Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life and one you will remember forever. Why not make it something that your guests will remember as well?

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending a wedding where the couple did just that. Both the bride and the groom are avid mountaineers. Their love of the outdoors was reflected in the Native American ceremony, which they chose to use.

Native American weddings are simple yet elaborate ceremonies. Simple because traditionally not a lot of preparation was necessary for the location; nature provides its own flowers and beauty. Elaborate because of the importance placed on sacred vows, tradition and prayer.

The ceremony began with the shaman (officiant) inviting the spirits of the north, east, south and west to the wedding to add their blessing to the marriage. The shaman brings a smudge pot, which holds a smoking mixture of sage or sweet grass to carry the guest’s prayers and well wishes to the Creator.

The whole ceremony was symbolized by a circle of love – the spirits from each quadrant bringing blessings, the family and friends surrounding the couple as they publicly declare their commitment and the exchange of rings.

After traditional wedding vows were exchanged, a non-traditional ring ceremony followed. The bride and groom and their mothers participated in the Blanket Ceremony.

While the couple exchanged their rings, both mothers held a Native American blanket behind them. After they had both recited their vows, the mothers wrapped them in the blanket representing their love and protection for the newlyweds.

Whatever your traditions are and wherever your interests lie, here are some ideas to help make your ceremony one which your guests will remember long after the last candle is blown out and the cake top is put in the freezer.

• Look for ways that your unique interests can fit into a traditional wedding concept
• Build bridges into the ceremony to connect the non-traditional to the traditional
• Have fun, but don’t make your wedding a joke
• Keep an open mind, but maintain the dignity of the moment

Remember you are making a public pledge that you will love and trust each other for the rest of your lives. This is important and it should be treated like an important occasion.