How a couple plans a wedding is a very personal choice. While some may be comfortable with the traditional routes not everyone prefers to be confined to them. Since weddings today are more and more about moving away from the traditions and doing what your heart truly wants, this leaves a lot of room for creativity. Many people desire an offbeat wedding, but might be short of ideas and how to go about it. Here are some starting off points on planning an offbeat or non-traditional wedding.
The dress
Consider opting for a color of your choice in place of the traditional white long dresses which are difficult to manage. The color could be – pink, blue, green, lilac and of any length and layer! You can even choose a brightly coloured dress for yourself and go all white for your bridesmaids.
The venue
How about getting married on the beach or on hilltop or somewhere that has significance to you like in the backyard of your house? Truly different from the norm and would definitely have your guests talking! Having a wedding reception in a home or outdoor environment may be more creative, but be careful, as they also require A LOT more planning (think restrooms, safety, food, shelter, heating – not as exciting as you first thought right!?). The good news is that there are so many fun alternatives (like museums, banquet halls and reception Halls in Long Island) that also cater for weddings.
The footwear
Have you ever noticed a bride in sneakers? It may seem like a strange idea but are super comfortable for a bride who is burdened with a heavy flowing dress! These are perfect for the low-maintenance bride who loves converse and a laid back style – this look is even better if you also happen to be tall. And, you will be able to walk with comfort (a huge plus!) Keep it stylish by wearing pretty tights, bright colored shoes (in your wedding colours) or floral patterned footwear that will surprise everyone. If you’re unsure about going casual for the whole evening, consider taking a pair of kitten heels to wear at the ceremony and for photos.
Traditions with a twist
If the bride and groom belong to two different traditions or cultural backgrounds, consider bringing your favourite elements of both to the day. Your guests will be honoured that their side has been recognised and it will give both sides of the family a chance to discuss the interesting moments of the day!
Wedding flowers
Hand-picked flowers make a beautiful bouquet and are a wonderful alternative to the traditional tightly-rounded bridal bouquet. You can choose the flowers of your choice from a local farmer’s market and pop-in a lot of colors either in the floral wrap or the wrap around the bouquet handle. It looks unique, casual and beautiful!
Wedding Veils
Veils can be made to look different with unexpected colors and beads. If you have a theme wedding, buy a hair accessory that matches the colour palette of the day. This can be weaved through to your bridal party with the same colours added to your bridesmaid’s hair.
Bridal Party Outfits
Let your bridesmaids choose their own dress. Retro bridesmaid dresses are a big hit these days. They can even try cute party dresses or Bohemian-style. It is also not important to get all the bridesmaids wear the same color. But, it is more vital that your bridesmaids know what shade you would prefer they wear. For example, if you ask them each to choose a blue shade, you may end up with a lot of different colours. Different shades of the same colour don’t always go together (greenish blues and deep purple blues) so giving your ladies a list of options to decide from may be a better option.
Hen Party
The hen party is a great opportunity to throw something that is completely off beat with loads of fun elements. For instance, get all your friends, including you and your partner, at a unique venue like movie theaters, casino, school grounds, clubhouses, community gym etc. You can play the games pertaining to the party venue and dress accordingly.
The theme
Keep to a non-traditional theme for your wedding that is personal to you. This could be music you share together or anything that you both love.
Wedding invites
We love getting something exciting in the post! Send different kind of invites for the wedding one that qualifies for a non-traditional. A non-traditional wedding card may have as many colors as the invitee likes with many folds as against just one in the traditional card. Personalize it with images; write it yourself with no capital letters. Send it in a bottle or rings or some unconventional product. Off late these have become extremely popular. There are so many different options here (especially since hand drawn is so popular these days). Remember that your invites are the first taste your guests will get of your day – so entice them with something fun!
Wedding cakes
Alternatives for traditional cakes promise to turn any wedding exciting. These are styled like the cakes but are not. You can have pizza for pizza lovers, truffles, burger, waffles, cheese, pork pie, sushi, cake shooters and more!
Image via Flickr
