Alternative Wedding Style

Alternative Wedding Style

10 Alternative Wedding Ideas
 

Looking for an alternative wedding style that suits you? Then, we say “do your thing, honey!”. Long gone are the days when you have to bow to tradition. If you don’t feel right in a long white dress then put your pants on. Wear the make-up you want to wear, create your own hairstyle and plan a schedule that’s all about your idea of fun and games. Here are ten fabulous ways to make your wedding one of a kind:

 


1. Make a Statement with Your Fashion


Who says you have to wear a classic dress or a black tux? Alternative wedding style means dressing in a way that reflects your personality. Think colorful suits, vintage dresses, or gothic-inspired ensembles. If bold colors, unusual patterns, or unconventional fabrics like velvet or leather speak to you, go for it! Let your outfits make a statement about your tastes, lifestyle and who you are as a couple.

Alternative Wedding Style - Bride in white feathered pantsuit - photographed by Kesha Lambert
Photographed by Kesha Lambert, NYC wedding photographer
Alternative wedding sytle, groom wearing pink brocade suit, photographed by Sandra Aberg
Photographed by Sandra Aberg, destination wedding photographer
Alternative Wedding Style - brides with unique makeup - photographed by Talitha Tarro
Photographed by Talitha Tarro, New Mexico wedding photographer

 

2. Choose a Unique Location

 

Skip the traditional banquet hall or hotel ballroom and explore more unconventional venues. A warehouse, art gallery, forest clearing, rooftop, or even an amusement park can set the stage for a truly memorable celebration. Your venue can reflect your shared interests or simply be a space that feels inspiring and magical to both of you.
 

Alternative Wedding Style - Mechant's Cafe Seattle - photographed by Jonas Seaman
 Photographed by Jonas Seaman, Seattle wedding photographer
Photographed by Amy and Stuart, Los Angeles wedding photographers

 

3. Ditch the Formal Timeline


Instead of adhering to a rigid timeline, create a schedule that matches your vibe. Perhaps you’d like to start with a cocktail hour, have dinner served food-truck style, or end with a stargazing session around a bonfire. An alternative wedding style often embraces a more relaxed and personal flow to the day or vacation weekend.


4. Incorporate Creative Themes


Themes can transform your wedding into an immersive experience. Consider celebrating a holding or incorporating a favorite movie, book, or hobby into your wedding décor and activities to play your alternative wedding style. Whether it’s vintage circus vibes, costume play or celestial motifs, a strong theme can make your wedding feel fun, cohesive and unforgettable.

Alternative wedding style parade, photographed by Chrisman Studios, destination wedding photographers
Photographed by Chrisman Studios, destination wedding photographers
Alternative wedding style Star Wars theme photographed by Elope Adventurously, California wedding photographers
Photographed by Elope Adventurously, Oregon elopement photographers

5. Personalize Your Ceremony


Traditional vows and rituals don’t have to be your default. Write your own vows or include a symbolic act that holds meaning to you both, such as a handfasting ceremony, planting a tree, or creating a time capsule. Don’t be afraid to make the ceremony your own, reflecting your relationship and values.


6. Opt for Non-Traditional Décor


Step outside the box when it comes to wedding décor. Think neon signs instead of floral backdrops, or macramé hangings in place of traditional linens. You could also integrate elements like thrifted furniture, mismatched tableware, or alternative floral arrangements with dried flowers or potted plants.

 

Alternative wedding style colorful processional, photographed by Katie Kav, Ireland wedding photographer
Photographed by Katie Kav, Ireland wedding photographer

 

Alternative wedding style, bride and groom wearing masks, photographed by Talitha Tarro, New Mexico wedding photographer
Photographed by Talitha Tarro, New Mexico wedding photographer

7. Reimagine the Reception


Want to ditch the sit-down dinner? Host a cocktail-style reception with passed hors d'oeuvres, food trucks, or family-style dining. Add interactive elements like a DIY cocktail station or a photo booth with quirky props. This relaxed approach fosters mingling and creates a fun atmosphere for everyone.


8. Serve Unique Food and Drinks
 

Your wedding menu can be as unique as the rest of your celebration. Offer creative options like sushi bars, taco trucks, or dessert-only buffets. Signature cocktails or mocktails with personalized names are a fun way to add a custom touch to the drinks menu. If you love craft beer or artisanal coffee, incorporate those into your bar options.

Alternative wedding style donut bar, photographed by Sasha Reiko, Seattle wedding photographer
 Photographed by Sasha Reiko, Seattle wedding photographer

9. Curate an Eclectic Playlist


Skip the typical wedding playlist in favor of music that resonates with your unique tastes. Whether you’re into indie rock, punk, electronic beats, or folk, work with a DJ or band to craft a soundtrack that tells your story. Don’t shy away from adding unexpected genres or live performances to the mix.


10. Include Interactive Elements


Add an element of surprise to your wedding with interactive stations or activities for your guests. These could include tarot card readings, a caricature artist, a DIY craft station, or a gaming area. Activities like these create memorable moments and give guests something fun to do during your event.

 

Alternative wedding circus theme photographed by Emma and Rich, UK wedding photographer
Photographed by Emma and Rich, UK wedding photographer
Photograph by Emma and Rich
Photographed by Emma and Rich, UK Wedding Photographers

Whatever you decide, make it your own and make it memorable!

Search for all the alternative ideas in our Photo Gallery now and follow us on Instagram to see the best in wedding photography.

 

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