From having ponies as bridesmaids to playing the MGM theme as recessional music, today’s weddings are all about personality. Individualization has become a trend in marriage ceremonies, and it seems that even the most traditional weddings can portray a couple’s character.
Tracy Evans, who works at an outdoor wedding facility, has seen more and more couples adding a touch of unique flavor to their special days. But, Evans said, “the good old traditional is still popular.”
Birdseed and rice are out; bubbles and sparklers are in. Many brides are choosing to create handmade, eclectic scrapbooks of their weddings rather than just putting their photos in a traditional album. Others make their own paper for programs or invitations, or make bridal favors such as fragrant soaps, Evans said.
Creativity can go in many directions. One bride even made the program paper and embedded it with flower seeds so her guests could “plant her program” in their yards.
While some choose the handicraft route for personalization, others opt to return to their roots. Karyn Smith, a self-employed wedding coordinator in Tigard, said she has seen a number of couples include their cultural traditions in their weddings. Adding the heritage of one’s ancestors, whether Polynesian, Asian or African, has become very popular, Smith said.
Some personalization can start with the minister. Stephanie Goertzen, a wedding coordinator for the Gray Gables Estate in Milwaukie, had a couple who planned with the minister before the wedding. Each of them wrote a “Top-10” list of why they loved each other, and the minister incorporated these into his entire delivery.
“It was all about them, instead of just a dry service,” Goertzen said.
The father’s traditional escorting of the bride doesn’t have to be the only role family members play in a wedding. Evans witnessed a wedding in which the bride walked down the aisle empty-handed. Her family waited at the altar, every member holding one flower. Each of them then kissed her and handed her the flower, completing her bouquet.
For the more extravagant and romantic wedding, the bride can make her entrance more noticeable by riding in on a horse adorned in flowers. Or, for a racy twist, she could zoom to her groom on a motorcycle.
Lorraine Hubbard, who works at the Broetie House in Milwaukie, said that she’s seen many people include their dogs, horses and even cars in their ceremonies.
Another idea to consider is holding the wedding at the bride’s, groom’s or a family member’s home. This cuts costs and, although it takes extra effort, can be more private and meaningful than a standard church wedding.
Whatever couples choose to do with their weddings is their, and only their, decision.
“What I encourage people to do is pick the things they like,” Smith said. “Everything is proper if you like it.”