If you’re hoping your wedding will go down as an affair to remember, then personalizing your big day is the one way to make it unforgettable. Whether incorporating a special interest into your reception or choosing a particular holiday to coincide with your event, many brides and grooms are pulling out all the stops in every aspect of their wedding plans.

Countdown to Celebration

For Kathleen Sheridan of New York, setting their wedding date for New Year’s Eve 2007 was practically a no-brainer. “We really wanted our wedding to be a big celebration for our family and friends, [so] we picked the biggest party night of the year,” she said.

To reflect the festivities of that holiday, Sheridan and her fiancé opted for a color scheme of champagne, gold, ivory and black, which will be incorporated into the bridal party dresses, flowers and the reception hall’s décor. White birch trees dotted with white lights will serve as the room’s backdrop, with candles dotted around the room, casting a midnight glow.

To play up the countdown element, Sheridan opted to extend her reception until 1 a.m., and guests’ tables will be outfitted with noise makers, party hats and of course, champagne for the big toast.

Details, Details

If holding your big day amidst the excitement of the holiday season appeals to you, don’t hold that thought. Wedding planning experts suggest getting a jumpstart on your affair to give you ample time for all the necessary preparations.

To get started, Vanessa Wakeman of New York-based Indulgence Weddings and Events suggests keeping the following tips in mind:
    

• Map out a strategy for how you’d like your theme to unfold. From invite to décor, take guests on a journey of surprise by introducing the theme subtly.
• Start planning early. While a holiday themed event may seem fair away, by shopping off-season or after season, you will be able to get deals on items that will help showcase your theme.
• You don’t want to be the bride that stole Christmas. Instead, create an atmosphere that represents the two of you and your passion for the holiday.

A Theme That Transports

Perhaps your wedding will evoke another time and place, or draw upon a happy memory for you as a couple. Such is the case for Amanda Lazaro and her fiancé. The Waltham, Mass.-based bride-to-be was inspired by her first date in Boston’s North End where the two enjoyed a Tuscan white wine over dinner. “Since then, we have ordered cases of this wine for future celebrations…and have decided to center our wedding on Tuscany and the bottle we enjoyed while falling in love,” she enthuses.

Invitations and save the dates for the September 2008 affair will be designed with wine and grape accents. The menu will include breads, soft cheeses, tomatoes, olive oils and wine. Out-of-town guests will be treated to welcome baskets containing wine, cheese, grapes and crackers with personalized wine glasses.

A Lasting Impression

No matter what theme or holiday you choose, focusing on what you are trying to accomplish—capturing the memories of a day that you will treasure for a lifetime—is key. Angela Gala of Rogers & Gala Creative Partners in Charlotte, N.C., offers some final words of wisdom that put all the preparations into perspective:
    

• The first piece of paper your guests receive, be it a save the date or the invitation itself, will tell them what your wedding is about, how it feels, what it looks like.
• Look for opportunities to incorporate a common thread into all aspects of your event.
• Never ignore what is already there; work with it instead.