Gone are the days of sticking to traditions. Couples are now thinking of new ways they can make their wedding more of a personalized experience, whether it’s through creative themes, wedding favors or combining cultural ceremonies. Read on to see our favorite ideas and trends you can borrow to make your celebration all the more unique and personalized.
Swap Bridesmaid Bouquets For Adorable Puppies
Picture Courtesy: @samaremanphoto
Yep! We say ditch the traditional bouquets and reach out for those cute little furballs instead! Having your bridal party walk in with puppies will not only add a surprise element but also make for a moment everyone will remember forever. We mean, look at those irresistible faces! Another fun alternative to surprise everyone is getting your bridesmaids and groomsmen to dance down the aisle. Any fans of The Office will know exactly what we’re talking about. Let them show off their swift moves and help pump up the crowd right before your entry, creating a unique moment special to your wedding day.
Walk Yourself Down The Aisle
Picture Courtesy: @photobyjulieta
The bride’s father usually walks her down the aisle, but brides looking to do things a little differently can ask both parents to do the honors together. We also love the thought of having your sibling or best friend walk you down instead. You can even walk down with a group, giving them a moment to shine before they grab their seat as you go. The other option is to walk yourself to your beau. This bride proudly walked herself down to her husband at her Los Cabos wedding, and we love her for it!
Sweet Serenade – Sing Your Vows
Pictures Courtesy: @priscilavalentina_photography
We love the idea of writing your own vows – something many couples are doing now. But can you make something that’s already special and personal into a unique moment? This groom sure found a way! Surprise your partner with a sweet song by putting your words into a melody. It takes personalized vows to a whole new level and makes for a key moment you won’t ever forget.
Private Vows & A First Dance At The Altar
Pictures Courtesy: @lukaskorynta
One wedding trend that’s getting popular now is the idea of creative first looks and exchanging private vows. It’s a sweet way to make the moment more remarkable when it’s just you two. Another fun idea is having your first dance right after sharing the first kiss. Yep! If you’re so excited that you just can’t wait till the reception for your first dance, do something unexpected and enjoy a twirl the second you’ve been announced Mr.&Mrs. It’s sure to be a tear-jerking moment that will have everyone reaching for tissues.
A First Touch
Picture Courtesy: @jane_iskra
If you or your partner are sticking to the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony, this is a great way to have that heartfelt personal moment without actually breaking the rules. A first touch leading up to the ceremony helps ease the nerves and have a moment together without spoiling the looks, saving the surprise for the moment you’ve been waiting for.
First Look With Your Family
Picture Courtesy: @nessietodd
First looks don’t always have to be with your spouse. Save the moment for your dad, mom, and even your siblings! You can also choose to have a first look with your bride squad and groomsmen! The reactions are priceless, and the photos captured would be filled with the best emotions that you can fondly look back at.
Encourage Photographs
Pictures Courtesy: @strapphotoclub & @photobyjulieta
We know many couples prefer to have their guests keep their phones aside and enjoy being entirely in the moment. After all, your photographer has got you covered! But if you’re the kind that loves any excuse to click pictures and want to share your wedding on the ‘Gram, the best thing is to create a personal hashtag! This way, you can have instant photos to look at without waiting for your photographer’s edited ones. Borrowing from the classics, we also love the thought of distributing disposable cameras to your guests. You can also have the photos sent to your phones. And what’s better? It is fun to engage everyone and can make for great favors they can take home!
A DIY Sand Art Guestbook
A romantic idea for your not-so-typical guestbook is having an acrylic photo frame or shadow box with multi-colored sand for guests to pour and create art with. Each color can represent a blessing, and your guests can take their pick, gradually forming a stunning work that you can keep as a unique decor. You can also have it customized to have your portraits and wedding date colored in by the sand. Now that’s creative and pretty!
Fun Favors
If you’re struggling with what favors to give your guests, here is a fun thought. Your wedding decor will probably involve a lot of floral elements. From your bridal bouquet to your wedding arch, you will likely have plenty of colorful blooms featured on the big day. But after the wedding, they are most likely to be thrown away. Instead, give everyone baskets to steal flowers and take them home after the celebrations. It is a more sustainable option that’s unexpectedly exciting and is a romantic gesture your guests will love.
Honor Your Loved Ones
When it comes to wedding guests, there are a few that you wish could make it. Ones who can’t be there to celebrate with you but are always there in spirit. Honor them by leaving an empty seat at the ceremony or having their photos as a sweet part of your decor. We love sleek linen memorial banners with lettering that celebrates those who have passed.
Have Your Grandparents Narrate Your Wedding Video
We mean, c’mon! Does it get any better than this? Perhaps the sweetest gesture is to make your grandparents part of the celebrations. Ask them to narrate your wedding video for that added element of magic, something they would love to do for you. The unique idea makes the video all the more special. You can also have your grandma serve as a flower girl during the ceremony, surprise her by wearing her wedding dress, share a dance with grandad, or have him officiate your ceremony.
Have A Private Last Dance
Picture Courtesy: @bn_______
Another idea you should definitely borrow is having a private last dance before concluding the day’s celebrations. There’s just something so sweet and special about dancing like you’re the only two in the world. After your reception, your guests head out to prepare for the grand send-off. As they line up and wait for you, take a moment to be alone with your new spouse and share a romantic dance. This gives you the time to have another intimate moment to appreciate them and take in everything that made the day beautiful.
Feature Image Credit: @greenpearlphotography
