Creating a Wedding Day That’s Truly Yours: How to Make It Unique and Personal

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting and meaningful experiences of your life. With endless inspiration on Pinterest and social media, it's easy to fall into the trap of planning a wedding that looks beautiful but doesn’t truly feel like you. Not to mention, many of those Pinterest-worthy weddings come with a larger price tag and a team of planners working behind the scenes to bring every detail to life. Your wedding day is more than just an event, it’s a celebration of your love story. Instead of following trends just because they’re popular, focus on creating a day that reflects your personality, values, and the things that matter most to you. Traditions are wonderful when they hold meaning, but there’s no rule that says you have to include something just because it’s expected. Keep the traditions that resonate with you and let go of the ones that don’t.

As a Saskatoon wedding photographer, I’ve photographed many wedding celebrations, and I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is for couples to get overwhelmed with all the decisions and outside opinions. The most memorable wedding days are always where the couple stays true to themselves—where you can feel their personalities through the decor, venue, and personal touches they choose. You'll never regret doing what truly speaks to you on your wedding day and creating an experience that feels personal and intentional.

If you’re struggling to figure out how to make your wedding feel uniquely yours, you’re in the right place! Here’s how to create a wedding day that is both meaningful and unforgettable:

Incorporate Your Love Story into the Ceremony

Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, making it the perfect place to incorporate personal details that reflect your love story. Writing your own vows adds a deeply personal touch, allowing you to express your feelings in a way that feels authentic to your relationship. You might also consider asking a close friend or family member to officiate, making the moment even more intimate and meaningful. They can share personal details about your love story such as how you met, memorable moments you've shared, or what makes your relationship special. This helps to create a heartfelt and unique experience for both you and your guests! Incorporate cultural or family traditions that make sense to you, or introduce a special ritual like a ring warming ceremony that reflects your own values. Lastly, selecting music that holds special meaning whether it’s a song from your first date or a favorite shared artist will help set the tone for a ceremony that truly feels like yours.

Choose a Venue That Speaks to You

The right venue can set the tone for your entire wedding. Rather than picking a venue just because it’s popular or convenient, think about places that are meaningful to you. Did you have your first date at a coffee shop? Consider a cozy café wedding. Love the outdoors? A lakeside or forest wedding might be the perfect fit. If you’ve traveled together often, you could even incorporate elements from your favorite destinations. Choosing a venue together is such a special part of your planning. If there isn’t a place that holds significant meaning to you both, then select a venue that makes sense for the kind of celebration you're envisioning. The setting of your wedding should feel like you, not just a backdrop.

Unique Venue Ideas:

• A family cabin or lake house

• A private estate or mansion

• Your backyard or a family/friends backyard

• A local brewery or vineyard

• A beach or coastal location

• Your favourite restaurant

• A greenhouse or garden space

• A lodge that can accommodate your entire family and friends for the weekend

• A rooftop with a city skyline view

• A national park or scenic outdoor location

Your venue should feel like an extension of you and your love story. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!

The Wedding Party

Your wedding party doesn’t have to fit the traditional mold. You can have as many or as few people as you want standing beside you. You can also add personality through your wedding party by having your bridesmaids choose outfits that fit their style within a set color palette. There’s nothing that says you have to have a wedding party either! At the end of the day, choose the people who mean the most to you and those that add value to your day.

Ways to Customize Your Wedding Party:

• Have mixed-gender wedding parties

• Don’t feel restricted by numbers because your wedding party doesn’t have to have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen

• Have your siblings stand up with you

• Opt for no wedding party

• Keep it small and have one person stand up with you

Create a Unique Reception Experience

Your wedding reception is a celebration of your love story, and it should feel like you. It doesn’t have to be a traditional, formal affair if that’s not your style. Whether you want a laid-back backyard party, a cozy dinner with your closest friends, or a lively dance floor that lasts all night, infusing your personality into the reception makes it more memorable for both you and your guests. From the music and food to unique experiences and moments with your people, creating a reception that reflects who you are as a couple will make the night feel natural, fun, and meaningful, rather than just following traditions for the sake of it.

