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Seven ideas for personalizing your wedding

BY BRIANNE DISYLVESTER

WeddingChannel.com

It's your wedding, and you want it to be all about you, from your gown to your monogrammed napkins.

But personalizing your wedding is more than just planning great details -- it's about the significance behind it all. Create a wedding with deep meaning using our creative tips.

1. Write your own vows: Avoid the cookie-cutter "I take thee to be my... "and pen your own vows. Keep it short, sweet and concise. Mention personal moments from the past and express your future dreams. Avoid using cliches and don't pretend to be someone you're not. If you're nervous about speaking from your heart in front of a crowd, recite a poem or read a passage that's dear to you.

2. Have a friend or family member officiate: Nobody knows you better than your friends and family. Although you may have grown up with a specific religious leader, it doesn't necessarily mean he/she will give a personal, meaningful ceremony. Luckily these days, you don't need a priest or rabbi to marry you -- a friend or family member can do it by becoming ordained via the Internet. Talk to them about your expectations and what you want your ceremony to be like. By eliciting someone close to you, it will reflect your true personality.

3. Include a tradition: Carrying on a tradition is a great way to represent your past and honor your family members. Ask relatives if they have any traditions and combine them to create a new one. Or take one and add your own special twist. You can represent your past and present and bestow that tradition on your children.

4. Embrace a culture and religion: Rather than picking and choosing which elements of your culture or religion to include, use them all. From combined vows to multiple rituals, you can customize your ceremony to feature all the necessary elements that represent both of you.

5. Tell your story: At this point, everyone knows how you met and fell in love, but what they may not be aware of are all the great details in between. Include your story with all the special milestones in your ceremony, programs or even in the invitation. Guests will love reading about your memories while celebrating your future.

6. Involve family: Celebrate your family and embrace your new one by having relatives participate in the ceremony. Each person could say something nice about the bride and groom or impart their marital advice. If family members are shy or you want to keep the ceremony short, have them walk down the aisle before the wedding party and include a bit about each person in the program.

7. Stick to your guns: Instead of trying to please everyone, simply focus on making yourselves happy. This is your wedding day that you'll remember forever. If friends or family are pressuring you into something, say, "That's a great idea! I'll consider it. Thanks." They'll eventually get the hint.