelry. Brides with Indian heritage may choose to wear sarees in red, yellow or orange and have henna on their hands and feet. And similarly, grooms of Filipino heritage often wear traditional barongs. A common way to incorporate cultural attire is to have a second look in addition to your white gown or tux that you might change into for your cake cutting or special dances to honor your heritage.
Your culture can also inspire your wedding decor. Japanese couples may decorate with 1,000 origami cranes, which are believed to grant good fortune. Paper lanterns similarly represent good fortune in Chinese culture and can be hung in your reception space.
3. Pick a Meaningful Flower
The bouquet and flower arrangements are often integral parts of a wedding. While many tend to choose their flower type solely based on appearances, consider the symbolism behind these blossoms. Here are a few examples:
Roses: Roses are renowned for symbolizing passion, but specific colors can have deeper meanings. For instance, lavender roses signify love at first sight and complete adoration. It’s a splendid choice for couples who were head over heels for each other from the beginning.
Lilies: Calla lilies often appear in wedding bouquets, serving as a sign of devotion and union. They also resemble purity and beauty.
Tulips: White wedding tulips are a staple for springtime weddings, and they symbolize a blossoming love. Red variations of this flower indicate perfect love, two people who are utterly meant for each other.
Hydrangeas: Blue hydrangeas may seem attractive, but they primarily convey apologies and appreciation. Pink hydrangeas are the way to go, as they represent romance and sincerity.
4. Personal Cameras for Guests
While professional photographers will capture all the beautiful moments of your wedding day, you can get your guests in on the fun by providing cameras for anyone to use. Place disposable cameras on each table so guests can take candids or silly pictures on the dancefloor. When you get the photos developed, you’ll get to see all the fun moments your friends and family had throughout the night.
You can also set up a Polaroid camera station where guests can take pictures and have them printed as cute and simple favors to take home. You may also consider putting a Polaroid photo album out with a pen so guests can sign or write a note on the back of their picture for you to read later.
5. Play a Song That’s Close to Home
Maybe you have a song you and your partner first danced to in high school. Perhaps there’s this lullaby that’s near and dear to your family. Consider inviting musicians who can perform the song for you or hire a DJ who can make sure to celebrate the importance of music to you.
6. Choose a Memorable Color Combination
Many people tend to choose their wedding color palette to suit the time of year or follow a certain trend. While you can consider those factors, try to think of a memorable color combination you and your partner love. For example, if you both love the ocean and nature, think about going with blue and green shades.
Photos by Angel Sheree Photography
7. Prepare a Personalized Ceremony
There are different ways to make your wedding venue appear more sentimental or personalized to your interests, beliefs and culture. For instance, a Jewish couple is traditionally married under a chuppah, a canopy that’s passed down in a family.
Another beautiful and special way to create a sentimental ceremony is to customize your vows to your partner. Consider how you can add various subtle elements to your ceremony to make it truly your own.
8. Have Your Favorite Foods on the Menu
Food is an innate expression of love, so you can also make this part of your wedding sentimental. You can shake up the appetizers or main courses, but you should also put some thought into the dessert options. If your partner makes a dessert you’ve simply fallen in love with, make it a part of the wedding menu.
You can also choose foods that represent your culture, whether it be a traditional Mexican taco bar, Spanish-style tapas, sushi or Italian desserts. Authentic cuisine from your or your partner’s culture is sure to stand out more than the typical chicken or fish entree.
9. Have an Audio Guestbook
A guestbook is a wonderful way to receive notes from those who attended your wedding, especially because you may not be able to talk to every person. Consider having an audio guestbook, like After the Tone or FêteFone, that records guest voicemails instead of a traditional guestbook at your wedding. That way, you can still hear from the people who attended, as well as keep their special messages forever.
10. Display Pictures of Loved Ones
Weddings are a celebration of love, but they also recognize the importance of life. Save a special seat for a deceased loved one or create an intimate memorial table to commemorate their presence. Look out into the crowd and see a framed picture of a dear family member or friend, knowing their importance in your life and relationship.
Embrace Emotional Wedding Elements
Many people forget how touching a union can be. Two different people come together, bringing a whole family and history along for the ride. Embrace your emotions and add a sentimental wedding element or two to your special day.
Love these helpful tips & wedding inspiration?
Author Bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist, where she aims to inspire people to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn.
