Brides are looking for distinctive touches

Everyone in your circle of friends likely goes to the same weddings, so it makes sense you want to strive to make yours different. And within certain religious or ethnic groups, there may be many similarities with the same traditions followed from wedding to wedding.

But there are many small ways to add that special something that makes a big impression, and it doesn't necessarily mean money. Experts say its more a matter of creativity and the relationship between the elements of a wedding.

The event as a whole makes more of an impact, as opposed to all the small components examined one by one. The co-relation between the striking bridal bouquet and the table centre, or a recurring image from an invitation being repeated on the guest book is what makes the lasting impressions.

Here are ideas for adding unique touches to your wedding:

• Create a wedding time capsule to preserve memories, filling it with memorabilia from the day and year of the marriage, to be open on a special anniversary in the future
  
• As an alternative to a guest book, have guests sign a large heavy duty square of paper, which can later be framed and hung on a wall to admire.
  
• Rather than use a guest book that will sit in the closet and collect dust, get them to sign heavy picture matting that will later be used around a wedding photos. Or, guests could sign a designated tablecloth, which the couple can use for years when entertaining.
  
• Wedding favours given to guests to take home are an excellent way to create a lasting impression. Candles are a romantic and inexpensive gift that can be tied with ribbon or decorated with tulle; potpourri to scent drawers and wardrobes can be given away in decorative cones, pretty boxes or sachets; fans are a dainty gift and can be decorated with fresh or silk flowers or ribbons; and chocolate coffee spoons have also emerged as a recent favourite.
  
• Bells are a great giveaway for guests to ring at the reception as a cue for the couple to share a kiss. They can be adorned with some ribbon and a card attached, with a poem explaining their purpose and commemorating the day.
  
• For a touching thank you, write a poem expressing your feelings about your wedding day and thanking your guests for making it so special.
  
• Another new trend is to have a photo tree, which doubles as a decoration for your reception and later serves as party favours. Appoint someone to take an instant photo of guests as they arrive at the reception. Hang them with ribbon on decorative tree branches in a large urn or pot. Have your host later announce that each guest can find their photo on the "photo tree" and take it home at the end of the celebration to remember the day by.
  
• A small picture frame can make a perfect place card holder, as well as a charming favour that guests can use after the event to display a small photo in.
  
• Candy wedding favours, like lollipops with personalized wrappers or favourite Valentine conversations hearts, are also becoming increasingly popular.
  
• Designer heart-shaped rice that is environmentally friendly and safe for birds and animals can be thrown. Or, instead of throwing birdseed, have guests blow colourful bubbles. Individual sized plastic bottles can be decorated with beads, flowers and lace, or can come capped with plastic novelty shapes like flowers and churches.
  
• To include children of new blended families in the ceremony, give each member a new family medallion.
  
• Gifts for attendants can be non-traditional, too. Sought-after tickets to concerts or sporting events are thoughtful and useful presents. Monogrammed robes are also unique and handy for wedding preparation. Gift certificates for massage can make all of the wedding party members a bit more relaxed.
  
• Frame a poem for your parents as a thank-you gift, or make a movie of your and your fiance's lives.
  
• Use the line of a poem or song that means something to you as a couple to personalize your invitations.