Sharing your non-traditional wedding ideas with others can be daunting due to the fear of being judged. In the past, certain motifs such as a big dress, first dance, and sharp tux tended to be repetitive. However, in this age of individuality, different types of weddings are now flourishing. While there’s nothing wrong with having a traditional wedding and looking classic and feminine in lace robes, there’s no rule that says you can’t deviate from the norm.
You’re unique, and your wedding should reflect who you are and your uniqueness, so you don’t have to follow tradition if you don’t want to. In fact, you can plan an alternative wedding that reflects you or even do something entirely different from a wedding.
Engaged couples are no longer bound by rules and expectations when it comes to their big day. Whether you choose to skip traditional formalities altogether or find creative ways to make them your own, there are plenty of opportunities to shake up your celebration. Weddings tend to be most special when they blend long-practiced customs with fresh details that are personal to the couple.
We have compiled alternative wedding ideas that beautifully break tradition. Remember, it’s your wedding, and you should do what you want to do!
Choose Out of the Box Venue
The best way to make your wedding unconventional is to select a venue that’s out of the box. For example, you don’t have to wait until Halloween to exchange vows in a cemetery. This is actually a popular spot for weddings in Denmark. In Atlanta, Oakland Cemetery is a one-of-a-kind venue that hosts weddings throughout the year.
Restaurant wedding venues are also becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. The ambiance is already established, and there’s no need to rent tables, chairs, or dishware. Moreover, the food is guaranteed to be delicious. Select an eatery that has significance to your relationship. To make your wedding even more unique, consider sitting at the bar.
Wear Something Non-Orthodox
To make your wedding attire more varied, you can allow the guys to wear suits or shirts with suspenders without a jacket, instead of renting tuxedos. The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is relatively new in human history, so don’t feel restricted to that color. If you feel your best with your ladies in rich green bridesmaid robes, for example, then go for it!
Brides don’t have to stick to white dresses, and grooms don’t have to wear tuxedos. You can switch it up and opt for something different, like rompers, kilts, or sequin jumpsuits. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to explore different options and choose what suits you best.
You can also let your wedding party choose their own looks and not limit those who wear dresses to bridesmaid-specific styles. While the idea of mismatched bridesmaid monogrammed robes and giving your group the freedom to choose their own attire is great, there’s also something to be said for the clean and fresh look of a wedding party dressed in white.
Replace Traditional Flowers
While flowers are often expected at weddings, it can be exciting to opt for something unexpected. If you still crave a pop of color, consider using colorful ribbons to decorate your ceremony or incorporate them into a bouquet. For a more natural feel, focus solely on greenery or pampas grass.
If you’re not interested in carrying a traditional bouquet, you can also carry an alternative bouquet made of dried flowers, grasses, and other fillers for a boho-inspired look, all of which are a fun twist on the traditional wedding flower arrangement.
Alternatively, you could use buttons, brooches, or paper to create your bouquet. You could even carry something else that represents your personality or interests. For example, a local couple once carried bouquets made of pizza, which might not be for everyone, but is a fun and unique option for pizza lovers.
Treat Cake Differently
Why not switch things up and try something unexpected instead of the traditional tiered cake? Consider a cotton candy machine instead! Rather than feeding each other cake, feed each other a big piece of fluffy cotton candy. Your guests will enjoy mingling with this portable spun-sugar snack, and it also makes for a great cloud-like topper on your signature cocktails.
And while an all-white wedding cake is timeless, a multi-dimensional brushstroke cake can be a creative and refreshing option. Stick with a neutral palette to elevate the sophistication factor. Instead of smashing cake, you and your partner can also try feeding one another with a different dessert or even your favorite entrée.
Who wants cake shoved in their face, anyways? Or instead of cake, you can skip them for an ornate cake table with several single-layer cakes or alternative desserts instead.
Play Games
Instead of sticking to the usual wedding reception routine of dining and dancing, consider offering fun bar games as a unique entertainment option for guests who may not be interested in dancing. Play arcade games at your reception.
Spice up your reception by renting classic arcade games! Compete with your partner in games like Golden Tee, Hoop Shoot, or Pac-Man, or show off your pinball skills. Guests of all ages will enjoy the playful atmosphere and have a blast. And while Southern celebrations often include cornhole, a ping pong table can also add a playful and unexpected element to the event.
Serve It Non-Traditional
Do you know you can incorporate calligraphy into your cocktails? Use your wedding as an opportunity to try out your new last name. You can make it look amazing on something permanent, like a neon wedding sign, or try stenciling it onto the top of your signature cocktail for a cool and personalized touch.
And if you want to start the celebration early, set up a champagne glass station at the entrance to your ceremony. Guests can enjoy a drink while they wait for the exchange of vows and get in the party mood. Or instead of the traditional leafy greens, why not serve an indulgent appetizer of meat and cheese? Communal grazing tables were popular before the pandemic, but now an individualized approach is gaining popularity.
Moreover, Gelato Bar Italian-inspired wedding ideas have been a hit these days, so a self-serve gelato bar is a great option. Guests can mix and match flavors to their liking and indulge in something sweet. Or have you considered food trucks? They can be a fun, flavorful, and festive option for catering. Spread out some cozy blankets and floor pillows on the lawn, let guests grab their food, and host a casual picnic-style reception they will remember for years to come.
Throw Some Surprises
Switch up the flow of the evening by adding live entertainment between different parts of the celebration. For example, hire synchronized swimmers for a whimsical touch if your venue has a pool. Or, consider booking a drag queen to officiate the wedding, emcee the event, or perform at the reception for some extra glitz and glam.
Don’t be afraid to break with tradition and try something new, like having confetti men, ring bearer pets, or flower grandmas instead of flower girls. You can also consider hosting a fun and casual pre-wedding bash, like a pool party with beer and barbecue, instead of a formal rehearsal dinner.
While you’re at it breaking the rules, do whatever that deviate from the norm. It’s your wedding anyway, and people will get to remember the one-of-a-kind wedding they have ever attended.
