1) Choreographed First Dance
A choreographed first dance isn't just a spectacle; it's a bonding experience for you and your fiancé amidst the chaos of wedding planning. Being true to myself, I knew from the beginning I wanted a choreographed first dance. After selecting "Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé”, my partner and I decided to take dance lessons and choreograph a routine that showcased our personalities with just the right amount of flare this song called for. This wasn't just about impressing our guests—though their cheers and applause were heartwarming—but also about finding moments of joy and connection in the whirlwind of final preparations: we indeed only were able to take 4 lessons just 3 weeks before the wedding. Despite a rehearsal during the cocktail hour that was horrific (literally our worst practice), the dance turned out to be a highlight of our reception, providing stunning photo opportunities and a memory that we will cherish forever.
It’s a perfect way to let your love story shine through.
2) Handmade Items
In a world of mass production, handmade items carry a special significance. I decided to pick up watercolor painting a few months before the wedding, and what better way to practice than by creating thank you cards? Each card was unique, a small piece of art crafted with love. Yes, it took more time than ordering from a website like Minted, but the response from our guests was incredible. They appreciated the effort and personal touch, often displaying the cards in their homes as keepsakes: my mom has it framed on her bedside table, my best friend has it on her fridge next to our Save the Date card, and a mutual friend has it displayed in her craft room.
This act of creativity and gratitude added a deeply personal layer to our celebration, making our guests feel truly valued.
3) Thoughtful Gifts
Your bridal party is there for you through thick and thin, and their support deserves a special acknowledgment. Instead of opting for generic gifts, we decided to be intentional and thoughtful with our selections. For my bridesmaids, I chose beauty products from my favorite French brand, customized to their skin types. My husband spent hours selecting gifts tailored to his groomsmen hobbies and interests. He found items they wouldn’t typically splurge on for themselves, such as a high-quality leather travel bag for a frequent traveler, a fancy die set and master screen for a D&D enthusiast, and a wooden Corvette decanter for a friend who loves Corvettes and whiskey.
These personalized gifts were more than just tokens; they were a way to express our deep appreciation for their support, making them feel truly special and understood.
Conclusion
Going the extra mile in these ways made our wedding not just a ceremony but a personalized celebration of love and gratitude. The choreographed dance strengthened our bond, the handmade thank you notes delighted our guests, and the thoughtful gifts showed our bridal party how much we value their support.