Unique Ways to Make Your Wedding Day Epic and Personal

Some may think a wedding day is just a show for the people in a couple’s life. You might even focus on that fact when planning. However, there’s so much more to it. There’s no need to go over the top, but you don’t have to stick to the basics.

Your special day is the chance to create a customized experience encompassing your and your partner’s love for one another. Make wedding day plans distinctive to what you genuinely want to do. Here are some ways to personalize your wedding and have an epic day.

1. Plan a Surprise Wedding

Are you the type who loves to pull fun surprises on their loved ones? Invite family and friends to a birthday party or fancy brunch. When they get to the venue, give them the big news that it’s actually your wedding. Make sure to have a photographer ready to capture their reactions to the big surprise.

2. Party All Weekend

Weekend-long weddings are becoming more popular for good reason. The day of your wedding will go by in a flash, so you might not feel like you got enough time to spend with each guest. To maximize the celebration, kick off the weekend with your rehearsal dinner, have your wedding the next day, then invite everyone for brunch the next morning. You can also plan an activity for anyone in town longer, such as hiking a nearby trail or visiting a fun local attraction.

3. Call in a Wedding Day Content Creator

You’ve heard of wedding photographers and videographers, but have you heard of wedding content creators? Some couples are opting to hire a designated person to take pictures and videos specifically for social media. A wedding content creator can take snapshots and clips throughout the night and edit them together to post on your Instagram or TikTok.

This option is great if you or your partner is active on social media, but you don’t have to be an influencer to do this. A shorter form video or picture slideshow will be easier to post on your normal accounts and send to friends or family who couldn’t make it.

4. Appoint an Alternative Flower Girl

While it’s always cute to have a young niece or sibling be part of the wedding ceremony, it’s not the only option. Many couples choose to have a child-free wedding – or simply don’t have a child in their family to serve as a flower girl. If that sounds like you, consider asking someone else to be your flower person.

Having your grandmother take the role can be a heartwarming experience. On the other hand, having a brother or male friend is sure to get some laughs from your guests. Think about someone special who you’d like to play a role in your wedding ceremony.

Photo Credit: Birch Laine Photography

 

5. Have Spontaneous Live Music

Live music always has a unique and beautiful ambiance compared to recorded tunes. Plus, the spontaneity of taking the music in different directions can feel surreal. Bring that element into your day by hiring a band. If you or your partner plays an instrument, you can join the ensemble for a unique number.

6. Set Up Unique Entertainment

What do you and your partner like to do at parties or on a night out? Maybe you love a good mechanical bull ride or like to play darts at your favorite bar. You could set up a ping pong table or other games for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour. Some guests might need a break from the dance floor, so having another source of entertainment will make the night memorable for everyone.

7. Use Alternative Decor

Most weddings will have various floral arrangements on their wedding day. That’s traditional, but consider alternative wedding decor options to kick your day up a notch. Here are some examples:

     ● Curate light installations: Different light fixtures can beautifully illuminate nighttime weddings. Get neon signs for the reception for a retro feel.

     ● Bring in seasonal decor: Decorate wedding venues during the wintertime accordingly. Add Christmas decorations and a big tree. Autumn weddings can highlight the warm-toned foliage.

     ● Display different plants: Consider swapping out some flowers for plants. Cacti, ferns, vines and succulents can look great on the walls and tables of your wedding venue.

8. Bring Animals to Your Reception

Animals at your reception are ideal if you and your partner are pet lovers. Give your cat or dog a special moment and have them sign and approve your marriage contract. For a truly rustic theme, bring in a petting zoo with baby farm animals. The photos are sure to be adorable.

9. Arrange a Mini Arcade

Many couples have fond memories of arcade dates, so try to emulate them at your wedding venue. Bring in different video games or a claw machine that guests can use during the reception. You can also add a billiard table or mechanical bull so guests can have a fun and wild time.

10. Organize a Night of Stars and Twinkle Lights

Stargazing and sparklers make for stunning late-night photos. You can enhance the starry atmosphere by handing out fiber optic or LED tinsel wands. These twinkling wands are fun for guests of all ages and make for unique photo opps. You can have your guests create a light-lined runway for your reception exit, or just let them enjoy waving them around for fun photos before the night ends.

11. Create Late-Night Snack Stations

Guests can still use a nibble after dinnertime, especially if the wedding celebration lasts a long while. Prepare snack stations for them to check out. Here are some examples:

     ● Give out fast food fry platters: Bring out plates full of French fries for guests to share and dig into as they chat.

     ● Get a taco truck: Tacos are a filling snack. Give guests the choice of beef, chicken or fish.

     ● Make an all-you-can-eat ramen bar: A warm bowl of ramen noodles hits the spot after an eventful day.

     ● Arrange a cereal bar: Offer your guests a selection of dry cereal. Let them choose between adding milk or ice cream.

12. Make Fun Drink Stations

Make sure loved ones have drinks to wash down their snacks. Here are some options:

     ● Create signature alcoholic drinks: Have a unique cocktail mix that will remind guests of you and your partner. Give it a fun name that represents your personality.

     ● Offer fresh fruit shakes: Bring out an assortment of apples, berries, mangoes, bananas, and other fruits with ice and water. Let guests create their custom smoothies.

     ● Provide bubble tea and sinkers: Are you a fan of boba milk tea? Provide a mobile bar with different flavors. Your loved ones can choose their favorite and add pearls or jelly.

     ● Add a coffee bar station: A coffee bar is a must-have if you and your partner love a cup of joe. Add some fresh grounds, sugar and creamers to the station.

13. Have an Extraordinary Send-Off

An extraordinary day deserves a unique send-off. About 31% of Americans want to drop the confetti or rice-throwing tradition during the big exit. Change things up by focusing on your getaway car. A sports car or limousine can provide a memorable exit. If you really want to splurge, call in a helicopter to whisk you and your new spouse away.

Have an Unforgettable Wedding Day

There are endless ways to make your wedding day unique and unforgettable. Celebrate your marriage by incorporating some of the tips above. The activities and arrangements that genuinely speak to your soul will make your day truly unique.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.