You + Me
Make It Truly Yours
Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your special day - a moment to celebrate your unique love story in front of your closest family and friends. Personalising your ceremony makes it meaningful, memorable, and a true reflection of who you are as a couple. If you’re wondering how to add your own special touch, here are some inspiring ideas and examples to help you create a ceremony that’s authentically yours.
1. Write Your Own Vows
Nothing says “personal” like words straight from the heart. Writing your own vows allows you to express your love, promises, and hopes for your future in your own voice. Whether heartfelt, poetic, or lighthearted, your vows make the ceremony deeply intimate and unique.
Example: A couple might include stories about how they met or funny quirks they adore about each other, making guests smile and feel connected.
2. Include Meaningful Readings and Music
Choose readings, poems, or song lyrics that resonate with your relationship or values. These can be from literature, movies, or even original works by friends or family.
Example: A favourite poem about love or a passage from a cherished book read by a close friend or sibling adds a personal layer to your ceremony.
3. Incorporate Cultural or Family Traditions
Celebrate your heritage or family customs by weaving them into your ceremony. This could be a Māori karakia, a handfasting ritual, or lighting a unity candle.
4. Personalise Your Ceremony Space
Add décor and symbols that reflect your personalities and story. This might include photos, heirlooms, or meaningful colours and flowers.
A couple of ideas I have loved over the years…
One couple spent months taking insta photos of them with each of their guests and used those as place cards.
Another couple named each of the tables with the names of each of the countries they had visited and decorated the table accordingly
One had a beach theme, complete with a surfboard at the entry with the table settings.
5. Choose Your Own Ceremony Structure
Work with your celebrant to design a ceremony flow that suits you. Maybe you want a short and sweet ceremony, or perhaps you prefer a longer, storytelling style.
6. Involve Your Whānau and Friends
Invite loved ones to participate by reading, singing, or giving a blessing. This not only honours important people in your lives but also creates a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Have a close friend read a favourite poem, or perhaps your sibling can perform a song that’s meaningful to your relationship.
7. Add Symbolic Rituals
Rituals like sand ceremonies, planting a tree, or exchanging personal tokens can visually express your commitment and unity.
8. Use Your Own Words and Language
If you speak multiple languages or want to include Te Reo Māori, ask your celebrant to incorporate these into your ceremony. It’s a beautiful way to honour your backgrounds and make your ceremony inclusive.
9. Create a Ceremony Programme That Reflects You
Design your ceremony programme with your favourite colours, fonts, and photos. Include personal notes or stories about your relationship to share with guests. Share your ideas with your celebrant so this is woven through your day from start to finish.
10. End with a Unique Exit
Instead of the traditional confetti toss, consider bubbles, flower petals, or a special song that means something to you both. Dance in/out. Have Flower Guys (if you don’t have little people taking part) throw petals over you. Ask your guests to form an arch. Have FUN!
Final Thoughts
Personalising your wedding ceremony is about making every moment feel meaningful and authentic to you. Your celebrant is there to guide and support you through the process, helping you craft a ceremony that celebrates your love story in a way that’s uniquely yours.