So, you are getting married, but you are not really a traditional couple, and you don’t want a traditional wedding. You’re probably trying to figure out how to make your wedding unique and unforgettable instead of the same old thing everyone does.
Well, you are in luck. As a non-traditional wedding photographer, I have captured a ton of unique weddings over the years and have picked up a few things along the way on how to flip the script on a traditional wedding.
So, let’s dive into my top tips for how to make your wedding unique and unforgettable!
How to Make Your Wedding Unique and Unforgettable
Brainstorm what is going to be most enjoyable for you over a date night
My first suggestion is to plan a date night with just you and your partner where you can sit down and talk about what things you are envisioning for your wedding day and what is going to feel most authentic to you and your relationship.
At the end of the day, your wedding should feel like you, and you should genuinely enjoy each and every minute of it. So talk about what that would look like for you and if there is anything specific you know you want to do.
Plus, you get a bonus date night out of it!
Focus on what feels good to you
When you are thinking about what to actually do during your wedding, focus on things that you want to include because they feel good to you, not just because they are traditional or trending at the time.
This is a day for you and your partner, not anyone else, and it doesn’t need to be dictated by anyone else. So think about if certain elements are actually important to you and are going to make you happy or if you’re just doing them because other people told you to.
Choose your location based on meaning or aesthetic
Choosing your venue is one of the biggest boxes to check off on your wedding planning list, and it’s an important one. However, you don’t have to feel like you are constrained to certain things just because it is what everyone else does.
You can get married anywhere, so find a location that truly feels special and good for you and your partner. This may be a place that has a certain aesthetic that you love and want to incorporate into your wedding.
This can also be a place that is significant to you and your partner – where you met, where you had your first date, the first “I love you,” where you popped the question. Even if it’s not “traditional,” it is going to be meaningful, and that is most important.
Have something for your guests to do during cocktail hour
Having something for your guests to do during cocktail hour or even your entire reception is always a hit. Now, you don’t have to go super over the top with this or feel like you need to spend a ton of money on this.
Even things as small as lawn games, photo booths, disposable cameras they can use, etc., give your guests something to do while you may be off taking portraits and just encourage people to talk and have fun.
You never know; a simple game of cornhole may turn into a tournament that people talk about for years to come!
Have reception entertainment
Reception entertainment is such a fun way to add a unique touch to your wedding. This could be anything from drag shows to acrobats and anything in between.
Now, this will take a bit more planning, and it may be dependent on your venue and how much space they have to do something like this, but it is a great way to create an unforgettable wedding.
If you want something a bit more low-key but still fun, you can also hire a band to play during your cocktail hour or for part of your wedding reception. Nothing gets people excited and talking more than live music!
Spend the day how you want and with whoever you want
This is your day, and you should get to spend it however you want and with whoever you want. Do you want to get ready with your partner instead of separately? Great, go for it.
Want to spend a little bit more time on your wedding portraits to get some really unique and cool shots? Take pictures for as long as you want! Feeling the exact opposite and want to go right to the reception and get the party started? Let’s pop the champagne and get dancing!
You get to make the rules when it comes to what you can and can’t do, so do whatever feels right for you and your partner.
Nix the “traditional” things that you don’t vibe with
There are a ton of traditions when it comes to weddings and, let’s be honest, not all of them fit everyone. So, if you find yourself thinking about a wedding tradition and just not feeling it…don’t do it.
There is no rule saying you have to be given away by your parents or you have to do a bouquet toss. If those things make you feel uncomfortable or feel as though you are trying to force yourself into a box you don’t fit in, cut them out.
Get ready somewhere other than your venue
If you don’t love your venue’s getting-ready space, you don’t have to use it. Instead, see if you can find a different space that matches your vibe and aesthetic more. This may be a hotel or an Airbnb or one of your friend’s houses.
Not only is this going to make you feel more comfortable, but you’ll also get way more interesting getting-ready photos out of it!
Have a brunch wedding instead of a night wedding
Now, not everyone is a night owl and wants to keep partying late into the night. If that doesn’t sound like the ideal day for you and your partner, think about doing a brunch wedding instead.
Yes, this will require you to get up much earlier in the morning, but you can keep it a bit more low-key and not feel like you have to keep the partying going well after you just want to be curled up in bed.
Plus, you can still do things like hire performers to make your wedding even more unforgettable.
Have a catered dinner instead of a dancing reception
If you and your partner are not fans of dancing, having a reception where people are dancing all night may not sound like your ideal wedding. In fact, it may feel really uncomfortable for you.
Instead, why not have a full catered dinner that everyone can enjoy together over jumping right onto the dance floor? You can still do all of the other things that you want to during your reception, but this allows you to feel more comfortable and create a meal that you and your guests will be talking about for years to come.
You can even pick a theme and choose foods based on that to tell the story of your relationship or even do something like a “tastes of the world” and have different dishes from different countries.
Do a first song instead of a first dance
If you and your partner are musicians, you can do a first song instead of a first dance. I had one of my couples do this, and it was such an amazing experience.
Whether you write a song specifically for your wedding or sing one of your favorites, you and your partner can play instruments or sing together for your guests, and I promise you, it is not something that they will forget!
Break the traditional rules of wedding parties
Let’s be honest, the days of traditional wedding parties are coming to an end. More and more people are letting their wedding parties wear what they want, and I say take it a step further.
This is your wedding and your wedding party, so include whoever you want, regardless of their gender. These are supposed to be the people you love and trust the most, so who really cares how they identify? What’s important is that they love you, and you want them standing next to you as you start this new chapter.
You could even just forgo a wedding party entirely. While couples may have different reasons for doing this, the reality is you only need you and your partner standing up there to get married.
Wear whatever the hell you want
Finally, wear whatever the hell you want. Throw gender norms out the window and find something that you are totally comfortable in. This is your wedding, after all, so you should be able to walk down the aisle and feel more confident than you have ever felt before.
This also goes further than just the clothes themselves. This can mean accessories, shoes, or anything you want it to. Now, just because it’s not traditional doesn’t mean it can’t still look great.
Matching custom Nike shoes can look amazing with your wedding outfit, plus you have something that you will actually wear after your wedding that will remind you of this special day for years to come.
Final Thoughts on Making Your Wedding Unique
While this is by no means all of the things you can do, hopefully, a few of these tips for how to make your wedding unique and unforgettable spark some ideas that you and your partner can incorporate.
If you are still looking for the perfect photographer who is ready to capture this incredible and unique wedding you are planning, I would love to be a part of it. Non-traditional weddings are my absolute favorite, and I love bringing these unconventional moments to life through your photos. You can click here to learn more about my wedding services or click here to get in touch!
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