40 Sweet and Sentimental Wedding Ideas
As couples are planning those big decisions for their wedding day – such as the venues, photographers and catering menus – often the little things can get overlooked. Don’t forget about those small, sentimental details that really make a wedding day feel ultra-special. Here are some sweet ideas we've seen lately.
special moments with parents
1. Have a "first look" – with your dad!
2. Or, have a first look with both of your parents.
3. Right before you're pronounced man and wife, take a pause to give your moms a kiss.
4. And before leaving the ceremony with your new husband, give your dad a kiss to remind him that he's still an important part of your life.
personalized fashion
5. Did your mother or grandmother preserve their wedding gowns? If so, consider wrapping your bouquet handle in the same fabric. Adding vintage lace, buttons and embroidery can be a beautiful (and sentimental) addition to your wedding day attire.
6. Wear your mother’s veil or a layer of your mother’s veil.
7. Accessorize with a sentimental family heirloom, like a string of pearls or diamond earrings, that's been passed down for generations. Add a heirloom broach to your bridal bouquet.
8. For a sweet "something blue,” sew a heart cut from your father’s or grandfather’s blue dress shirt on the inside of your dress.
9. For another “something blue,” embroider your wedding date on the inside hem of your wedding dress with blue thread.
10. To feel as though your late loved ones are walking you down the aisle, attach small photo charms of them to your bouquet.
just the two of you
11. Exchange love letters in a location where your photographer can capture both of your reactions together, but you won't see each other. You can read your notes to each other aloud (or silently together) on either side of an open door, or while standing back to back.
12. Write each other love letters on the day of your wedding and seal them closed in a box with a bottle of wine. Open the box on an anniversary.
include your guests
13. Display family photos – past and present – on a special table.
14. Have a loved one who can't make it to your wedding? Show that you're still thinking of her on your big day by texting a photo with a personalized sign. She’ll be touched by your special shout-out!
15. Pay tribute to the longest-married couple at your wedding by playing a special song, such as the couple’s first dance song.
Flower girls
16. Snap a precious photo of you and your flower girl, and save it to give to her on her own wedding day!
17. Why should age matter? Ask your grandmothers to be your flower girls!
Ceremony ideas
18. Have your wedding commemorated as a painting! Hire an artist to capture your wedding on canvas for a one-of-a-kind keepsake you’ll cherish forever.
19. Craft a custom box for your wedding rings that looks adorable when your ring bearer carries it down the aisle. Plus, you can use it to hold your rings long after you say "I do."
20. Customize the traditional sand ceremony to reflect your story, such as combining the white sand from the groom’s home state of Florida with black sand from the bride’s home state of Hawaii.
21. Instead of having your guests toss bird seeds or flower petals as you leave the ceremony, toss something meaningful to you and your family, such as wheat from the groom's family farm.
Bridal party
22. Snap a group photo of the bridesmaids holding signs stating when they met the bride.
23. Give each of your bridesmaids a clutch purse with a message sewn inside. After the wedding, they'll think of you every time they use it.
Pets
24. Include your treasured pet pooch in your engagement photos.
25. Your dog is a part of the family – let him take an important role in your wedding day such as serving as ring bearer.
Personalized décor
26. Display some of the must-know details of your "love story" on a chalkboard at the ceremony entrance.
27. Line your aisle with photos of you two growing up – start with baby photos at the back, getting older as you approach the altar.
28. Create a DIY aisle runner that tells (and shows) your love story. Include pictures, quotes and dates, so as you’re walking down the aisle you can relive your entire love story.
29. Hang a photo timeline of your years together above the dessert table.
Guest books
30. Let guests write their message on a piece of paper, roll it and tuck into a jar or wine bottle for you to read on upcoming anniversaries.
31. Display a book filled with quotes, poetry or scripture and ask guests to highlight their favorite line and sign their name beside it.
32. You can also provide a canvas that guests can write messages on. Then later, you can hang this special keepsake in your home to enjoy for years to come.
Table numbers
33. Surprise guests with table names unique to you and your groom. Get inspired by your favorite things about Alaska, favorite quotes about love, nicknames you gave each other or special destinations you’ve visited together.
34. Get out those adorable baby photos. On your table numbers, add a photo of each of you at that age.
Desserts
35. Incorporate the lyrics of your first dance song on
your cake.
36. Use your favorite love verse or line from a song or poem as your cake topper.
37. Let the groom use his grandfather's military ceremonial sword to cut the cake.
38. Serve up secret family dessert recipes, displayed on the family’s heirloom dishes.
Saying thanks
39. At each place setting, include a special thank you to your guests.
40. For a small wedding, consider writing out a personalized note to each guest. The notes could double as place cards and be a sweet surprise to guests as they take their seats.
