We’re back with some additional tips for brides in the planning process. The details surrounding the ceremony often get overlooked, unless there are a lot of traditional rules to follow. While we don’t have a rule book for a textbook ceremony, we do have some fun and creative ideas to spice up this part of your wedding day. First things first, your vows are the single most important part of the ceremony and should not be overshadowed trying to outdo other weddings.  Keep the main thing, the main thing and have fun with other details!

You may have seen a trend of sparklers for grand exit time after the reception. Talk about some amazing nighttime shots! Grand exits though not necessary, are a super fun way to end the day. To shake things up, consider having a grand exit from your ceremony. Prepare each guest, or row of guests with the item of choice; with instructions included. Why just settle for a little kiss on the way out when you can have the whole shebang right there?! This frees you up to enjoy your evening without a looming task at the end. It also allows guests to leave the festivities whenever they need to, without feeling like they are missing any special moments. 

There’s a wise saying that talks about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, all in the name of gaining perspective. What if you were to take this thought and put it into action for your wedding. It’s expected to watch the bride come down the aisle where they are joined with their fiancé before the officiant. While this beautiful moment can bring a tear to your eye, as a guest it can also leave you disappointed. With backs turned, and possibly a seat in the back, your vision can be heavily impaired. Instead, once everyone has come down the aisle, try positioning the officiant on the side of the guests, so the bride and groom end up facing them. This way everyone has a shot a seeing the love story unfold. 

Speaking of being the center of attention, another edgy move might be to host the ceremony in the center of your guests. You might be wondering, how is this done? Chairs would be strategically placed creating four quadrants or corners. Be sure to curve them so you are left with an overall circular shape, leaving the center open enough for the bride and groom. Leave space between the quadrants or corners for an isle to walk down. A big benefit to this is any large party will feel intimate. Your guests would also get a 360-degree view of you two. This means some amazing and unique shots for your photographer and videographer. 

We have all seen the photography fails of guests blocking, standing, and having their phones out. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a professional there who can get those important shots you are wanting! Have even more fun with the ceremony and have your officiant announce a time when guests can have their phones out for photos. Make it a fun a light-hearted announcement, doing a little acting if you must get those “candid” shots. Time it for around 60 seconds before returning to regular scheduled programming, at which time the phones must disappear. Again, this focus’ on guest inclusivity, and satisfies that need to snap a picture. Then everyone is free to focus on the important parts of the day without distraction. 

If you are feeling playful, or maybe the groom has a ton of guy friends or family members in his life, make them like flower girls. No dress is necessary! They can grab a fanny pack and get some flower petals and strut down the aisle. Not only will it give everyone a good laugh, but most guests also won’t see it coming!