10 Untraditional Wedding Trends I’m Obsessed With // Tips & Tricks
Getting ready together
In lieu of first looks or waiting until they walk down the aisle, more and more couples are choosing to get ready together the morning of their wedding.
I love how intimate these moments are, and how photo can immortalize the briefest touch or glance. Choosing to spend every last drop of time with your partner on your wedding day is becoming more and more popular- and why shouldn’t it, when your day is about the two of you?
For a more in-depth look at Aaron & Bronwyn’s day, click here.
2. Non-gendered wedding parties
Gender is a construct and so are the rules. If you care about the people in your life and you want them to stand up in your wedding - DO IT. Regardless of tradition, gender, or your parents’ opinions, you won’t regret having your ride or dies at your side on your big day.
Fun alternatives to groomsmen and bridesmaids: groomspals and bride-or-dies
For my non-binary couples & attendees: wedding party, pal of honor, best pal, attendants, flower child
For a more in-depth look at Liz and Joe’s day, click here.
3. Skipping the cake
For years now newlywed couples have been skipping the cake and bringing in other sweets in its stead: cupcakes, donuts, macarons, cookies - just to name a few.
Nat and Shaun still wanted a cutting ceremony, so they opted for cutting the cheese over cutting the cake (in true Wisconsin form).
For a more in-depth look at Natalie and Shaun’s day, click here.
4. First looks
Whether you are reading private vows or simply want to have a quiet moment with your partner before the chaos of the day, a first look is the way to go. Plus, scheduling a first look allows you to take wedding party photos before your ceremony, freeing up a lot of time between ceremony and reception.
For a more in-depth look at Liz and Joe’s day, click here.
5. Eloping
If you are not a fan of crowds or being the center of attention for an entire day, eloping might be the choice for you!
Not only do you get to spend that big wedding budget on an adventure, you get to spend every second with your loved one. Private vows, sweeping views and a built-in honey moon are just a few of the perks of running away to get married.
6. Using dried florals over fresh
Dried florals are not only a more affordable option, they also last forever. You can frame them, press them, or keep them in their original bouquet (an heirloom from your day that lasts evermore).
For a more in-depth look at Liz and Joe’s day, click here.
7. Backyard Weddings
More and more couples are choosing to throw backyard wedding celebrations and I, for one, am a fan.
There are so many ways to personalize a backyard wedding: you can make it glam, channel garden party vibes, or even make it disco (the world is your oyster).
Renting out a venue is usually the biggest cost in wedding planning, so pivoting and hosting a backyard celebration instead can help cut down the budget without losing your dream day.
For a more in-depth look at Natalie and Shaun’s day, click here.
8. Creating a New Last Name
Photo is by A. Lentz Photography from my wedding day.
My husband and I combined our middle names to form our new last name. My middle name is Erin, and his Colin, which produced Erlin (pronounced air-lin).
While most people don't associate taking another person's last name with the patriarchy, I hated the thought so much that we decided on this instead. We love that we have a family name without all the weird ownership traditions that usually come along with it.
9. Micro Weddings
25 guests or less allows for a smaller budget, smaller venue, and the sweetest intimate moments with your guests.
10. Wearable Florals
The floral piece pictured was created by Poppy and Snail based in Birmingham, AL.
This one doesn't even need an explanation!! These look GORGEOUS and more florals is always a good option when your theme is garden party elopement.