Debs Ivelja

Work your logistics and layout around your venue's shape and vibe. For example, if you've selected a small and intimate space, then consider seating your guests in a semi-circle around you to extend the cosy feel.

For loftier locations and bigger spaces, consider an elevated position slightly raised above your guests on a decorated platform or even centre stage.

Discuss what you'd like to achieve and how much you can bend 'the rules' to suit. Most venues are receptive to new ideas, so share your vision with them in order to formulate the best plan possible.

Simple elements can make a huge difference on the actual day, and diverting from the norm just a little presents a fresh perspective that will make the ceremony all the more memorable. "I often encourage people to flout tradition and seat the bride's guests on the right and the groom's on the left - this way each family can see the face of their loved one throughout the ceremony," comments wedding stylist Elle Winsor-Grime of Inspire Hire (inspire-hire.co.uk).

Why not scatter the choir amongst the congregation, or stagger the seating so that everyone can see more clearly? Consider both the comfort and line of vision of both you and your congregation. Even extra cushions and strategically placed heating (if required) can make a tremendous and much-welcome difference - especially for older or younger guests. 

Savvie Photography

D�COR 

Personalise your ceremony setting as much as your reception venue to enhance your theme or sense of individual style. Most couples rarely go beyond the floristry - but, with a few inspired extras, the backdrop can be instantly transformed.

"Your ceremony decorations are the first chance to create an impression on your guests," advises Elle. "For a civil ceremony, think about your choice of seating - something like the Louis Ghost chair from Inspire Hire creates a real wow factor and can be used indoors or out. And a church wedding doesn't have to be decorated with traditional flowers - how about bunting or homemade pom-poms to brighten up the pew ends?" 

Opt for a series of small centrepieces scattered throughout the venue, use pre-existing features such as beams for hanging baskets or scatter petals from your bouquet across the floor like confetti.

Wedding planner Sarah Vaux (sarahvaux.co.uk) has some savvy money-saving advice: "If you're having a church wedding, find out if there is another wedding on the same day as you could work together on the flowers and split the costs." Alternatively you could have your floral arrangements moved from the ceremony venue to the reception.

Complement your flowers with scent by spraying some perfume, burning some incense or lighting scented candles for an added opulence and sensuous atmosphere.

Make the minutiae reflect the reception venue, giving a suggestion of what's in store while providing a sense of continuity. Instead of rolling out the red carpet, choose a shade from your chosen colour scheme. Incorporate chair covers and sashes, bunting, imagery, furnishings and unique items of furniture as stylistic features. 

Natalie J Weddings

The readings are a prime opportunity to punctuate the ceremonials with a sense of personality, as well as a chance for you to lap up the moment. "Elements such as readings or music give you time to appreciate what is going on, look around and see the happy faces of your guests and partner," says Elle. "For my own wedding, my husband and I each chose a reading as a special 'gift' to each other. We kept our choice a secret so it was a lovely surprise on the day!"

Use your coupledom as a source of inspiration. For example, was there a specific song that led you to your love? A tune that 'belongs' to you both? There might be lyrics that can be incorporated or adapted into a meaningful reading. Perhaps choose heartfelt lines from a favourite film, poem, Shakespeare sonnet or children's book.

If you are having a church wedding, then there will have to be at least one Bible reading, chosen by you or your vicar. The resident vicar of Madron Parish, Reverend Tim Hawkins, advises couples to discuss options with the vicar conducting the service well in advance. 

Prayers can take the form of the standard wedding blessing or can strike a more personal chord, such as Celtic blessings or prayers, which accentuate a sense of place and continuity.

With regards to vows, Tim advises not to tamper with the traditional too much, as church services have a legal form of words that have to be adhered to. Most people like them for their traditionalism, though many ministers will be receptive to some personal adaptations or additional exchanges between the couple. 

Ethan Elliot

Personally selecting your soundtrack will not only provide the perfect ambience to the ceremony, it will serve as a definite nerve soother for both bride and groom on the day. "Choosing a song that meant a lot to us for my entrance dispelled any feeling of nerves. As soon as I heard the tune start, I relaxed and began to enjoy the experience," says Elle.

Again, talk to your vicar or registrar about when you can infuse some music. Throw in some live music - a choir, string quartet or soloist - alongside a CD of sounds (though always make a back-up!) and arrange acoustics for maximum impact. There's nothing worse than a medley of magical songs to fall on deaf ears because of ill-placed speakers or an excessively echoing building.

So get your thinking caps on and dream up the ceremony that typifies your union. After all - it's your show, so why not steal it?

Savvie Photography

Let Wed get you on the fast track to an on-trend and oh-so personal ceremony

Venue Where you tie the knot can bear great significance. If you're uttering your vows in a church or licensed venue, another great way to personalise is to add a blessing or humanist ceremony to your schedule, which can technically (pending relevant permissions) occur anywhere - making that dream of a beach bash, woodland wedding or standing stone ceremony a whimsical - and tone-setting - reality. 

"More and more of my couples are opting for a separate legal wedding ceremony and a humanist blessing. The beauty of this is not only the potential for an outfit change, but also the option to have a wedding ceremony wherever you like," observes Elle.

Symbolic gestures and rituals From penning your own vows, poetry or readings to lighting a unity candle and symbolic sand ceremonies, lend more meaning by incorporating or extending your day's message. Plant a tree, release butterflies or birds, host a hand-fasting, salt covenant or even foot-washing ceremony.

 

Bold backdrops Make a statement with a single standout wall that introduces the design of your day. Whether it's a balloon fest, origami extravaganza, photo board, movie screen, mosaics or giant canvas, attention-grabbing wall art is extremely à la mode. 

"Ribbon, pavilion and blackboard backdrops are all easy to achieve and very effective," affirms Elle. "A stunning ceremony backdrop can also be used as a backdrop for photos later on. Lanterns or flowers can be designed so they are quick and easy for a nominated guest to move to your reception quickly and easily." 

Keith Riley

Lighting Mood lighting need not be restricted to the party space. Add extra ambience by scattering tea lights, lining the aisle with lanterns, draping fairy lights over the arbour or adding uplights to the ceremonial stage. Chandeliers score top style marks.

Themed weddings Whatever your inspiration, carry it in every detail, including your ceremonial space. For example, if you're going for a nature-inspired and rustic vibe, bring the barn inside via hay bales, mini trees and even opt for alpaca down the aisle. For a fun festival feel or circus theme, hang pi�atas, bunting or retro signs over bright box-plant pots, stripy drapes and a table of tarot card-style orders of service.

The First Glance "In the US and elsewhere couples have what is called a 'First Glance'," says Elle. "This is just before the ceremony and takes place in private - just the couple and their photographer. One of the couples I worked with recently chose to do this. Both Karen and Vashti got ready in the same hotel, and before departing for their ceremony they had a 'First Glance'.  They entered the room and saw each other for the first time after a night apart, in all their wedding beauty, just the two of them in the middle of an empty room. They didn't have to worry about smiling at their guests, or tripping down the aisle or walking too fast or too slow. All they had to concentrate on was each other. It was a truly beautiful moment, charged with love and emotion. I would certainly recommend it to other couples having seen how special it was for them!"

Ben Photography / Inspire Hire

words Hannah May

Copyright Wed magazine 2013