Traditional weddings are beautiful and classic, but more and more couples are trying to make their ceremony and reception be an extension of their relationship! After all, your wedding day is a celebration of who you are as a couple and should reflect your personalities, whether you are witty, funny, more laid back. It’s important that your big day feels like you! The great thing about planning your own wedding is that you can mix and match ideas and themes together to make it unique to you. Here are some cute ideas that you can add to your wedding to make it more you!
Dress Change
Although your wedding ceremony may have been a more formal affair in a church, your reception doesn’t have to be! Many couples opt for a beautifully proper ceremony in a church with their family priest to recreate the family tradition, just like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. After having such a gorgeous ceremony, you deserve to kick back at the reception and have fun with your family and guests by dancing the night away. Your elegant ball gown and the groom’s white tie suit may not lend itself to being fully comfortable on the dance floor. Therefore, it might be in your best interest to join the many brides (and grooms) that have a separate reception look so that they can have fun and greet all of their guests in comfort. For the bride, you can opt for a reception dress and a pair of white sneakers. For the groom, removing the tailcoat and vest will make it easier to dance and enjoy the night!
New Look
You will want to look your best for your wedding day, and sometimes that means trying something new! Some brides and grooms want to look extra special, and this can mean changing things up for the ceremony or before the reception. You can go from beautiful beachy waves to an updo perfect for dancing. If you’re considering a serious change, like a haircut or color, reach out to your stylist to get their thoughts and opinions. A new length could affect your original hair plans and even how your veil looks. Likewise for the groom, updating your facial hair is a great way to change up your look. For a more formal event, you may consider just trimming your beard and straightening up your cheek line and neckline for a more refined effect. If you’re looking for that hipster casual look, then ask your bride’s opinion on sporting a mustache. As always with shaving, you need to make sure have the best products for shaving for a soothing and comfortable shave.
Signature Cocktail
Even if you’re hosting the reception at a very traditional venue, you can find tasteful ways to add your personality to the party! Ask your vendor (or the venue) if they are willing to create signature cocktails just for your event that your guests will enjoy. If you each have very different tastes, then try creating a drink for both the bride and the groom. Get extra creative and come up with quirky names for the drinks. Your families and guests will love this idea and have a great time ordering them by name. For a super cute addition, create a third drink in honor of your unity as newlyweds.
DIY Backdrop
Backdrops have become a trendy wedding idea for many couples because they are a great place to get some pictures during the reception. They also add a charming touch to the venue and reception space. DIY (do-it-yourself) projects are a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding. Since you’re doing it yourself, the possibilities are endless! This idea can be adapted for any wedding theme and style. The key to a great backdrop is the frame. If you’re looking for something unique, you can use a a grid wall, which you can use to weave ribbons, fabric or even greenery and flowers for a beautiful effect! This is an easy DIY that you will save you money and time. A more traditional backdrop can be built out of PVC pipe and draped with flowers or a sign with your new married name!
Late Night Reception Snacks
So the ceremony is over and so is the dinner portion of your reception, but you’re hungry from all the dancing. Plan for some late night snacks towards the end of your reception. Your families and guests will love this idea! You can make this arrangement through your caterer or go for a ride with your wedding party to grab some snacks. Doing this snack run in your wedding dress and suits will create a great memory you’ll never forget!
Takeout Wedding Favors
If you’re indecisive on what to choose for wedding favors, think about creating takeout favors out of the leftover foods from the reception! If you’ve ever been to a wedding, you know that some favors are impractical. Often they are super charming or even funny, but they will get no use after the wedding is over. Choosing to do something with leftovers is great for you and the environment. Your caterer and baker may even love this idea as well because they won’t have to throw out extra food or force you to take it all home at the end of the night. Create a leftover kit so that your guests can take a little bit of the wedding home with them. Get takeout boxes for the buffet food and wedding cake along with a custom water bottle. Don’t forget to keep some of the wedding cake for yourself though, so that you can freeze it until your first wedding anniversary!
Sparklers for the Send-Off
Instead of using confetti or doves, consider using sparklers as your send-off! The classic option is rice, but you’re saving food and you’re going to want something interesting with extra flair. The reception is over and you’re ready to go home as a married couple. Have your DJ or wedding band announce the last song and then once it’s over, have your wedding party hand out the sparklers. This will create a beautiful photo opportunity and be a fun alternative to the conventional wedding exit!
Takeaways
Your wedding should be as unique as you and your relationship! If you have a cool idea that doesn’t fit into the classic wedding theme, do it anyway. This is a celebration in honor of your relationship and taking this new step towards a life together. Your guests will appreciate the unique touches that show off your personalities. With all of these interesting additions, your wedding will surely be a memory of a lifetime
