Unconventional Wedding Traditions: Making Your Wedding True To You
Skipping the Cake
Not a cake person? No problem. From doughnuts to pies to food trucks to cheesecake (my personal favorite), there are plenty of ways to treat your guests while staying true to what you love.
SMALLER GUEST LIST
Smaller weddings or elopements can make your wedding more intimate and less stressful. A smaller group of loved ones allows you to focus on meaningful connections rather than juggling a large crowd. Couples often find this approach helps them create a more personal experience for everyone attending. Alternatively, if you’re looking to throw the biggest party of the century, I’m also all-in!
First Look Alternatives
If a first look doesn’t feel right, consider other options. I’ve seen couples share a quiet moment together without seeing each other, like holding hands or simply checking in on each other around a door. It’s just as meaningful.
Unique Venues
We’re seeing fewer stuffy ballrooms and banquet halls as couples are opting for unconventional venues that reflect their personalities. From industrial warehouses and urban lofts to rustic barns and backyard gardens, the options are limitless. These unique wending venues provide the perfect backdrop for couples to create one-of-a-kind celebrations that are tied to their lives and leave a lasting impression on guests.
Private Vows
Sharing personal vows privately before the ceremony can take the pressure off and make the moment more intimate. It’s also a great way to have a special memory just for the two of you.
Interactive Guest Experiences
Make your wedding unforgettable by adding interactive elements for your guests. Think photo booths, mix-your-own cocktail stations, or even live painters capturing your day on canvas. These experiences not only keep guests entertained but also add unique touches to your celebration.
Inclusive Celebrations
Inclusivity should be at the heart of every wedding. From gender-neutral bridal parties to mixed-gender parent dances, it’s beautiful to see couples creating more inclusive wedding experiences for all.
Capturing Authentic Moments with Candid Wedding Photography
One movement that’s transforming weddings is the love for candid photography. These are the photos that capture the real, emotionally-charged moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable and unique. Want to learn more about candid wedding photography? Read my guide to candid wedding photography.
Celebrating Individuality
Couples are adding more personal touches and unique details to their weddings that reflect who they are as individuals and as a pair. From DIY decor to custom wedding dresses and suits, weddings should celebrate your relationship in a way that’s meaningful and true.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas
Sustainability is becoming a priority for many couples. From using recycled materials and digital invitations to choosing locally sourced flowers and catering, there are endless ways to plan an eco-friendly wedding.
Destination WeddingS
Dreaming of a destination wedding? Keep it simple by providing guests with a detailed itinerary and travel tips. Turning your wedding into a full weekend experience can help everyone feel included and make the event even more memorable.
Themes and Personalization
Adding a theme or personal touches can make your wedding truly one-of-a-kind. Themes based around your favorite movie or decade, and personalizing details like your playlist, signature cocktails, or decor can make your celebration yours. I photographed a Wes Anderson-inspired wedding last year that perfectly captured the couple’s quirky personalities and artistic style.
