Everyone wants their wedding to be memorable, but not everyone knows how to make it happen. While you and your new spouse will undoubtedly always remember your big day, will your guests do the same? Here are five ways to make your wedding one of the most talked-about events of the year:

1.Include the Couples in Your Family

As a special treat to your mothers and grandmothers, ask your fathers and grandfathers for the name of the song playing during the first dance at each couple’s respective wedding. Without letting on to what you’re up to, have each song played at your wedding reception, and ask the deejay to announce the couple, the year of their marriage and how they are related to you or your spouse. Be sure to have the camera ready to capture the look on your mothers’ and grandmothers’ faces.

2.Transportation

To make a real impression at your wedding, choose your transportation wisely. A classic, beautiful limousine is sure to turn the heads of your guests. Other great ideas for transportation include a horse and carriage, an elegant Rolls Royce or even a party bus. Look for a type of vehicle that goes hand-in-hand with the theme of your wedding. If you have the funds available, you may want to consider hiring a limousine for your parents and grandparents; there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to ride in style on your big day.

3.Speeches

Instead of having the best man and maid of honor give the traditional wedding speeches, skip these and give your own speech. Stand up and thank the person that introduced you, tell your guests why you chose to say “yes,” or thank your parents for all they’ve taught you. No matter what you choose to say, make it heartfelt and it will be a speech that all of your guests remember.

4.Light Candles for Missing Loved Ones

The lighting of candles for loved ones who have passed away is not necessarily a new tradition, but it’s definitely a memorable one. After you meet each other at the altar, and before the ceremony begins, take a moment to light a candle for those people special to you who are no longer with us. Don’t leave your guests wondering who you’re lighting candles for; share a brief anecdote about each person as you light your candles. Your guests are sure to remember this simple, special touch and may even use it in their own upcoming ceremonies.

5.Keep the Kids Entertained

If you’re inviting children to your reception, don’t sit them with the adults. Instead, create special kids’ tables, complete with age-appropriate activities. You can put crayons, coloring books, puzzles, a portable DVD player with children’s movies playing, board games and even drawing paper on the tables instead of a centerpiece. The parents will appreciate the thoughtfulness that you show, and the children will enjoy what is typically an event catered to adults.

Every couple hopes that their wedding is memorable for all those in attendance. If you want to make sure that your wedding leaves a great impression on your guests, follow the five tips above or use them as a springboard for your own ideas. By adding special touches to your wedding, not only will it be uniquely yours, but it will live in your guests’ memories forever.

Laura Guest is a guest author for limousineservices.org, a site she loves to recommend for transportation information for special events.