There are many times throughout your special day that will make you feel like crying. Whether it be the first time you see your groom walking down the aisle towards him, hugging your grandma and kissing your grandpa’s cheek during pictures, or saying goodbye to your parents one last time before leaving for your honeymoon. No matter how emotional of a person you are, there are bound to be a few tears shed before the day is over.
If you like thinking sentimental and want some unique ideas to bring forth these emotions to you, your groom, the wedding party, and the guests, then look no more! While there are many more ideas out there, these twelve are some of the most sentimental elements you could add to your wedding day. So if you are ready to cry some real tears, and to cry them like a baby, then read on to find some cool ideas to incorporate into your own day.
1. Bride and Groom Hold Parent’s Wedding Photos
Want to commemorate your parents and incorporate them uniquely into your photos? Take a photo from both the groom’s parents and the bride’s parents wedding days, and hold them in your own wedding photo. This is especially a nice gesture for any bride or groom who has lost a parent. You can also do this for your grandparents if you would prefer!
2. Daddy Daughter First Look
Maybe you like the idea of the first look photos, but are still skeptical about having your groom see you before you walk down the aisle. Ever consider doing a first look with your dad? These pictures are just as emotional as the photos with a groom’s first look, and the sentimental gesture towards your father will let him know just how much he means to you.
3. Embroider Wedding Date Under Dress (Something Blue)
This is a super cute idea, especially if you plan on keeping your wedding dress! It is also a way to incorporate the “Something Blue” part of your day, and the hidden embroidered message is just the way to go! The groom can also do this on the cuff of his sleeve or undershirt if he wants to as well.
4. Hidden Shoe Message
If you want something private to do with your groom, this is not only a cute photo op, but a small reminder throughout your special day of how much your better half cares about you. When in doubt, just lift up your heel, and a smile is definitely in order!
5. Love Letters Before the Ceremony
This is one of the most intimate ways you can connect with your fiance before the ceremony. Whether you wrote a whole bunch of letters approaching the day, or it is a single letter that you wrote the night before, writing out your feelings about your lover is a great way to show them just how much they mean to you.
6. Photo Charms of Lost Loved Ones Added to Your Bouquet
Want to include your love ones? Adding a photo charm to your bouquet is incredibly meaningful, not only to you, but to the rest of the family who have mourned this person’s death at some point along the way. Now be comforted, knowing that that person is walking with you through everything, even if it is just down the aisle.
7. “Open When” Cards
Whether you write “Open When” cards for the future (including your first anniversary, first fight, first baby, etc.), or it is for moments throughout the day (when you are getting ready, right after pictures, on the way to your honeymoon, etc.), this is a very intimate and sentimental thing you can do for your future spouse.
8. Have Pictures Of All the Married Couples at Your Wedding
Want to surprise your guests? Collect as many photos that you can of all the married couples that are attending your wedding, and then hang them above the guestbook, thank you card table, or somewhere during the cocktail hour for everyone to look at. Your guests are sure to get a kick and a laugh out of all of the old photos!
9. Oldest Couple Attending the Wedding First Dance
Looking at your guest list, find which couple is the oldest couple that is attending your wedding. Then ask them what their first dance song was, and have that played right before your first dance for them to dance to together. Whether it be your grandparents, great grandparents, or family friends, this will show the that you are willing to honor their long lasting marriage, and it will definitely give them fond memories of their special day.
10. Paint the Ceremony
This is such a unique and creative idea! Hiring an artist to paint a picture of your ceremony is the perfect addition to add to your new home when you get back from your honeymoon. It also gives your guests a little something to admire after wedding and the time in between the ceremony and reception. So hire an artist to present you with a masterpiece!
11. Written Out Love Story
You can do this awesome idea on a decorated chalkboard or have someone paint a board (like above), but this shows the guests your own personal love story together. This is another great element that you can add to your new home after the wedding! Include dates like your first date, first kiss, first time you said you loved each other, etc.
12. Bible Guestbook
Want a more personal way of incorporating your religious roots into your special, matrimonial day? Have your guests sign a Bible, and highlight their favorite verse as well! This is something very special, and is sure to bring on the tears after the wedding. One of the first devotionals you can do as husband and wife is going through the highlighted verses together! It will definitely give you the feels.