10 Unique Touches That Made Our Wedding Day Extra Special
Wedding planning can get pretty stressful, but we found ways to make it enjoyable and memorable. Pinterest and The Knot were huge helps in sparking inspiration and helping us find the right vendors for our big day.
The Knot made the entire planning process easy, convenient, and fun. We found everything from our venue to our cake through their website. We even set up our own wedding website at no cost to keep our guests informed, track RSVPs, and create our registry—all in one place.
Pinterest was a treasure trove of ideas and helped us develop a clear vision for our perfect day. I’ve had a wedding Pinterest board ever since I downloaded the app, but it was fun (and a little surprising!) to look back at my original pins once we were actually engaged. Let’s just say… my style had changed a lot since then!
My husband and I got married at a beautiful rustic barn venue in Central Texas in January of 2024. We chose the venue for many reasons: location, cost, availability, and the option for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. We were fortunate that, due to unexpected showers, the venue was able to accommodate an indoor ceremony.
I wanted our wedding to have personal touches that made it feel more like us. Here are 10 unique things we did that made our day feel extra special and intimate:
1. A Private Vow Reading with Pinky Promises
Instead of a first look, we decided on a “first touch” and a private vow reading. It was such an intimate moment that helped calm our nerves before we said “I Do.” Although the private vow reading was planned, my husband was caught off guard when I grabbed his pinky as I began my vows. Pinky promises—cliché as they may be—have been a symbol of our promises throughout our relationship. Adding this special touch brought tears to our eyes, and to those watching too!
2. Voicemail Guestbook
This one was a big hit! We purchased a rustic telephone on Amazon with high hopes, and it did not disappoint. It claimed to store hundreds of hours of voicemails and could be reused for future events. I was hesitant to splurge the $400 on it, but looking back, I’m so glad we did. It was so special to come home from our honeymoon and listen to the heartfelt messages from our loved ones. Guests who couldn’t attend even had the option to dial in and leave a message! We downloaded the voicemails to my laptop, so we’ll have those memories forever.
3. Food Truck
When we started looking at caterers, we quickly realized how expensive traditional catering would be—sometimes more than the venue itself! While browsing The Knot, we stumbled upon a street taco truck and decided to take a leap of faith (with no prior tastings!). It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Not only were the tacos amazing, but the food truck saved us money, time, and hassle with cleanup. The truck was parked right outside the venue, complete with a covered awning for guests. If you’re in Central Texas, we highly recommend TacoMan 512.
4. Daddy-Daughter Dance
When choosing a father-daughter song, I asked my sister if she’d join me for the dance. She was totally on board, and we decided to keep it a secret from our dad. When the moment came, she joined us halfway through the song, and it was such a special surprise for both of us—and for our dad too.
5. Cupcakes Instead of a Traditional Cake
We opted for cupcakes rather than one big cake, and they were a huge hit! We had both a groom’s choice and a bride’s choice for the cupcakes. Not only were they delicious, but they saved us from needing plastic ware, plates, or someone to cut and serve slices. Plus, they were more affordable than a traditional wedding cake, and they were all gone by the end of the night!
6. Comfortable Shoes
I chose to wear comfortable shoes all day instead of heels. My husband and I are the same height, and while I don’t mind being taller than him, I didn’t see the point in wearing heels I’d just take off after the ceremony. I bought a new pair of white Wendy’s Hey Dudes to wear throughout the day. By the end of the night, my feet felt great! We also decided to change into sweatpants and hoodies after the ceremony for ultimate comfort before heading off on our honeymoon.
7. First Look with Dad
For personal reasons, my dad didn’t walk me down the aisle, but I still wanted to share a special moment with him. We decided to do a first look instead, which my dad didn’t know about until a bridesmaid brought him up to the bridal suite. It was such an emotional and meaningful moment that I’ll always treasure.
8. Polaroid Photos
A couple of months before our wedding, my husband bought me a Polaroid camera for my birthday. I thought it would be a fun way to capture memories on our big day, and I’m so glad we did! The guests had a blast passing the camera around at the reception, capturing candid moments from their perspective. Some of those Polaroids are now my favorite keepsakes.
9. Postcard Invitations
I’d never created wedding invitations before, so I wasn’t sure where to start. After some research, we found that postcards were a more cost-effective option, and business cards worked perfectly for save-the-dates. We used VistaPrint, and it was super easy to design and order everything!
10. A Moment Away
After the ceremony, my husband and I decided to take a quiet moment away from the guests to soak in everything that had just happened. We stepped outside for a few minutes to reflect on the last 15-30 minutes—just the two of us—and it was such a special and intimate moment I’ll always cherish.
If you’re looking for ways to add unique, personal touches to your big day, I hope this list inspired you! Every wedding is special in its own way, and finding the little details that make it feel like you is what truly makes the day unforgettable.
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