We've all heard the old adage "don't try to be like anyone else." But as any New York Event Planner can tell you: it can be hard to feel like you're making your own way when there are so many traditions that have been passed down over generations.
However, there are ways to make your wedding uniquely yours while still keeping some of those traditional aspects—and here's how:
Find an unusual backdrop.
You may be surprised to learn that the backdrop for your wedding is just as important as the ceremony, reception, and cake. It's the first thing people see when they walk in and its often what stays with them long after the vows are exchanged.
Think about your favorite holiday movie or TV show—the backdrop is always something specific to that story, which makes it feel more authentic and relatable.
The best backdrops can be anything you want them to be. They should reflect who you are as a couple and make your guests feel like they're a part of something unique.
New York Event Planners usually take things one step further by trying to find an unusual location or making use of existing elements (such as a beautiful tree or waterfall) at the venue.
Make sure any backdrop will be approved by whoever owns where your wedding will take place. If necessary, recruiting help from family members who know how things work can help smooth out any wrinkles, so everything runs smoothly on big day!
Hire a personalized DJ.
A good DJ can make or break your wedding. They also work with New York Event Planners to keep the party going and make sure that you and your guests are having an amazing time.
With so much on your plate as a newlywed, it's important to hire someone who is experienced in your venue and can play music that you like.
You want them to know when to change songs so that people keep dancing, but not so often that it becomes annoying for people trying to talk at their table.
They should also be able to announce when tables need clearing (like for cake cutting), which may not be something they have done before!
A great DJ will keep people dancing all night long!
Have a custom cake topper.
If you’re a bride who prefers to go the DIY route, consider having a custom cake topper made. A traditional cake topper is a small figurine of the bride and groom that usually depicts them holding hands or wrapped in each other’s arms. The little statuette is placed on top of the wedding cake to symbolize their unity as newlyweds.
It may seem like an old-fashioned idea, but modern brides are turning away from tradition when it comes to this part of their big day. Instead of using an off-the-shelf plastic figurine from Etsy or Amazon Prime, many couples are opting for unique options such as 3D printed designs sculpted by local artists or handcrafted wooden figures made by family members with varying skill levels (we recommend checking out Etsy for this type of product).
Some even create their own customized figurines using computer programs or laser cutting machines! If you want your personalized cake topper to look truly unique and special on your big day, there are plenty of ways to make it happen!
Custom jewelry for the wedding party.
The jewelry you wear on your wedding day is a major part of your look, and it should reflect who you are. If there’s a special piece of jewelry in your family that always belonged to the bride, consider keeping that tradition alive by passing it down to each new bride.
If you don’t have any family jewelry with which to do this, consider creating something new for yourself.
If possible, make sure every member of the bridal party has their own custom piece as well. You can order rings or necklaces with their initials engraved on them in gold or silver (the latter being more affordable). This will ensure each person feels special on his/her big day!
Also keep in mind that some couples opt for personalized rings instead of traditional engagement bands—and if this is something that interests you, we recommend checking out Etsy!
Invitations that make your guests say "wow."
The kind of invitations New York Event Planners suggest you choose to send out for a unique wedding experience, are ones that reflect your personality.
Your invitation should feel like it was made just for you and your partner. It can be fun, creative, thoughtful and/or meaningful—but most importantly it needs to be memorable!
Use a local artist for your cake design.
If you want to ensure that your cake is truly unique, look for an artist who can create something custom for you.
Look at their portfolio and ask them how they would design a cake with your wedding colors or theme in mind.
You may also want to see if they have any past clients willing to share their experience of working with this artist before making a final decision about whether or not he or she would be right for you.
Personalized vows.
Whether you write your own vows or have them written for you, having a script that's truly meaningful to the two of you is one of the best ways to make your wedding unique.
Some couples take inspiration from poems and quotes that resonate with them, while others choose to include words from their favorite books or movies.
If either of you can speak another language fluently, consider including this in your ceremony. It's bound to impress guests! It's also fun to try out different dialects (like snooty British English) if it fits with who you are as a couple.
Don't use floral centerpieces (or limit them).
If you're thinking about having floral centerpieces, especially bouquets, think again. While they look beautiful on your wedding day, floral centerpieces are expensive and can be difficult to maintain.
If your flowers are real, then you will have to worry about keeping them fresh for the duration of your event since artificial flowers don't last as long. This also means that you'll need a place where they can be stored until it's time for them to be used at the wedding reception or ceremony.
If you're using real flowers in your centerpieces, then there's always the risk of a fire hazard when they're lit up with candles or placed next to candles on dinner tables.
Another issue with using real flowers is that transporting them often requires special containers that are not easily available and may set off alarms during airport security checks if not properly labeled as being flammable materials.
Of course, if you still want to use floral centerpieces but don't want those issues mentioned above, artificial flowers may be a good option!
Artificial flower arrangements don't require watering or extra care like their live counterparts do. They'll last longer too because artificial blooms never die out (never have been alive).
But keep in mind that some types of fake greenery used in certain arrangements might not look right if put next to real plants due its plastic-y appearance.
Infuse your wedding with your culture.
This idea works particularly well for couples who are marrying across cultures. If one partner is from India but the other grew up in America, for example, there's plenty of opportunity to share traditions that speak to both sides of their heritage while also making sure each side feels honored at this special event!
Here are some ideas that will help you implement a cultural theme:
- Use a traditional song or dance.
- Invite your family to help with the wedding.
- Have a traditional meal and send out invitations in the language of your culture.
- Wear dress from your culture — or even create new outfits using your cultural style, colors, and fabrics! This could be done for both bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as the bride and groom themselves on their wedding day.
Incorporate family recipes into your menu.
One of the best ways to incorporate your family's history into your wedding is through food. You can ask your caterer to customize the menu to include family recipes rather than making a traditional menu.
Or you can ask each guest to bring a dish they make or a recipe they love, and then ask them what their favorite memory of that dish or recipe is.
You can also create a menu with a variety of ethnic foods so that guests can sample dishes from different cultures around the globe.
If you're feeling crafty, consider using this as an opportunity to have each guest write out their favorite memory on paper plates and fill them with treats (or use them as favors).
Another fun way to incorporate family recipes into your day is by turning it into an event for everyone in attendance! If possible, plan for there to be enough room at least one meal during which all members of both families are required at the same table together, and then get creative!
Invite everyone over for dinner before heading out for photos, cook up something extra special, and personalize it with touches from both sides. Serve finger foods and cocktails at cocktail hour until everyone arrives; host small bites during the party – whatever works best for you!
Conclusion
If you’re planning a wedding, it can be tempting to just go with whatever is expected. But why not make your day truly yours?
Your wedding is a day for you and your partner to celebrate the beginning of your new life together in front of friends and family who love you both as individuals and together. The best way to do that is by hiring a New York Event Planner that understands that you’re looking to have an event that reflects who each of you are as people.
If you’re a wedding planner in New York, join us for The Event Planner Expo so that you can see the latest wedding trends and learn more from top NY Event Planners!
