Image by Lara Onac Photography. Read on for unique wedding ideas
The days of traditional have come and gone. As the years go by, more engaged couples are throwing out the wedding planning “rule book” and doing things their own way–and we’ve never been more excited about it. And although there’s nothing with sticking to tradition, we love seeing newlyweds plan the wedding of their dreams. So, if you’re looking for unique wedding ideas that you have not seen all over the internet, you’re in luck. We’ve seen some pretty special additions in our years and now we’re sharing them with you!
Unique Wedding Ideas
1. Leave The First Row Open For Wedding Party
While the tradition is to have your wedding party stand beside you, you can switch it up by leaving the first rows open for them to sit and enjoy the ceremony with your other guests. This allows them to relax, get off their feet, and get a better view of you exchanging your vows.
2. Send A Mood Board With The Color Palette In The Wedding Invitation
Want all of your guests to dress in a specific color palette? Send them a mood board with the color palette of your choice in their wedding invitation. This way they can take the mood board with them while they are shopping for an outfit. Just think about how cohesive your photos will look. This video is the perfect example of just how well it works!
@brittnewland If you aren’t putting a mood board in with your wedding invitation you’re doing it wrong #coolbride #weddingtrends #weddinginvite #weddinginvitations ♬ Seventeen Going Under – Edit – Sam Fender
3. Flower Grandma
While we absolutely love little flower girls, assigning the role to your grandmother is an adorable way to include her in your ceremony. She’ll feel honored that you asked to her be a part of your special day and your guests will get a kick out of seeing her walk down the aisle with her basket of flowers.
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4. Wedding Day Scent
Remember your special day every time you put on perfume by choosing a special wedding day scent. If you have a signature scent that you wear every day, but you want something different for tying the knot, choose a perfume/cologne that you only wear on special occasions–i.e., anniversaries. One spritz and you’ll be taken back to exchanging vows with your significant other, evoking all those emotions you felt on the day.
Image by Salt Atelier
5. Film Wedding Photos
Film has made a huge comeback these days, so why not incorporate it into your special day? If you’re not willing to shoot your entire wedding in film, see if your wedding photographer is willing to use both. You can also set up disposable cameras on every table so that your guests can capture moments through their eyes. If your wedding is small enough, you may even want to consider a disposable camera wall as your seating chart.
6. Have An “In Memorial” Table
If you have family members who have passed, put together an “in memorial” table comprised of photos, memorabilia, and some of their favorite foods and beverages. It’s a unique way to honor them and the life they lived.
@threeregionnc A #nontraditionalwedding idea for an #inmemoriam table. #foodies #weddingideas #missingyou #fyp #foodislove ♬ original sound – Jesse J. Pedigo
7. Unity Shot or Drink
Get the party started early with a unity shot or cocktail/beer during the ceremony. If you want your guests to be included, doing so at the very end before sealing the deal with a kiss is a great way to get everyone involved. If you want it to be just you and your partner, incorporate it into your readings.
Image by Paige Nelson
8. After The Tone Guest Book
After The Tone is perfect for those looking for an unconventional guestbook. The company–based out of Southern California–was started after husband and wife team Jacob and Bailey decided that they wanted something that would transport them back to their wedding night every time they listened to it. And what better way to do so than to listen to the voices of your guests? You rent an old-school phone that your guests can use to leave messages for you, which you can then listen to over and over after your wedding is over. It’s retro in the best way possible.
9. Walk Down The Aisle Together
Whether your parents have passed or they’re not going to be attending, walking down the aisle together is a memorable way to begin your new life as newlyweds. You get to walk hand-in-hand with your partner in life as you embark on your new journey–gives us goosebumps just thinking about it!
Image by Map and Compass Photography
10. Have A Social Media Minute
You’ve most likely heard of an unplugged ceremony, but have you heard of a social media minute? While we’re sure you’d love your guests to stay off their phones, they often don’t listen–even when you specifically let them know it’s unplugged. To give them the chance to capture the footage and photos they want, host a social media minute where they’re allowed to take their phones out and take as many photos and videos as they want. The easiest way to do this is to have your officiant announce it towards the end of your ceremony.
11. Rent A Bouncy House
Jump back into the past with a bouncy house during your reception and we promise you all of your guests will be feeling like children again–just be mindful if you have an open bar!
Now that you’ve got some unique wedding ideas planned for your special day, check out our ultimate guide on planning unique “I do’s” for even more inspiration!
Image by The Family Films. See more of this real wedding here
Thanks, Riley.
Really amazing idea. I am going to get married after three years. These words of yours will be useful to me in the future.
you have very nice photo
Such amazing ideas!!! Not sure my favorite- but high up there is the “leave a message after the tone”. Absolutely LOVE IT! Grandma walking down the aisle as the flower girl is an awesome idea as well. Thanks so much for this article.
Wow! This is such a fun article to read. These wedding ideas are definitely unique. As a limo rental owner driving for a lot of wedding events, I never encountered most of these concepts. I particularly love the flower grandmas. I can only imagine the happiness and pride on their faces. Great blog!
I love the idea about shooting on film! As a wedding photographer who trained way back in the 90’s I would love to do this :)