How To Plan A Non-Traditional (But Still Chic) Wedding
When I was planning our wedding, “traditional” was never a word that I used. I wanted something classy, chic, and elegant, but I also wanted something a little different. At first, these concepts seemed mutually exclusive; I wasn’t sure that I could actually have a chic, non-traditional wedding. After much research, creativity, and conversations with my then fiancé, I eventually discovered that it’s very possible to have a non-traditional wedding without screaming “I do” while bungee jumping.
I discovered that the solution to a chic, non-traditional wedding is to forgo the traditions that you don’t value and replace them with ones that you do. For example, my husband and I have a common love of breakfast food and don’t particularly enjoy formal dinners, so we decided to have a brunch wedding, complete with chicken, waffles, and bacon (to see some of our wedding photos, click here). As we planned our wedding, we continued this process and the result was a day that felt truly “us”.
We weren’t sure how guests would respond, but we felt it was important to stick to our vision. Seeing our personalities, ideas, and interests come to life was more than enough for us, but when almost every guest told us how much they enjoyed the personal touches and unique details, that was the icing on our proverbial (wedding) cake.
If you’re planning a non-traditional, chic wedding, start by swapping out the things that you don’t value for the things that you do. Get creative; I’ve rounded up some of my favourite chic outside-the-box wedding ideas below, but don’t be scared to create your own. After all, even wedding rules are meant to be broken.
SPORT A STRIPED WEDDING DRESS
Photo: Rad + In Love / Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta / Hair and Makeup: J. Russell Salon & Spa / Found on: Style Me Pretty.
…OR A FLORAL GOWN
Photo: Cecelina Photography / Dress: Wendy Makin / Hair: HK Hair Artist / Makeup: Brides and Beauty / Floral Design: Blue Sky Flowers / Event Design and Planning: Always Andri / Found on: Wedding Style Magazine.
GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR WEDDING PROGRAMS
Photo: Clane Gessel / Found on: Brides.
FORGO THE BRIDAL PARTY
Photo: Justine Milton.
MIX AND MATCH YOUR BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Joanna August, Adrianna Papell, Amsale, Stardust Celebrations, BHLDN, Bella Bridesmaids, Lela Rose, Waters, White Magnolia / Wedding Dress: JLM Couture / Photo: Lauren Peele / Florals: Celebrated Occasions / Beauty: Zinc Beauty By Peggy Segundo / Found on: Style Me Pretty.
TRY A CHEESE “CAKE”
Photo: The Courtyard Dairy.
SKIP THE BLOOMS IN YOUR BOUQUET
Photo: Kristen Weaver Photography / Floral Design: Bluegrass Chic / Found on: Ruffled.
HOST A LATE NIGHT PIZZA BAR
Photo: Onelove Photography / Planning: Kelsey West Designs / Found on: Style Me Pretty.
INVITE YOUR BEST FURRY FRIEND
Photo: Sophie Kaye Photography / Floral Design: The Flower Girls / Wedding Dress: Sue Wong / Found on: Style Me Pretty.
INVOLVE YOUR GRANDPARENT(S)
Photo: Ashley Elizabeth Photography / Found on: Country Living.
TREAT YOUR GUESTS TO MARBLE AND COPPER CAKE POPS
Photo: @rymondtn.
…OR THE PRETTIEST ECLAIRS
Photo: @karine_jingozian.
GIVE GUESTS A GREEN GIFT TO TAKE HOME
Photo: Unknown.
CHOOSE A UNIQUE WEDDING RING
Ring: Capucinne.
LET THEM EAT ANYTHING BUT CAKE
Photo: Andi Mans Photography & Design / Flowers & Decor: Greenery Productions / Wedding Planner + Coordinator: Weddings Unique / Found on: Every Last Detail.
Kendra Hagerman is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writer who had a dreamy DIY backyard brunch wedding. She and her husband are now the proud fur parents of Mona, a chiweenie rescue that is still getting used to the Canadian climate. Find and follow her on the social channels below for design, wedding, and fashion inspiration!
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