Here are some ideas:

• Create a personalized seating chart that reflects your interests (ex: tables named after your favorite places, songs, or memories)

• Write handwritten notes at each place setting to make guests feel extra special

• Offer a welcome drink with a signature cocktail, such as your favourite bevy, when your guests arrive

• Serve a family-style or food truck dinner instead of a plated meal

• Create signature cocktails of your favourite drinks or named after your pet

• Create custom matchbooks or napkins during cocktail hour

• Set up lounge areas with cozy seating for a relaxed vibe

• Provide lawn games for guests to enjoy and mingle

• Offer a creative dessert alternative like a donut wall, gelato cart, or a build-your-own sundae station

• Have a first dance with other significant people in your life

Incorporate Meaningful Decor

Your wedding decor is an opportunity to showcase your style and personality, making your celebration feel authentic and meaningful. Instead of simply following the latest trends, focus on decor elements that truly reflect who you are as a couple. Whether that means incorporating heirloom pieces, using colors that hold special significance, or designing a space inspired by your favorite places, your decor should feel intentional and personal. Think beyond traditional florals and centerpieces and consider unique touches like handwritten signage, custom illustrations, vintage furniture, or decor that ties into your shared hobbies and interests. When your wedding reflects your personality, it creates an atmosphere that feels warm, inviting, and unmistakably you.

Here are some ideas:

• Display photos of your relationship journey in a unique way

• Use a guest book alternative, like a record for guests to sign or an audio guest book (My personal favourite: After The Tone!)

• Get creative with your signage using patterns, textures or colours you love

• Personalized table numbers rather than traditional numbers such as naming tables after places you’ve traveled together or favorite songs

• Signature cocktail sign with Illustrations of your pets, favorite drinks, or fun names for custom cocktails

• A creative seating arrangement like an antique mirror or hanging escort cards

• Incorporate special pieces like family heirlooms or vintage vases

• Have a non-traditional bouquet that includes dried flowers, herbs, wildflowers, or even foraged greenery

• Rather than the traditional white florals, incorporate your favourite florals throughout your reception space

Plan a Timeline That Fits Your Vision for The Day

Many couples feel pressure to follow a traditional wedding day timeline, but the best weddings are the ones that reflect the couple’s preferences. Whether you want to have a slow morning together before getting ready or ditch the cake cutting for extra dance time, design a schedule that works for you.

Here are some ideas:

• Have a first look to ease nerves and enjoy private time together

• Opt for an extended cocktail hour with lawn games

• Have a first look with your dad or other significant members in your life to soak in that special moment with them

• Spend less time on posed portraits and more time soaking in the day, or schedule extra time for golden-hour photos later

• Instead of long, formal speeches, allow guests to give casual toasts throughout dinner

• Choose a family-style meal or food stations that let guests mingle rather than a strict sit-down dinner

• Choose a later ceremony time so you can have a slow morning with coffee, brunch, and music with your wedding party instead of feeling rushed

• Plan a casual send-off (or skip it altogether) but end the night however feels right, whether it’s a sparkler send-off, a last call at the bar, or just heading out when you're ready

Choose a Photographer Who Understands Your Vision

Choosing the right photographer is key to creating a wedding day that feels uniquely you. Your photographer isn’t just there to take pictures—they should understand your vision, your personalities, and the kind of celebration you’re planning. Whether you want someone who blends in like a fly on the wall, capturing moments as they unfold, or a photographer who immerses themselves in the day, hyping you up and guiding you through portraits, their approach should align with the experience you want. Their style also plays a huge role, as your photos will be what you look back on for years to come. If you love candid, documentary-style images, or if you prefer a more editorial, polished feel, choosing a photographer whose work resonates with you ensures your wedding is remembered the way you envision it. A photographer who takes the time to truly get to know you—what moments matter most, what details you’ve poured your heart into, and how you want your day to feel—will capture your wedding in a way that feels authentic and deeply personal.

Ditch the Traditions That Don’t Feel Right

There’s no rulebook that says you have to follow every wedding tradition. If something doesn’t resonate with you, feel free to skip it!

Traditions You Can Skip (If You Want To!):

• Bouquet and garter toss

• Cake cutting

• Matching wedding party outfits

• Standard wedding favors

• Large guest lists (ex: Inviting your parents friends!)

• First dances

• Spending the night before apart

• Traditional wedding music

• Having ring bearers or flower girls

At the end of the day, your wedding should be a true reflection of who you are as a couple. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when planning your day whether that means choosing a non-traditional venue, skipping traditions that don’t resonate with you, or doing things in a way that feels more “you.” But if you love certain traditions, absolutely embrace them because after all, this is your day. I’m a firm believer in creating a wedding that aligns with your vision and makes you happy. I hope this blog post has inspired you to create the wedding of your dreams because what matters most is that it’s meaningful to you. As a Saskatoon wedding photographer, I love capturing the unique moments and personal touches that make each celebration unforgettable. If you’re planning a wedding in Saskatoon, Canada, or beyond, let’s connect and bring your vision to life. Inquire about your wedding day here!