Photo Credit: Jennifer Skog Photographers
5. Savor a quiet moment together. Soak in your surroundings—the stunning reception space that took months to plan, friends and family busting a move on the dance floor, that giddy look on your husband’s face that says, “We finally did it.”
Photo Credit: Ryan Ray Photography
On Your Wedding Day…
Thank Mom and Dad for being the best parents in the world.
6. Wipe away their tears of joy. Personalize vintage handkerchiefs with embroidered messages for Mom, Dad, your mother-in-law, father-in-law, or any other close family members.
Photo Credit: Blink of an Eye Photography
7. Dedicate your wedding to them. At the ceremony, ask the officiant if you could read a poem in honor of your family. Here’s one example of wording we love, via weddings.usabride.com: “We would like to dedicate this ceremony to our parents. They have taught us our values, and shown us how to laugh, love and appreciate all that life has to offer. Their generosity, support, and love is unending.”
Or, you can surprise them at the reception, instead. Imagine the look on their faces when they flip over this drink coaster…
Photo Credit: Emma Case Photography via A Practical Wedding
8. Honor their marriage by incorporating their wedding-day photos. Whether it’s one small photo tucked into your armoire or a dedicated corner at the sign-in table, they’ll appreciate the sentimental touch.
Photo Credits (from top to bottom): Ana Lui; Zenobia Studios and Ashfall Mixed Media.
Or, have your photographer help you re-create one of their favorite shots! (P.S. If anyone knows who originally took this amazing photo, which has gone viral, please leave a comment below and we will attribute credit).
Found via My Big Fat Wedding Kitsch on Tumblr
9. Carry a piece of them down the aisle with you. I plan on using a sleeve from Mom’s wedding dress as my bouquet holder (like the one pictured at right), but it would also be sweet to hang miniature childhood photos from your flowers. Instead of doing a bouquet toss, give a speech at the reception dedicating your bouquet to the most important woman in your life—Mom.
Bouquet at left photographed by Alisha + Brook Photographers.
Bouquet at right created by Edge Design Group; photographed by Nadia D. Photography.
10. Give them one last hug before you’re pronounced husband-and-wife. Take the time to stop for one final display of affection. Just remind them that the officiant is waiting if they refuse to let go.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Beasley
Photo Credit: Davina+Daniel
Photo Credit: Hailey Erickson
Photo Credit: Jordan Quinn Photography
On Your Wedding Day…
Thank your bridal party attendants for sharing in the joy of your wedding day.
11. Toast to all of the times that they supported you. Give out one glass of bubbly to each bridesmaid before you hit the road!
Photo Credit: Carrie Wildes Photography
12. Give them a gift they’ll actually use. Check out 40+ ideas for bridal party presents, here.
Photo Credit: Mlle Bagatelles on Etsy
13. Spend one-on-one time with your flower girl and ring bearer. Give them a bucket filled with crayons and activities to keep them busy at the reception, let them play with your dress, and say “cheese” in the front of the camera for their very own portrait.
Photo Credits (from left to right): Joshua McCoy Photography and Angel Canary Photography.
Photo Credits (from left to right): Ian Grant Photography and Jason Kaczorowski Photography.
14. Give your bridal party kudos in your wedding program. Explain what their relationship is to you (a sister, friend, coworker) and any fun facts, if you have room for them.
Photo Credit: Woodlark Designs on Etsy
15. Dedicate a special song to your ‘maids and groomsmen. Don’t require them to practice a dance beforehand, unless you’re Zumba buddies or were in a dance troupe back in high school! Just have your DJ or band play a song from your past and watch unscripted hilarity ensue.
Photo Credit: Becky Brown Photography
On Your Wedding Day…
Thank your vendors for making your wedding vision come to life.
16. Tell them exactly what they did that you loved. After all of those emails, calls, brainstorming sessions, and, yes, the times that they saved your behind, express how much you appreciate them with a heartfelt card. Pay it forward by writing a positive review online, if you were happy with their service.
Photo Credit: Cami’s Paperie on Etsy
17. Give vendors a shout-out in your toast. If you plan on saying a few words to welcome guests to the wedding reception, mention all of the vendors who helped make your night (or day) a success.
Photo Credit: Muriel Silva Photography
On Your Wedding Day…
Thank your wedding guests for celebrating with you.
18. Create a heartfelt guest book alternative. Your wedding day is the one time when you’re surrounded by everyone who loves you, all in the same room. What better way to bottle up all of their well wishes than by preserving and displaying them in your home afterwards?
Photo Credits (from top to bottom): K and K Photography; Rachael Foster Photography and Joy Marie Photography.
19. Incorporate “thanks” as part of your wedding décor. Quick, simple, and wow-worthy.
Photo Credits (from left to right): Sarah Q. Photography and A Simple Photograph
A special thank-you as guests sit down to eat.
Photo Credits (from left to right): The Youngrens and Taylor Lord Photography.
Photo Credit: MaKenzieNoelle Creative on Etsy
Or, include a meaningful blessing or prayer.
Photo Credit: Bartlett Pair Photography
Photo Credit: Tracey Moore Photography
Add a regional twist! If you have family coming in from other countries, include a few phrases in their native tongue.
Photo Credit: Joshua McCoy Photography
20. Give out thoughtful favors. Gift creature comforts like cozy slippers, a yummy scent or donuts for the ride home.
Photo Credits (from left to right, top to bottom): Minerva Photography; Casey Fatchett; Blink of an Eye Photography and Liquid Courage Flasks
If you’re having an intimate wedding, include individual notes written for each guest.
Photo Credit: bobbi+mike
After the Wedding…
21. Have fun with your thank-you cards.
A custom illustration makes signing all of those notes that much more bearable (and, dare we say it, fun).
Photo Credit: Ashley Brooke Designs
Include a “thank you” shot in your must-shoot list! Check out more fun photo ideas here.
Photo Credit: Snap! Photography
22. Pay it forward and give back to your community with charitable favors. Give guests a choice and let them decide between a couple of different causes so they can pick the one that’s closest to their hearts.
Photo Credit: Brett Emily Photographers
Photo Credit: Mari Darr
23. Donate your dress. You’ll never wear it again, right? After the big day, hand it—and other accessories—to Brides Against Breast Cancer, which will resell it and use the proceeds to help a woman with cancer.
Or, you can donate it to Brides for a Cause, which collects and resells gowns to support Wish Upon a Wedding, a non-profit organization that grants weddings to couples in need.
If your bridesmaids are interested, they can donate their dresses as well, to organizations that provide prom dresses to disadvantaged high school girls. If you live in Chicago, check out The Glass Slipper Project, and if you live in New York, try The Cinderella Project.
Photo Credit: Snappy Shots by Bev
24. Donate flowers. Organizations such as The FlowerPower Foundation (based in New York and L.A.), Blooms From the Heart (San Diego) and Floranthropy (Seattle) will re-assemble your donations into new floral arrangements for hospices and nursing homes that could use some cheer.
Photo Credit: Amanda Marie Photography
25. Donate food. Arrange to have any extra food from your reception “rescued” to feed hungry people in your area. Find out more at Second Harvest.
Photo Credit: Bowersock Photographers
BONUS TIP: Keep the spirit of gratitude going in your marriage.
Leave secret messages for your spouse to find. At dinner, take a cue from The Queen of Giving, Oprah Winfrey, and tell them about three blessings that happened to you on that day. “When you focus on what you have, your abundance only increases,” the talk show host has said.
Photo Credit: Betsy’s Wood on Etsy
—Stefania Sainato
