Your wedding day will certainly be a memorable day if you add plenty of dramatic elements for you and your guests to enjoy. Along with the flowers and the wedding decorations there are additional elements in the way of special effects that have become quite popular for the ceremony and the wedding reception. Keep in mind that with every additional element you add, there are typically costs and planning involved so you need to budget for the time, work and finances you need for these dramatic events as well.
Here are some of the ideas for unique effects:
1) Doves, butterflies and balloons released into the air are symbolic of freedom and a journey. Quite dramatic and checking into the costs you may find that it's easier to access balloons (biodegradable) and balloons may easier to handle during the event and their behavior more predictable. Each one is a beautiful gesture but finding the doves and butterflies may prove to be a job in itself.
2) Fireworks are truly spectacular show your enthusiasm and excitement about your marriage. Take into account any permits that may be required, permission from the venue and these typically require a professional to handle in many States and Provinces. Professional fireworks are absolutely beautiful however they also have a hefty price tag associated with them.
3) Confetti is more traditional, and has even become a little 'old school'. There are problems with traditional confetti as it lingers on the ground and requires meticulous clean up efforts that again, the venue will need to know and approve. If outdoors, you can toss birdseed which will be taken care of by the birds, squirrels and any other passers by. Blowing bubbles creates a beautiful scene and there is no clean up required. You can even provide your guest with little test tubes of bubble liquid with a heard shaped top as a wedding favor.
4) To create a beautiful atmosphere people can choose unique lighting. A strobe light or disco ball for the party and perhaps a smoke machine for the first dance. It does sound romantic but as the smoke rises it makes for lousy pictures so this needs to be timed properly.
5) You want to arrive in a horse and carriage? A hot air balloon? A vintage Rolls Royce limo? These are really dramatic and wonderful for making a memorable moment. These can be quite expensive to take on and if you end up with bad weather it can put a damper on your entrance.
6) Slide shows can be put together that involve mostly time on your part. This will show you and your partner as you grew up, when you met, taking trips, and some milestones in your life or funny moments that will entertain your guests. Maybe you and your partner share some talent. You could sing or play some music together. Do a little magic show or a dance routine to make a real impression.
There are some clever and unique ways to make your day very special and very memorable. Keep them in mind when working through your budget and expenses and decide what will work so you don't need to cut corners in other areas. Just as your wedding decorations and the wedding favors will be making a statement these additional gestures will remain in your guests memories as well. For every additional thing you include, another thing to keep in mind is there is room for something to end up on 'funniest home videos' so plan it all very carefully!