If you’re planning your wedding, you’ve probably read articles and blogs and magazines all about the latest trends, the wedding traditions, and everything that you "need to do" to have a great wedding. However, just because there are certain traditions and expectations that people associate with weddings, you don’t have to follow them.
This is your wedding day. It is about you are your partner. It is about sharing your love with your friends and family. It is about having a great time and making memories. The truth is that you can do whatever you want with your wedding, as long as you enjoy yourself. If you want it to be, your wedding can be as unique and different as you are.
Here are some tips for putting on a non-traditional wedding.
Think of What Matters to You
There are some wedding traditions that really matter to people. However, there are other traditions that some people do simply because they feel “all weddings have them.” If there are certain traditions that you don’t like or that don’t matter to you, there’s no need to feel pressured to include them.
Everyone has a different picture in their mind when they think of the perfect wedding. There’s no need to have aspects of a wedding that you don’t like. Remember, it’s your day.
Consider Changing the Day
In many cultures, weddings traditionally take place on Saturday. However, there’s no reason that you can’t have your wedding on a different day! Planning your wedding for a Friday, Sunday, or even a Wednesday afternoon is certainly possible! Not only can this give you more freedom, but it could also be easier to book venues and vendors, since you’ll be looking at a day that is less popular. Weddings on days other than Saturday are often less expensive to hold as many vendors offer lower rates on these days.
However, it is important to remember that weekday weddings may be more difficult for some people to attend and always keep religious concerns in mind as well.
You can also go for a different time of day. Why not consider a breakfast wedding reception? Or an evening ceremony? There are so many options available once you decide to consider alternate dates and times.
Try a New Location
Many weddings happen in banquet halls and for good reason. These venues are large and those who work at those venues have experience in putting together a wedding. However, you don't need to have your wedding at a banquet hall. Why not change things up?
Consider having the reception at a vacation home, university campus, restaurant, boat club, hotel, historic building, museum, art gallery, library, botanical garden, theatre, or just about anywhere else!
A unique location can make your event even more memorable, the photos will look incredible, and your guests will love it!
Have a Smaller Event
When you first create your guest list, you might find that you have hundreds of names listed. However, there’s no need to have a huge wedding if you don't want to. If you want to do something different, consider a more intimate affair with just a few close family members and friends. You can have a magical moment that you’ll remember forever, no matter the size of your wedding.
Change the Dress
Obviously, at a wedding, most brides wear wedding dresses. However, there’s no rule that says you have to wear a white wedding dress when you get married. These days, more and more people are going for more unique looks. You don't even have to wear a dress at all, if you don't want to!
If you do wear a dress, consider adding some color to your look! Splashes of color, patterns, or even a dress that is completely a bright color are all possibilities! White or off-white wedding dresses are beautiful and traditional, but there are many other choices as well. Don’t feel constrained by the idea of a white dress.
Choose Unique Wedding Bands
There are so many different options available for wedding bands. From simple gold bands, to elaborate pieces with intricate details and stunning stones, the variety is incredible.
Visit a jeweler and explore their collections. Remember, not all jewelers are the same. Some will offer more modern designs, while another will focus on traditional rings, and another still will sell antique wedding rings. Talk to the jeweler and let him or her know that you are looking for something different. A good jeweler will listen to your needs and help you find the perfect rings that you’re dreaming of.
