Create a unique and memorable experience for your wedding guests with these fun ceremony program ideas. Who would have ever thought to have their ceremony details developed into one of these creative programs such as a cootie catcher or mini newspaper?!

Custom wine boxes are perfect for the increasingly popular “Love Letter and Wine Box” ceremony tradition. If you have not heard of this unique trend as of yet, it involves the bride and groom writing sentimental letters to each other prior to the ceremony. Then, the couple seals the letters with a bottle of wine in a beautifully adorned box at the actual ceremony. The box will then be opened on a special anniversary (1yr, 5yrs, etc.) and the letters will be read while the couple sips on glasses of wine. Definitely a fun alternative to the traditional unity candle and sand pouring ceremonies. Take a look at some lovely wedding wine boxes below for inspiration – they also make for great wedding gifts!

Worried about your veil flying all over the place during the ceremony and while taking photos outdoors? Well, Save The Veil has come to the rescue with their beautiful magnetic veil weights! Sold in sets of six, these lovely jewelry pieces are easy to slip onto your veil with no damage whatsoever upon removal. Simply place each veil weight at least 18 inches apart along the bottom of the veil and problem solved!

Check out www.savetheveil.com to choose from four different styles that feature pearl and Swarovski crystal elements.

Oooh, I love bridal parasols and the many ways they can be used on the wedding day! Offer them to guests during an outdoor summer ceremony. Have your flower girl walk down the aisle with a pretty parasol instead of throwing flowers. Use them as wedding ceremony and reception décor. Or, use them as photo ops for the bridal party and the newlyweds. I think the pictures of the bride and groom hiding behind the parasols are so beautiful. Look at the photos below to see ways in which parasols have been incorporated into weddings for a unique wow factor.

One of my Etsy pals introduced me to ArtFire this morning - I can't believe I haven't heard of it until now! During the tour of this interactive handmade market place and craft community, I found it to be very user friendly. Potential buyers are able to enter search strings in several different markets like handmade, vintage, and design. ArtFire also offers a listing of categories that one can search under such as free shipping, colors, and sales. 

Under the “ArtFire Trends and Ideas” section, there is a link to “Handmade Weddings” that features all things wedding. Perfect if you are looking for handcrafted bridal dresses/accessories and wedding décor. 

I have found the ArtFire community to be very similar to Etsy with a few differences here and there. If you can’t find what you are looking for on Etsy, I definitely suggest trying ArtFire as another outlet.

LINK: www.artfire.com

I am very excited to announce our new partnership with The Knot Wedding Shop. Not only does The Uncommon Event have presence in The Knot wedding community, but we have also teamed up with The Knot Wedding Shop to share their unique product line featuring many different creative, personalized, and affordable wedding supply options. Whether you are looking for favor ideas, wedding décor, or bridal party gifts, The Knot Wedding Shop is your first and last stop for all of your wedding supply needs! Click the link below to visit The Knot wedding shop.

Incorporating ethnic or cultural aspects to the ceremony and/or reception is a great idea for brides and grooms who want to share their ancestral customs while adding a unique stamp to their wedding in the process. Here are just a few examples of common ethnic/cultural traditions practiced at weddings:  

• African: Jump the broom! After the bride and groom are pronounced man and wife, they jump over a beautifully decorated broom.
• Buddhist: Combine bright colored orchids with Zen water fountains as centerpieces for the reception.
• Chinese: For an outdoor ceremony, provide the guests with paper parasols or silk fans.
• English: For favors, give tea cups with a tea packet and spoon packaged in a pretty box or plastic wrapping with a ribbon.
• Irish/Scottish: Have a Bag Piper playing down the aisle after the ceremony and/or as the bride and groom exit ceremony.
• Italian: Wrap candy-coated Jordan almonds in tulle or pretty pouches for guest favors.
• Middle Eastern: Have Belly Dancers perform during the reception dinner.