Tips for planning a wedding that is less traditional, more personalized

Planning a wedding today is about all the little details that make it perfect for the bride and groom. Personalizing every aspect of the big day is the key, as couples try to create a one-of-a-kind event.

Here are some tips on how to pull it off, according to Things Remembered, the leader in personalized gift-giving.

1. Create a wedding logo
Create a wedding motif or logo that is uniquely for the couple. Guests will see that logo on invitations, programs, the flutes the bride and groom toast with - even on the napkins.

"Couples truly like to brand their weddings," says Amy Myers, vice president of creative services at Things Remembered. "When guests see the logo throughout the day, it seems to become more impressive each time. It's the little touches that make a big impact."

When creating the logo, don't just choose a symbol for the motifs, such as a palm tree or fern. Take the next step and create a customized logo. A logo can be as simple as the bride and groom's initials or very ornate and detailed.

While it can be costly to have a logo designed, it's possible to find a good deal. Things Remembered now creates personalized wedding logos at no charge for couples who shop in the store or online and meet the minimum purchase requirements. Other retailers offer discounted services for logos as well.

2. Use that logo
The logo is a natural fit on gifts, like personalized gifts for the wedding party, as well as items to be used by the bride and groom during and after the wedding.

Labels printed with the couple's logo can be placed on water bottles or as part of personalized favors and centerpieces. Cookies can even be decorated with the personalized monogram and displayed at the dessert table. Many companies online, such as P.S. by Things Remembered, can print personalized stationery with the couple's logo and use it to write thank you cards and notes to family and friends.

3. Personalize the venue

Don't settle for the standard banquet hall. Find a venue that fits with the couple's personalities. Maybe it's reminiscent of where the couple met or of a shared interest the couple has.

As guests walk into the reception, the first thing they see may be an enlarged engagement photo on an easel at the entrance. This allows family and friends to write personalized sentiments around the photo, which can later be framed and displayed permanently in the couple's home.

Ditch the head table for the entire wedding party - instead opt for a sweetheart table to create a more intimate experience reserved exclusively for the bride and groom.

Experts say some couples choose past vacations spent together to tie the food together. Instead of a buffet, they set up independent food stations. A post card from each locale identifies the food theme.

4. Give more thoughtful gifts
You have so many people to thank on a wedding day. Put thought into those gifts.

Myers says many couples make traditional gifts one-of-a-kind with the right engraved message.

"A compact or flask takes on a new meaning when you thank them for their friendship right on the gift," Myers said. "That's the kind of gift they're not going to stuff in a drawer. They're going to use it and think of the couple each time they do."

Things Remembered offers many popular options, such as flasks, shot glasses or even purse accessories that can easily be engraved with the couple's logo and date of the wedding. For more tips on how to create a wedding that's especially for you and about you, visit www.thingsremembered.com.

Couples should think ahead to the major keepsakes from the wedding day and let engraving make those personal as well, such as the unity set of candles, the guest book at the entrance to the reception hall, the champagne flutes and cake servers.