10 Creative Ideas for Wedding Ceremonies

Hey – it´s all about you; take back your ceremony! It is a ritual – time honored and sacred – but that does not mean your wedding ceremony has to be like every other. Of course, some couples choose to be extremely original and opt for exchanging vows on a roller coaster, while bungee jumping or even dressed as trekies. I say – good for them for such uninhibited displays of originality. But even if you prefer a more traditional and "scream-free" wedding ceremony, you can still add a touch of personality.

Here are ten creative ways to infuse your ceremony with elements that are distinctly you.

Make the Location Memorable -
Not every wedding ceremony must take place in a house of worship. Outdoor locations and other types of ceremony sites can make for ceremonies that are both spiritual and memorable. Consult this list of unique wedding ceremony sites for inspiration.

Refresh Your Guests -
Welcome and refresh your guests by serving lemonade, iced tea or water. It´s a nice touch, and your guests will appreciate the gesture. Depending on the season or nature of your wedding, you can use your refreshment of choice to tie in the theme or style of the day.

Get Personal with Decorations-
Who says your ceremony decorations must be floral? How about draping framed photographs of the bride and groom tied with ribbon over the ends of each row? This wedding flowers and wedding decorations guide can help you create a unique and memorable decor scheme for your ceremony.

Customize Your Programs -
Summer brides – how about programs in the shape of a fan? Or keep the shape and style traditional, and include a personal letter or poem to add some interest to this often overlooked detail. This list of ideas for wedding programs has even more suggestions to get your creative juices flowing.

Make Your Entrance Grand-
There are other ways to make your entrance beyond the traditional march with your father. Ride in on a horse. Or be escorted by both parents, a close uncle, brother, friend—even a pet!

Personalize the Aisle Runner -
You will know this is your ceremony while walking down the isle on a runner personalized with your monogram or logo.

Beyond "Here Comes the Bride" -
If walking down the isle to the same song as thousands of brides before you doesn´t sound appealing, there´s no reason why your favorite tune can´t make a memorable substitute!

Mix up the Bridal Party -
Who says your maid of honor must be a "maid?" If your best pal happens to be a guy, have a "man of honor." Same goes for the best man; there´s no reason why there can´t be a "best woman."

Not Crazy about the Unity Candle? Try the Sand Ceremony -
Instead, combine sand into a beautiful bowl or vase. The sand can be of two colors, creating a visual representation of the joining of two families and something you can keep and cherish forever.

Write your own Wedding Vows, Readings, Poems -
Nothing puts that special personalized stamp on a ceremony quite like vows and readings prepared by the bride and groom themselves. These spoken words expose your mind and your heart to each other and to your audience. Get started with these tips on writing your vows and a list of popular this complete wedding readings guide.