10 Unconventional Wedding Ideas for a Stand-out Wedding
Suddenly it becomes that time in life. . . everyone around you is getting married! And it doesn’t take long before all of the weddings can start to blur together into a haze of tulle and sub-par salmon entrees. You may feel like you’ve seen it all before—the giant dessert wall, the cigar roller, the sparkler send-off. . . are there any unconventional wedding ideas left so you can be the one that’s still talked about in 10 years?
The answer is yes, and the key is to take an untraditional approach to the wedding you’ve either been planning for seven minutes, or since you were 7-years-old. Here are some ways to keep a dash of that “white wedding,” but in a completely new and you way that will be unforgettable.
1. A Change of Scenery
Vows under a floral arch at the local wedding factory isn’t your style? Bring your guests to an unconventional ceremony altar: board a boat, hike a mountain, find a field of wildflowers or take it international. If you can find an officiant with a strong stomach, say “I Do” in a jump plane before skydiving or go bungee jumping—your guests could always greet you on the landing. My point is, make it as wild as you want. Use your surroundings to your advantage with minimal added décor—it’s the experience you and your guests will remember, not the flowers.
2. An Unconventional Dining Experience
After spending $150 per plate, sometimes you realize that the fish is too dry, the steak is too rare, and vegetarian meal was clearly an afterthought. Instead, consider pulling in some alternative catering options from your Postmates craving regulars. Chipotle, Chinese, Chic Fil-A? If you can’t decide, make it a food court-style buffet with options from you and your fiancé’s favorite spots. I promise no one will be hangry about it…
3. Take it Overseas
A destination wedding is a surefire way for you and your guests to create unique memories. New vendors, different surroundings, and other cultures all contribute to a tailor-made experience—especially if you have guests who want to explore the world but who have never had the opportunity (or excuse!) to leave the country before. Remember that even as destination weddings grow in popularity, there will always be an exciting place for your guests to experience with you…like the mountainous banks of Queenstown, New Zealand, or a research vessel on its way to Antarctica. With the right tools, you’ll be able to make any dream location truly “yours.”
4. Keep it Small
Cut down the guest list to under 50. Other than saving some major money with this unconventional wedding idea, a short list creates an intimate environment allowing you to have meaningful conversations with everyone who attends your wedding. Your very close family and friends from both sides will be able to meet and create relationships with each other—something that is so often missing from most “traditional” weddings. Get rid of the uncomfortable divide in the room, and surround yourself with those who are happy for you two and happy to mingle and meet loved ones on the “other side”! Don’t let yourself fall into the statistic of happy couples who don’t even get to talk to everyone at their own wedding. Both you and your guests will remember and cherish the meaningful time you actually spent with each other on your wedding day.
5. Make it Huge
No compromise on the guest list? Okay, let’s make it HUGE! Throw away the idea of a traditional sit-down reception and have a festival, a concert, a carnival, a BBQ, or a beautiful cocktail party. Challenge the status quo of what a wedding is “supposed to” look like. Go right from your ceremony into an outdoor bash of your choosing. Just remember to set the right expectations in your invitation so guests show up appropriately dressed and ready for the fun.
6. Suns Out, Guns Out
A day-time wedding is a great way to shake things up—how about an intimate sunrise ceremony, boozy brunch or an afternoon garden party? It’s completely unexpected…and plus, who doesn’t like a DARTY?
7. A Vendor Power Team
Fabulous vendor teams are the glue that hold your wedding together. Choosing those vendors is important—so get to know them before booking, and make sure when you choose them it’s because they fit with your personality and not just because cousin Sally used them at her wedding. A great way to mix it up is to assemble a team of all-female vendors. Or how about all local mom-and-pop shops? Or even prioritize spouse-vendor duos! Pushing these boundaries and pairing with people whose values align with yours will allow you to explore new or uncharted vendors that your guests may have never seen before.
8. Surprise!!!
If you’re a bad secret keeper, you can skip right over this one! As far as unconventional wedding ideas go, this one is sure to get a reaction. Throw an “engagement” party and surprise everyone when they actually realize it’s your wedding. This is the perfect approach for couples trying to avoid the wedding hoopla and family drama that come along with planning. Make sure your must-have guests can make it, and keep it local. This is the best kind of surprise that no one is likely to forget.
9. Culture Shock
Incorporate other cultural traditions into your wedding. Have you and your fiance pull from your own family backgrounds, or ones that respect the venue if you’re celebrating abroad. Smash plates, dance the Hora or add a culturally inspired flair to your dessert. Ask family elders about traditions that have died out that could be revived by you in a completely new or different way. Everyone loves to learn—so why not introduce your guests to wedding rituals and traditions they may have never experienced before?
10. Elope
At the end of the day, if eloping is right for you and your future spouse, go off and have your own adventure that is uniquely yours. Mail out notes with a couple photos when you return home to let everyone know the good news!
Remember: It’s okay to want the ballgown and the 5-tiered cake and still want to find ways to stand-out. Incorporating one or many of these untraditional and unconventional wedding ideas will leave lasting memories for you and your guests!
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