How to Personalize Your South Jersey Wedding

by Tara Bard, Contributing Writer

Whether South Jersey couples plan their own weddings or hire a professional wedding planner to do it for them, many fall into common themes, traps and tropes that make their ceremonies trendy and impersonal. Fortunately, South Jersey offers plenty of natural and manufactured inspiration to help you personalize your wedding--and make it memorable for you and your guests.

It doesn't matter if you're DIY or have an unlimited budget. A wedding that isn't personal simply is not fun. Here's how you can take your cues from your environment to transform your wedding into something reflective of your relationship.

Favorite Places

Make a list of your favorite places--as a couple. When you and your spouse-to-be were younger, what were your favorite places around South Jersey or elsewhere? Where do you like to hang out with friends now? Places have meaning because of the people there.

Favorite Things

What are your favorite things about South Jersey? If you like to swim, surf or tan at the beach, think about how you could include the ocean or your favorite beach activities in your wedding.

Get Specific

What means the most to you and your future spouse? Your princess canopy from your childhood bed could be the fabric for a stunning DIY veil. Such sentimental inclusions will make the event memorable for you and your family.

To further personalize your ceremony and reception, you can ask your parents or future in-laws for advice on the details. This can make your family feel welcome since you are actively seeking their input--and it's particularly important if they've already disagreed with you on anything concerning the wedding.

Ideas include:

• Using fabric from your mother's veil or wedding dress in your own
• Toasting with the champagne flutes used by your parents at their wedding
• Wearing a grandparent's jewelry as 'something borrowed'

To make your wedding truly South Jersey, incorporate nostalgia or local items like post cards. You can attach them to your wedding favors or paste them in your wedding guest book.

This article was originally published on Examiner.com