While the big party is important (and lots of fun), the ceremony space is where the real magic of the day happens. So why not make it shine all on its own?

Picturing a few flower-filled vases and some pew bows? Don’t stop there! With a little creativity and a lot of imagination, you can create a beautiful and unique space in which to exchange your vows. Donna O’Brien, owner and creative director of Beautiful Blooms in Philadelphia (215-925-9300; beautifulblooms.com), likes to use candles to set the stage. “I love to have a ceremony space that has tons of little vases of hanging votives and hanging white flowers and then carpet the entire area in all coordinating rose petals,” she says. She also suggests hanging multiple chandeliers, then surrounding the area in lit candles. She often hangs sheer fabric in the space to “just add a glow.”

If you’re getting married in a church and are concerned about working within stricter parameters for decoration, dim the lights and fill the altar with candle stands and votives. “We have also hung beautiful wreaths from walls behind altars,” adds O’Brien.

You might also consider adding special touches that personalize your ceremony, such as monogrammed aisle runners or eye-catching programs. Tina LaMorte, wedding planner and owner of Oh So Fabulous in Maywood (201-981-7280; ohsofab.com), says that a whimsical program with facts and photos of you and your groom not only puts your own personal stamp on your ceremony, but also entertains guests before the wedding. “We have done programs on raffia fans for beach and destination weddings, created booklets, the list goes on and on.”

A decorative and functional trend that LaMorte has recently infused into ceremonies is the placement of large apothecary jars filled with rose petals at the end of the aisle. Once the ceremony is over, the decorative tops are removed and “guests reach in and take a ‘pinch of petals,’ if you will, to throw at the bride and groom after the recessional,” explains LaMorte.

O’Brien suggests other options to up the “wow factor,” such as adding large, potted flowering trees, illuminating back walls, ceilings, and aisles with patterned, soft-colored lighting, and focusing lighting on where the couple will stand. O’Brien emphasizes, “I think lighting makes it.”

And while you’re considering these unique ideas and dreaming up new ones of your own, don’t underestimate the power of the classics. LaMorte agrees. “I think another old standard that is fun and never goes out of style is a bag piper to pipe the bride down the aisle…it’s traditional but always so dramatic.” This kind of drama during your “I dos” is a good thing!