Weddings are meant to express who you and your fiancé are. Over time, they have evolved to include personal touches in your dress, decorations, and almost every aspect of your special day. Despite ceremonies moving away from the more rigid customs of years ago, many brides still opt to include some timeless traditions.

Below are some customs that have stood the test of time.

Something Old, Something New: This is a wonderful way to honor family and get heirlooms or cherished items from your loved ones. You need luck as you start this new adventure in your life, and getting something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue is a fun way to get just that.

Personal Vows: Some couples shy away from these because there is already so much preparation and seemingly so little time before your wedding. It is worth taking a few moments to consider how to let your guests know how you feel. This is one of the highlights of most ceremonies and there’s no better time to shout your feelings for your future husband from the rooftops.

Veils: Brides started wearing veils in ancient Rome to ward off evil spirits on their special day. While you can cross that concern off your list, they remain a beautiful addition to wedding gowns and are a tradition many brides continue to treasure.

Cake Toppers: If you choose a classic cake or something more modern, figurines adorning the top are a tiny detail that lets you show your personality in a big way. You can have replicas of yourself and your husband-to-be, your pets, or anything you can think of. They are a great way to make everyone laugh and add another special touch to your big day.

Many brides forego some longstanding traditions like throwing rice, tossing the garter and bouquet and even having a first dance. Others, such as those mentioned above, remain popular despite the evolution of ceremonies over time. However, the decision is yours as it is your special day and should be exactly how you want it to be.