Maybe you’re the last one of your friend group to get married, or possibly the youngest sibling in the family, or maybe neither and you’re just a veteran who’s attended a lot of weddings in your time —
But there’s one thing you know when it comes to your day — your wedding is going to be different.
& this Seattle Photographer is here to help make that happen with 10 unique and aesthetic ideas you can implement for a wedding weekend you (and your guests) will never forget!
01. Incorporate Your Shared Interests
It seems so simple to run to google and search “this years wedding trends” for inspiration for your big day. Not knocking this technique, but there’s a much easier way to have a unique wedding. By creating a day that focuses around activities you enjoy as a couple, you create an atmosphere that is one of individuality. Shy away from what’s ‘normal’ or ‘traditional’ and lean into what fills you up as partners. Recreating those glimpses into your relationship for your guests will leave a lasting effect.
02. First Dance Celebration
The first dance between the married couple is a tradition that I hope stands the test of time, so, why not make it more extravagant?! Instead of a first dance that is dead silent and possibly awkward, where messing up seems worse than tripping during the ceremony — you could be performing the dance you painstakingly learned for weeks with your partner with a little pomp and flash! Options for Oohs and Aahs during your first dance could be:
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Sparkler fountains lining the dance floor
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A fog machine to depict the idea of dancing on a cloud
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A confetti drop over the dance floor
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Go for a costume change: removable skirt or dress change during your dance number
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Bring in the real deal: hire the musician to play the song you were going to dance to, live.
03. Creative Installations
I’m sure you’ve seen the wooden handprinted signs begging you “to silence your phones and sit anywhere because you’re family” but why not take your suggestive statement a step further? Use some creative installations to spruce up your wedding and keep it going like you planned! Instead of asking guests to put away their phones or other outdated lettered signage, try implementing a few things:
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A Phone Check Station: Similar to a coat check station, you can make sure that no one will be on their phones during the ceremony with this fun idea
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Full Bottle of Wine Escort Cards: A classy and celebratory way to lead people to their seating — they could drink it now or take it home as their favor
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Change up Traditional Seating: Instead of two split sides of seating leaving someone with a terrible view, switch it up by arranging the chairs in a half moon shape so everyone can see perfectly while you profess your love
04. Save it For the Last Dance
You guys really don’t understand how clever I think I am for titles like this! You’re welcome. You’re also welcome for this amazing idea! Everyone does a first dance once it’s official for the couple, but how many last dances of the night have you heard of? It’s a new concept in the wedding industry that allows the newlyweds a time to reflect on the day that just unfolded. It can be a private dance or shared with all your guests, just don’t forget to add it into your timeline, right before the big exit.
05. Incorporate Family
Back when you were a young kid, playing MASH with your friends and joking about who you were going to marry ‘when you grew up,’ you always had one that one quirky friend who would ask if they could be the flower girl — and you know what? Not only was I that friend, but now it’s trending to do just that! Even more so than asking those closest to you to stand by your side, when there’s no kids in the family, ask your friends or even your grandparents to be ring bearers and flower…people! Let them infuse their personality and a little humor into your day, it’s sure to make your wedding memorable for everyone involved!
And while you’re here, check out this adorable news story that will change your mind if you’re rolling your eyes at this idea!
06. Parade to Reception
An idea that grew out of New Orleans, The Second Line has the ability to bring the party to any wedding celebration, anywhere. Traditionally, in the French Quarter or Treme neighborhoods, a brass band leads a procession of dancing in the street. Whoever is being honored stays in front of the festive walk while the guests follow behind waving handkerchiefs.
Wherever it is your wedding ceremony is taking place, you can transplant this idea and keep the mood upbeat as a band leads your wedding guests from your ceremony site to your reception. If its a sunny day, adorn the guests with parasols, and get everyone into the party! It is also the perfect way to foster connection and a feeling of shared happiness with guests on your day.
07. Hire a Photographer You’re Comfortable With!
It isn’t most peoples first instinct to behave naturally when in front of a camera, but with the right person behind the lens, genuine images can be received either way. Other than being vulnerable and allowing them to see the real you — it’s dependent on your hired photographer to tell the true story of your relationship. If they take the time to understand the intricacies of your love and your unique needs they’re more likely to create art indicative of how your partner actually makes you feel.
*Ahem* personally (she said clearing her throat), this is the exact formula I use when photographing weddings. I pride myself in my documentary photo-journalist approach to capturing wedding days. I focus on what your love feels like, not what it looks like to other people. Let’s chat about how I can document your timeless celebration seamlessly and with style:
08. Creative Bridals Styled Session
What’s one thing most guests prepare themselves for on a wedding day? The dreaded 30 min to an hour that the couple are nowhere to be found, off taking bridal portraits. While this can be an easy way to get intimate photos on your day, why chop up your celebration? Having a bridal portrait session a day or two before or after your wedding is how I combat this in my wedding packages! It not only allows for more time on your day for moments to flow seamlessly, but it creates a space for you and your partner to either prepare or look back on vowing forever to each other.
TIP: Add a little spice to your bridal session and incorporate some of your favorite things as a couple
09. Wedding Weekend Coverage, baby!
Guess what? The Wedding Ceremony is the BIGGEST aspect of your wedding weekend, but it is not the only time memories and moments will be shared! What about the welcome and rehearsal dinners where family and friends are meeting and seeing each other after what is usually years? Or the cocktail evening and day before festivities?
A sure fire way to make sure your wedding is unique and never forgotten? Hire your photographer for the entire weekend. Never miss a moment!
10. Make Goodbyes Easier for Everyone
‘A Farewell Line’ the fresh take on the ‘receiving line’ tradition your parents may have partaken in, makes saying thank you’s and speaking with every single one of your guests easy. Much like the receiving line, where couples and families traditionally line up after the ceremony and greet guests accepting congratulations, it just takes place right before the party concludes. After all, people usually only remember the peak and end of an event anyway. Make your wedding day unique, and one to be remembered.
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