The only way to keep your guests on their toes is by planting small surprises around every corner. If your wedding is too monotonous, it will be quickly overlooked and forgotten. It's important that your wedding conveys your own style and individuality. Try to stay away from imitating other weddings you've been to down to the last detail. And don't be afraid to step outside the box and explore other possibilities – that's the only way you can achieve bridal planning success!

1. The Wedding Music
The wedding playlist is a great tool for imparting your own personality. Rather than picking the same old wedding tunes off of a rather short list (Beethoven, the Wedding Song, etc), tune your attention to something off the beaten path. Alternatively, you consider music from your favorite jazz, Celtic, or R&B artist. Imagine your bridesmaids walking down the aisle to the beautiful melodies of Harry Connick, Jr, Etta James, or George Gershwin. It will be a pleasant surprise for your wedding guests and add some much-needed diversity to your party.

2. Visuals at the Reception
A novel idea that many present couples are doing is a wedding video montage. Having visuals from the past and present always work well as a conversation piece. Collect pictures from when you both were kids, ones you took together when you just met, and any you've taken since then. Make sure that the photos include relatives and friends who are present – it will be a pleasant surprise for those guests to see themselves on the big screen. You could also rent a photo booth which the guests can take advantage of any time during the party; the pictures can then be taken home as wedding party favors.

3. Messages that Work
Write out individualized cards for each wedding guest. These could be a personal “thank you,” or for something easier, select a quote for each guest that you think best suits them. Friends and family will have fun exchanging what message they received; it will be the first thing they talk about! For an ultimate effect, have the quotes written out in calligraphy on small embellished note cards.

4. Go Against the Norm
Don't be afraid to do things contrary to the standard wedding itinerary. Rather than have the ceremony first, have the guests meet at the reception site. Greet the guests in cocktail attire for drinks and appetizers, followed by a relaxing dinner. While everyone is finishing up their meal, retreat to a private room and change into your bridal ensemble. After the vows are exchanged, you can cut the cake and have everyone participate in the champagne toast. This would be an ideal affair for a New Year's Eve wedding.

5. You Are What You Drive
Unusual transportation always helps to set the nuptials apart. Plus, there are so many choices to choose from! You could pull up to the ceremony in a horse-drawn buggy, and have the guests transported to the reception site by way of trolleys. One New York couple chose to have 100 bicycle rickshaws lined up outside the ceremony awaiting the wedding guests. According to those present, the effect was “magical” and “a true delight.”