Kimberly Rolleri is the owner of the Spanish R. Rolleri Ranch, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra mountains. In the following article, Kimberly Rolleri discusses the popularity of personalized celebrations that reflect a couple’s love story.
No two people are alike.
Likewise, the coming together of two unique people brings forth a story that hasn’t been told and would likely never be told again. A unique wedding that reflects the personality of the couple and tells the story of their unexpected union makes a wedding memorable, not just to the couple, but to the guests as well.
Weddings are intimate affairs that family and friends make an effort to attend and leaving them with a lasting memory seems like the perfect way to show appreciation for their presence.
Kimberly Rolleri discusses more ideas on how to make guests say, “That ceremony was so them!”
Kimberly Rolleri on the Wedding Ceremony
To some degree, guests would expect a dash of personality to show during the reception, but that doesn’t mean that the ceremony is off limits to a little personalization.
Pre-Game Cocktails
Serve aperitifs and canapés prior to the ceremony, allowing guests to mingle and get in the mood to celebrate before the ceremony even begins. Bonus points if the choices were based on the couple’s favorite liquor or snack.
Location Tour
Kimberly Rolleri of the Spanish R. Rolleri Ranch explains that if the location is a smaller, more intimate location, offer guests a tour discussing the history of the place before the ceremony to allow guests to make even more memories related to the special day.
Traditionally Untraditional
Have the ring bearer or flower girl do/be something unexpected. Subvert expectations by having a close male friend or relative be the flower girl, playfully throwing flower petals at guests or dancing down the aisle. Have a pet bring the rings, doing tricks while trotting towards his/her owners.
Let the Beat Drop
Mix up the processional music with something that closely reflects the couple’s tastes. Or, let the couple create the music themselves, having their best karaoke voices filling the air as part of the ceremony.
Ask a Friend to Officiate
In some states, the United National Ministry allows people to register online and become a legally ordained minister to officiate a wedding. Having a mentor, relative or friend preside over the nuptials adds a personal touch and fond memories for the couple, and minister.
Ceremony Games
Kimberly Rolleri also suggests taking a step out of the norm and writing vows ala Mad Libs. Take it a step further and do it on the spot, involving guests to suggest filler words leaving their mark on the ceremony.
Finish with a Bang
Conclude the ceremony with a toast, a dance, or instead of walking, have the wedding party skip their way out during the recessional. Have sparklers or a balloon release as people make their way to the next venue or into the reception hall. Make it as fun as possible, setting the tune for the celebration to begin.
The Reception
After the ceremony, it’s time to celebrate the first moments of wedded life. While there’s a certain degree of expectation as to how receptions unfold, shatter thee expectations by structuring it differently, or even starting new traditions within the family.
The First Date
Kimberly Rolleri of the Spanish R. Rolleri Ranch says to consider holding the reception at a memorable spot, like the first date, or where the couple first met. Have the guests relive the experience, sharing stories and pointing out memories.
Creative Seating
Use the seating arrangement to leave little surprises for the guests. Include brief personalized notes on the table disguised as place cards, or unexpected gifts hidden under the seats.
A Night of Vlogs
Eschew the guest book, instead give each table a period of time with a communal camera or videographer, letting the guests freely capture and recount memories of their relationship with the bride, groom, or throughout the special day.
Make a Unique Entrance
Have the couple enter the reception like their sports team, with the accompanying walkout music, mascot, or banners and streamers. If animals are a part of the couple’s life, such as a horses, consider riding into the reception on one (but of course, check with the venue for permission first).
Mad Libs Part II
If it was done during the ceremony, consider reciting them again after a little more alcohol is in everyone’s system. The experience might be surprisingly different.
A Signature Dish
Kimberly Rolleri says to choose a dish that has a special meaning, it could be the couple’s favorite dessert, a family recipe, or a dish created by the couple themselves.
The First of Many
Add flavor to tradition by executing them in different ways. The couple’s first dance could be a cultural dance, or to an unexpected music genre. Instead of a cake slice, try a cookie tower and dessert buffet.
The reception is a time to celebrate, don’t let tradition hold the festivities back.
