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💍 A Civil Wedding: Ideas to Personalize Your Ceremony

Civil marriage is often seen as a formal and administrative step.


However, it can become a moment filled with emotion and personality, just like your couple.


With a little imagination and preparation, you can transform your civil ceremony into a memorable and unique experience.


Here are our ideas for personalizing your civil wedding.




 

  1. Decorating the Ceremony Room


Although town halls are often plain, you can add your own personal touch.


Civil wedding: decoration of the room

  • Floral Arches: Place a floral arch at the entrance or in the space where you will exchange your vows.


  • Bouquets and Centerpieces: Add flowers to the officer's table and in the corners of the room.


  • Aisle Runner: Lay down a runner to mark your grand entrance.


  • String lights and lanterns: For a warm ambiance, add string lights or elegant lanterns.


Be sure to check your local council's rules regarding decorating before finalizing your choices.


 

  1. Write Your Own Wishes


Even though the civil ceremony follows a legal framework, you can include a personal touch by writing and exchanging your own vows.


Civil marriage: the vows

  • Speak from your heart: Tell what you love about your partner and your promises for the future.


  • Be concise: Your vows don't have to be long to be moving. One to two minutes is enough.


  • Practice in advance: Read your vows so you feel comfortable on the big day.


 

  1. Integrate Music


Music is a great way to make your ceremony more warm and personal.


Civil wedding: live band

  • Entrance of the bride and groom: Choose a song that suits you for your entrance into the room.


  • Key Moments: Add songs for specific moments like exchanging rings or signing registers.


  • Wedding Exit: Choose joyful or symbolic music that will mark your departure as a married couple.


If possible, ask the town hall if a musician or live band can play during the ceremony.


 

  1. Involve your loved ones


Give your friends and family an active role in the ceremony:


Civil marriage: ribbon ritual

  • Readings: Ask a loved one to read a poem, literary excerpt or text that represents you.


  • Testimonials: Invite your witnesses or family members to share a memory or a word about your relationship.


  • Symbols of Unity: Incorporate a ritual such as joining hands, lighting a candle, or exchanging ribbons.

 

  1. Add a Symbolic Ritual


A symbolic ritual is a beautiful way to bring meaning and emotion to your civil wedding.


Civil marriage: tree ceremony

  • Sand Ceremony: Each partner pours different colored sand into a vase to symbolize their union.

  • Tree Ceremony: Plant a tree together to represent your love that will grow over time.

  • Candle Ceremony: Light a large candle from two smaller candles, symbolizing your union.


These rituals are particularly touching and leave a visual reminder of your commitment.


 

  1. Create a Memorable Entrance and Exit


Make your arrival and departure special:


Civil wedding: exit from the ceremony with petals

  • Duo Entrance: Arrive together to symbolize your equality in the union.


  • Festive outing: Prepare a guard of honor with petals, bubbles, ribbons or biodegradable confetti.


  • Unique transportation: Leave by bike, vintage car, or even horse-drawn carriage to add a touch of originality.

 

  1. Offer Ceremony Booklets


Create booklets to guide your guests through the ceremony.


  • Contents of the booklet: Explain the key moments, the texts read, the music chosen and the names of the speakers.

  • Personalization: Add anecdotes, photos or drawings to make the booklet unique.


Your guests will be able to leave with these booklets as a souvenir of your union.

 

  1. Surprise Your Guests


Add a touch of surprise to your civil wedding to make it even more memorable:


  • Expected speech: Prepare a thank you note for your loved ones.

  • Personalized gifts: Offer a small souvenir to your guests (candles, seeds to plant, or local treats).

  • Post-ceremony entertainment: Organize a mini-concert, a photo shoot or a friendly toast in front of the town hall.


 

  1. Celebrate After the Ceremony


Prolong the emotion by organizing a reception or a friendly moment after the ceremony:


  • Brunch or aperitif: Offer an informal meal with your loved ones in a place close to the town hall.

  • Photoshoot: Choose an iconic or meaningful location to immortalize your day.

  • Romantic Getaway: After the ceremony, head straight for a honeymoon or romantic weekend.


 

Conclusion: A Ceremony in Your Image


A civil marriage can be much more than a formality.


With personal touches, a little creativity and good planning, you can transform this moment into a ceremony full of emotion and unforgettable memories.


And you, what ideas would you like to include in your civil wedding to make it unique?


 
 
 

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