A modern bride’s guide to non-traditional weddings: 6 ideas for a modern-day fairytale

A Modern Bride’s Guide to Non-Traditional Weddings: 6 Ideas for a Modern-Day Fairytale

When you hear the word “wedding,” you likely think of billowing white dresses and colour-coordinated floral centrepieces. While that may have been an accurate assumption in the past, more and more couples are bucking traditional wedding expectations in favour of modern alternatives to classic traditions. If you’re not a fan of satin and lace, here are six ideas to take your wedding day from conventional to unorthodox.

Don a diamond-defying gemstone engagement ring

While diamonds have long been the gemstone of choice for engagement rings, gemstone engagement rings have risen in popularity in recent years. By expanding your engagement ring options outside of the traditional diamond ring, you can choose from a wide range of stones with stunning colours.

Before the big day arrives, shop for a gemstone with unique meaning to you and your significant other or a stone that reflects your personal style. Since gemstones cost less than diamonds, your larger-than-life stone will surely turn heads. No matter what you decide, make sure to buy your ring from a reliable gemstone retailer like Diamonds Forever San Diego for a high-quality stone that will shine for a lifetime.

Choose a whimsical wedding theme

Did you and your significant other meet in a unique way? Were you brought together by a shared passion? If so, consider planning your wedding around a theme. For those who have a favourite film like The Wizard of Oz or The Great Gatsby, consider choosing decor that evokes the aesthetics of that movie. For fantasy lovers, transport your guests to a magical wonderland full of magic and unicorns. If you’re especially dedicated to your theme, establish a dress code for your guests that adds to the unique aesthetics of your wedding.

Find a unique wedding venue

Using a church or courthouse as the backdrop for your big day will still make your wedding an occasion to remember, but those aren’t the only options you have for a venue. Get married in the place where you and your significant other met. Rent out a planetarium to exchange your vows under the stars. By holding your wedding at a unique location like a museum or on top of a mountain, you and your guests will make special, once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Plan fun wedding reception activities

While breaking it down on the dancefloor is one of the most common reception activities at a wedding, not everyone is a dancer. For those who don’t necessarily like to show off their fancy footwork, offer a wide variety of activities. Place games like cornhole around your reception area and have a photo booth for people to capture memories with. Hang a blank, life-sized paint-by-number canvas for artsy guests to contribute to, and in lieu of a guestbook, have guests record voice messages you can put on vinyl. Dancing isn’t the only way to have fun at your reception, and these unconventional offerings can add a twist to your afterparty.

Have a private first look

The first look is a special moment between the bride and groom. Traditionally, the newlyweds-to-be are warned to stay away from each other until the ceremony to avoid bad luck. However, many modern couples have done away with this superstition in favour of a more intimate and private first look. The first look is a special time designated for just you and your significant other to share. You can exchange personal vows, heartfelt letters, or simply just bask in each other’s company away from the chaos of your wedding day preparations.

Select a wedding dress that reflects your style

While the white wedding dress is arguably the most prevalent wedding tradition, many modern brides have opted for dresses in styles and colours that aren’t as conventional. When you’re walking down the aisle with every eye in the room trained on you, you want to feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. Don’t hesitate to leave the white dress behind if you feel at your best wearing a black beaded dress with sneakers or a light pink tulle princess gown with stilettos. If you still like the idea of wearing white but aren’t a fan of dresses, try a white bridal jumpsuit or suit instead. Opt for an outfit that matches your style and make your wedding day your own.

If you’re not one to conform to tradition, don’t hesitate to make your wedding day as unconventional as you want. Customize any aspect of your wedding day to reflect your personal style and make it distinctive to you and your union. Years from now, looking back through your wedding album, you’ll look back on this day fondly as a celebration of your unique love and life.