One of the biggest takeaways I’ve had this year, dear reader, is every couple that I’ve worked with, be it just a day-of coordinator or otherwise, is how they want their wedding to be non-traditional.
They might not necessarily say that explicitly. Instead I will hear “we want our wedding to be true to who we are” and “we want a wedding that’s different from what we’re expected to do” etc, etc, etc.
And this is exciting! The mold of what is expected for a wedding is changing, and we’re seeing trends! In some instances, couples have voted to keep the structure of what we know of as the “wedding day” but tweak each component to be more what they want. In other instances, I’ve worked with couples that want to change everything up altogether.
So what does this mean? Is the “wedding day” as we know it gone for good? Absolutely not. What is happening is couples are realizing that they don’t need to go by any specific rulebook to do what they want to make their wedding as beautiful and true to them as possible.
So let’s start looking into that! I feel like I’ve got a lot to say about this so if another post happens in the future, it’s because my coffee kicked in and I cannot stop.
Non-Traditional Wedding Ceremony Ideas
The Attire!
I would say that this the most obvious way for you and your guests to see that you’re wanting to do things a bit different. And the easiest change that we’re seeing! We all know the bridal gown is a staple (and is it’s own microeconomy honestly), but beyond that there are unspoken rules and expectations of bridesmaid’s gowns, tuxes for the groom and his party, etc.
But more and more couples don’t want to adhere to these rules. And, on a more practical level, we’re seeing more same-sex couples married each year. The equation is changing, and as such the style doesn’t need to stay the same.
So you don’t want a wedding dress? But maybe you want to keep the color, but a different style? Or maybe you want to keep the dress, but the traditional white gown moment just isn’t your look? There’s plenty of options!
And on top of that there’s plenty of choices out there for the rest of your bridal party, as well.
Two brides, two grooms, or someone in-between? There’s plenty of options for you to choose to break the mold of the black and white garments.
The Ceremony!
Okay so you look amazing, and most importantly, you’re dressed how you want to dress. What about the ceremony itself?
It’s fairly common now for couples to write their own vows. But what if you want to take it a step further?
I’ve had couples have their pets join them in the fun and be part of the ceremony. I’ve also seen couples who completely turn the wedding party on its head and invite whomever they want to be by their side. It’s all up to you and whatever you want for your special day.
On top of that, couples might want their wedding to happen without an officiant. A quaker-style wedding offers the chance for couples to have a self-unifying wedding license. I’ve seen this done when a couple wants their entire community of friends and family to bear witness to their love and let that be all that needs to be done.
What Have You Seen?
Have you seen any fun and unique non-traditional wedding ideas, either at your wedding or someone else's? Let us know!
