Non-Traditional Ideas to Prevent a Ho-Hum Wedding

Traditions are nostalgic, but altering the expected game plan and allowing your own unique personalities to shine can be liberating and FUN for everyone. Here are a dozen ideas on how you can change things up a bit and create your own alternative wedding rules. It's possible that Great Aunt Martha might raise an eyebrow if the expected wedding procession turns into a free-form dance down the aisle to the sound of Bruno Mars—but then again, she may find she’s having the time of her life.

Furry Escorts – Have your pooches walk you down the isle—or who ever you want by your side. Dogs in tuxedos prancing down the Isle will make everyone smile

Tuxedos and Perfume

If your sister happens to be your best friend in the entire universe, ask her to be your ‘best woman’. Have her wear the pants in the wedding. She may just thank you for not having to wear a frilly pink chiffon bridesmaid’s gown.

“Sprinkles, please.”

If you’re having a summer wedding, consider hiring a local ice cream truck. Have the truck quietly arrive outside during the wedding ceremony to give your guests a tasty post-ceremony surprise.

No More Cloning

Break tradition and have your bridesmaids wear ‘bride-approved’ cocktail dresses instead of ‘wear-once-and-store-it’ bridesmaid dresses. If you have a color theme, ask them to keep their dresses in the same color family.

“You’re getting married where?”

Choose an unexpected place for your ceremony such as a local botanical conservatory. Or if you have one of those over-the-top wacky personalities, an amusement may fit the bill. The most memorable weddings can take place wherever you feel the most inspired—whether it’s the place where you first met your partner, or in the middle of the woods under a canopy of shade trees.

Here Come the Grandmas?

Want to honor the elders of your family in a way that they will always remember? Ask the Grandmothers to be your flower girls and have them toss flower petals down the aisle before the procession begins. What a beautiful and unexpected tribute to them.

Nothing Up My Sleeve

Surprise your guests with unexpected entertainment during the cocktail hour—a magician, a tarot card reader, or a caricature sketch artist. Why not set up a mini-spa area to help your guests unwind? Hire a few masseuses with massage chairs and a Shiatsu practitioner and your guests will really loosen up and be ready to party and dance the night away.

“Margaritas, anyone?”

A fun idea to entertain your guests during the cocktail hour is to have a choose-your-flavor margarita bar. You could also treat your guests to a professional wine, beer, or whiskey tasting if the venue is able to accommodate you for this service.

Confetti Reimagined

Maybe it’s time to ditch the expected confetti and streamers during the bridal dance. Instead, put together a small cellophane gift bag (tied with a ribbon or curly pipe cleaner) filled with colorful mini pom-poms at each place setting with a tag that reads, ‘For the Bridal Dance’.

Outdoor Wedding Fun

Ceremonies and wedding receptions that are held outside during the warmer months are more fun when colorful plastic sunglasses and brightly colored hand-held fans are passed out. You can also set out a huge basket of flip-flops to make your guests more comfortable. This will also help save your female guests’ high heels from sinking into the soft ground.

It’s Not a Piece of Cake

Skip the traditional wedding cake since many people just leave it sitting on their tables. Why not opt for a tiered donut or individual cheesecake display. Cake pops with a variety of frostings and toppings are fun, as are ‘make-your-own-ice-cream-sundae’ stations. Just remember, it’s totally cool to ditch the white cake with buttercream frosting idea.

Don’t Do Them a Favor

Why waste your time and money on wedding favors when you know from the start that most of your guests aren’t going to actually keep or use them? Most likely they will end up in the junk drawer. A fun (and welcomed) idea is to have a make-your-own goodie bag up for guests as they leave your reception. Fill a large table with all sorts of candy and individually wrapped cookies in brightly colored containers or baskets. Have a small party bag and twist ties handy and your guests can take home what they like.

Conclusion

The wedding planners at Webster Golf Club are just as cleaver as they are helpful. Need more ideas on how to make sure your wedding guests don't doze off after dinner? We may have a few creative ideas of our own. You can trust that our team of professionals will make sure every detail is taken care of perfectly. Call us at 585.265.1920, Ext. 3.