Here are some fun, non-traditional ideas to get you started!
Make it an intimate affair with a small bridal party.
Not every couple wants a traditional church wedding with the large bridal party and bride and groom cake toppers. Your ceremony and reception should reflect your unique interests and personalities. Allow yourself to think outside the box and plan the wedding of your dreams! Here are some fun, non-traditional ideas to get you started!
~ Skip the big, tiered cake – Believe it or not, you’re not legally bound to a traditional, tiered cake. In fact, you can skip the cake entirely. Are you and your spouse-to-be more into the pie scene? Offer an assortment of your favorites for guests to choose from. Or maybe you both love chocolate and want to create a big stack of gooey brownies oozing with chocolate fudge – just do it! Don’t really have a sweet tooth? How about a popcorn bar with sweet and salty mix-ins? You’re only limited by your imaginations.
Leather work boots for everyone…these groomsmen will definitely wear these shoes again!
~ Buy shoes you will wear again – preferably comfy ones! Chucks or Chacos with a wedding dress are sure to leave a lasting impression. Encourage the bridal party to do the same!
~ Go DIY gangbusters! Make a date with Pinterest and prime the pump with thousands of do-it-yourself wedding ideas. From origami bouquets to palate signage, you will be amazed at how easy it is to make your wedding uniquely YOU without breaking the bank.
~ Create interactive experiences. Help guests feel more connected throughout the celebration by incorporating things like handwritten note stations, live wedding painters or fashion illustrators, photo booths with themed props, beer burros or llamas. These thoughtful interactive details should reflect your personalities, but also create meaningful moments your guests will remember long after the wedding day. Personalized wedding experiences can turn a simple ceremony and reception into a truly unforgettable celebration.
~ Reconsider the big bridal party. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process of choosing attendants or want to trim some money off your wedding budget. Consider having only one attendant for you and one for your spouse. Or maybe you want to forgo attendants all together – again, it’s your day. All of your loved ones can still be in attendance witnessing your vows.
~ Choose groomspeople and bridespeople instead of groomsmen and bridesmaids. Take the liberty to mix the genders of your attendants according to your friendships and relationships. Groomspeople can still coordinate colors with bridesmaids and bridespeople with groomsmen.
Make dessert time unique by offering something a little different….apple cobbler tart.
~ Brunch it up! Morning ceremonies and brunch receptions are trending as a fun new way to say “I do.” An added perk? They’re easy on the pocketbook. See our recent post on tips for throwing a memorable brunch reception! Interested? The Gardens of Castle Rock would love to partner with you to make your morning ceremony and brunch reception a success!
~ Consider a Friday or Sunday ceremony and reception. Most venues allow you to book for Friday or Sunday in addition to the traditional Saturday option. Because the majority of couples book for Saturday, you may have a better chance of securing your desired venue if you are flexible with the day. (Psst! Thinking of a wedding at The Gardens? We take Friday and Sunday bookings!)
DIY lighted branch centerpieces create a elegant touch without breaking the bank.
~ Pursue non-traditional venues. For various reasons, many couples don’t want a church wedding. An art gallery, an amusement park, the local aquarium or The Gardens of Castle Rock are some great out-of-the-box venue ideas for a fun, unforgettable day.
If you’re interested in making The Gardens of Castle Rock the backdrop to your special day, we would love to speak with you! You can reach us at 651.264.9510 or info@thegardensofcastlerock.com
If you and your crowd love the vintage charm of a bygone era, consider complementary recreation. Consider Italian bocce, or its French cousins pétanque and boules. Offer these traditional European games accompanied by a refreshing aperitif like Pernod, as they’re enjoyed in Italy and France. There’s even a cocktail called the Bocce Ball, featuring orange juice, vodka and amaretto. These leisurely pastimes are the perfect opportunity for some playful competition while catching up with old friends or making new ones, and kids can join in too. Croquet and badminton are also great options for traditional fun that appeals to many generations.
