Your wedding day is the day that two individuals become one. Endless hours of thinking, discussing, sometimes arguing and planning go into this special day. The end result should be a reflection of your individual personalities, family dynamics and a portrait of this new couple, being joined in marriage.

Since the reception expenses tend to encompass the largest portion of your overall budget, the reception should be the ultimate reflection of who you are as a couple. There are many factors to consider for adding your personal touch.

What do you envision when you imagine your reception? Are you looking for a place with natural lighting, outdoor space, historical architecture or a strong theme? These concepts form the foundation of a facility, and it is unlikely that they can be altered. However, there are many other items you can adjust to fit your personality, theme and colors.

Color, in particular, can speak volumes about your personality. Couples with bold personalities may choose to work with equally bold colors like fuchsia; those looking for something timeless may choose a black-and-white theme; and couples looking for elegance may choose rich jewel tones. Colors can also be molded to themes surrounding the seasons.

Whatever your color choice or theme, be sure to incorporate it in to your reception plans. Ask the facility what color options you have for table linens and linen napkins. This could be a great way to pull in color or accent it.

Dinner and beverage selections are another great way to highlight your uniqueness as a couple. When planning your menu selection, think about who you are and your history as a couple. Do you share a favorite food or a favorite memory revolving around food? Perhaps there is a way to integrate the dinner you had on your first date. A shared favorite food or family recipe is another option.

If you don’t want to make a bold jump from the traditional wedding dinner, there are other ways to incorporate a special dish into your reception. Party favors, appetizers or a late- night snack provide opportunities for this: For example, chips and salsa as a late-night snack allow you to incorporate your love of Mexican cuisine without making a large leap like having a taco bar for dinner.

Keep the same concept in mind for beverages. If you share a love of wine, perhaps a wine bar would be a nice addition to cocktail hour. For coffee lovers, a coffee bar is a nice after-dinner option. Is there a specific drink that would highlight your personality, history as a couple, theme or colors? If so, ask if it could be displayed as a “drink of the night.”

Throughout the planning process, keep these concepts in mind. It is not necessary to add personality to every small detail, but by adding just the right amount here and there, your special day is sure to be the perfect reflection of the future Mr. and Mrs.