Last time, we talked about the big stuff—the structure of your wedding: venue, budget, type of celebration. The bones, basically. But once that’s sorted, it’s time to think about the part that really brings your day to life: what actually happens at your wedding. I could’ve written another checklist of must-dos and standard ideas, but wedding content can be so painfully repetitive. If I see another Pinterest board suggesting the same “unique” idea for the 3000th time, I might actually throw up!
Weddings should feel personal, full of meaning, not like they came straight out of a wedding factory. So here are some ideas, some ways to make your wedding feel unique to you.
1. Showcase your traditions
Every couple has little traditions, even if they don’t realize it. Maybe you always make the same homemade cookies on Sundays—why not serve them at your wedding or slip the recipe into your invitations? Maybe you and your fiancé have a deep love for Spain and visit every summer, tell that story, share photos, or include Spanish elements into your decor or menu.
Got a little pre-bedtime ritual, like sharing a cup of tea or doing a silly handshake? Reenact it during your speech or first dance and observe the big smile on your guests lips.The small things you do together, the inside jokes, the moments that make your relationship yours—those are what feels intimate.
💡 Personal touch: On our first anniversary, I surprised my fiancé with a photo album of our first year together, filled with our favorite moments. Since then, every year, without fail, we make one for our anniversary. So at our wedding, we’ll be displaying all our albums for guests to flip through.
2. Hand-make or hand-pick as much as possible
I don’t mean tragic DIY projects that look better in your head than in real life. But real, personal touches? Those do make a difference. Handwritten invitations, thrifted glassware, place cards with personal notes—these things actually make guests feel seen and part of your day.
I once saw a couple write personal letters to every guest as their place cards. Someone else made a wedding playlist with a song picked for each guest. These small things don’t just look cool—they make your guests feel like they’re part of something special.
💡 Personal touch: I handmade all our wedding invitations. I printed out photos of us, tied them with a ribbon, and included a handwritten invitation where I called each guest by name. Yes, it took forever, but it felt so much more meaningful.
3. Scrap the ‘have to do’ list
The biggest trap in wedding planning? Thinking you have to follow a set timeline or traditions. You don’t.
If you want to walk down the aisle to your favorite rock song—do it. If you’d rather throw dried flowers instead of confetti—go for it. Want to swap out a formal dinner for a picnic? Serve pizza instead of a three-course meal? Get married on a boat? There are no rules.
If a tradition feels forced, skip it. If something sounds meaningful or fun, make it happen.
💡 Personal touch: We decided on a small, intimate wedding. No cake cutting, no garter toss, no public vows. Instead, we’re taking a ferry from the ceremony to the aperitif just because. There will be confetti and a bouquet toss, but only because those are things we actually want to do.
Final thoughts
Your wedding should feel like you. Years from now, you will remember the little things that made the day special: the traditions you kept, the personal touches, the moments that felt right for you. So forget what you’re “supposed” to do. Make it personal, make it fun, and most importantly—make it yours.
And speaking of making it yours… next time, we’re talking about THE dress—the one that feels like you! In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you: What personal touches are you planning for your wedding—or what did you do that made your day feel truly you? Drop your ideas in the comments!
