Did you know that there were over 2.1 million weddings in the United States in 2019?
If you’re planning your wedding, you no doubt want your celebration to stand out among that figure.
It can be difficult to stray from traditional wedding ideas, but unconventional concepts are what make a wedding memorable!
To learn five of the best non-traditional wedding ideas, keep reading our guide below!
1. Unique Catering
Everyone’s familiar with the traditional three-course wedding reception. If you want to give your guests something unique, hire out a food truck (or a few) to host your reception in the venue’s lot.
If you want a more low-key meal, hold your reception in your backyard and provide your own food. Not only do you have full reign over the menu, but it also shows your guests how much it means that they’re attending your celebration.
2. Non-Traditional Wedding Ideas for Venues
If you like the idea of a ceremony followed by a reception, you can still add some unique flair by choosing an eclectic venue.
If you’re drawn to the great outdoors, consider a garden wedding or holding your ceremony in a conservatory. If you want to do a scaled-back version of a destination wedding, you can hold your wedding at a luxury campsite.
If you’d prefer to stay inside for your big day, there are plenty of other unique venues. Consider a museum, movie theater, or planetarium for your big day!
3. Surprise Weddings
Surprise weddings have become one of the more popular non-traditional wedding ideas, and they’re an affordable and exciting way to celebrate your special day.
Most couples hold their surprise weddings under the guise of an engagement party.
While surprise weddings are exciting and provide a crazy shock factor, be mindful that guests may not commit to RSVP-ing since they’ll assume it’s a regular party.
They are definitely a fun alternative to traditional weddings, especially if you have a tight-knit group of friends and family.
4. Non-Traditional Wedding Attire Ideas
If you’re sick of the uniformity of bridal party attire, break the mold!
If you want some cohesiveness, give your bridal party a color palette to abide by as far as attire goes. If you want an even looser approach, give your bridal party free reign when it comes to choosing their attire.
The wedding couple doesn’t have to follow traditional attire rules either. Ditch the gown and tux in favor of more flashy or casual outfits, depending on your preference.
5. Unconventional Wedding Reception Locations
Sure, it can be fun to choose flowers and tablecloths for the wedding reception hall decor, but not every couple is interested in a traditional reception.
If you want to mix things up after your ceremony, go somewhere more laid back, like a bowling alley. A more casual environment will give your guests an easy place to mingle, and you won’t have to worry about running around and keeping everyone entertained.
Alternatively, following a private or public ceremony, hold your reception at an indie coffeehouse or brewery. It’s a great way to support local businesses while creating a more intimate and personal reception.
Enjoy Your Special Day
The wedding planning process can be stressful, but it’s worth it when you celebrate an unforgettable day with your loved ones. No matter what route you take, the non-traditional wedding ideas above will help you as you plan your own special day!
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