How To Add Authenticity To Your Wedding Day

Let’s be real: the world is SATURATED with wedding “musts”, traditions, and everything in between. It’s easy to feel like your big day has to look a certain way. But remember this: the most memorable weddings aren’t the most extravagant — they’re the most authentic. When your wedding reflects who you truly are as a couple, it becomes not only beautiful but deeply meaningful.

Here are some heartfelt ways to add authenticity to your wedding day:

1. Choose the things YOU truly want included in your wedding day.

We’re talking food, venue, music, your attire – EVERYTHING! It’s easy to feel backed into a corner or like you need to please everyone around you on your wedding day. But remember: this day is about you and your significant other. Pick the vendors and the details that most reflect your love!

2. Opt for a content creator vs. a videographer.

Hear me when I say: I LOVE the videographers I’ve had the incredible pleasure of working with. BUT there’s something about having someone simply blending into the background who’s getting real, raw content of you on your day versus the more formal route of having a video production team capturing your day. Neither is better than the other – it’s truly just a preference! Example A!

3. Customize the little things!

You’d be surprised with how much your guests appreciate the little customization details you include on your day. You might consider giving your signature cocktails fun names, or showing some love to your pet by putting their photo on your cocktail stir sticks! One of my couple’s last year created a custom crossword puzzle about them and their significant other for their guests to fill out during cocktail hour. Another one of my couples ordered custom cocktail napkins with different fun facts about their relationship on it! 

4. Let your guests take photos!

Whether you opt for having physical polaroid or disposable cameras at each table for your guests to use OR if you opt for a photo app for guests to take and share their photos, this is a great way to involve your guests AND have a great keepsake for yourself to reminisce on!

Pro Tip: one of my couples this year used the POV app for their guests and it was a total HIT! They put QR codes throughout the wedding for guests to download the app and they gave each guest the ability to take 25 polaroid-esque photos that were shared with each of the guests the following day.

5. Write thank you cards to each of your guests to open during the reception.

While this is definitely a big lift, it is one of the most meaningful ways to customize your day and show your guests how much you appreciate them. One of my couples this year did this and used the cards as their guest’s place cards and the guests were in tears over the heartfelt intentionality in every letter. 

6. Ditch the programs and have a wedding newspaper instead!

Programs are overrated and honestly just unnecessary, BUT if you still want to have something that your guests can have in hand or keep as a memento (AND that can double as a fun prop for getting ready photos), custom wedding newspapers are IT! You can customize these with your love story, a thank you to the guest, fun little get-to-know-us games, and a timeline of what your guests can expect for the evening!

An authentic wedding isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. It’s about grounding your celebration in meaning, emotion, and real connection. When your wedding reflects who you are, everyone feels it and THAT’S the kind of magic that lasts far beyond the day itself.

Your love is one-of-a-kind. Let your wedding be, too. 

Happy planning!

xo, 

Katie