Weddings are filled with tradition, and even many non-traditional weddings feature variations of traditional wedding practices. But many couples prefer to change things up by using alternatives to common wedding practices. If you want something different for your wedding, here are several alternative wedding ideas to 6 common traditions.
Alternative Wedding Ideas to 6 Common Traditions
1. Alternatives to the White Aisle Runner
Photo Credit: Shiloh Photography
Having a lovely white aisle runner for a wedding ceremony is a popular choice. The practice dates hundreds of years when brides were considered “royalty,” and as such were not expected to walk on the same ground as the “commoners.”
However, these days, many couples have one at their ceremony simply because it ticks off a box on their to-do list. (“It’s on the list, so we gotta have one” rather than “we really love the look and the idea of an aisle runner and can’t imagine not having one at our wedding.”)
If you like the idea of a white aisle runner, then by all means, do it. But if a traditional white runner isn’t your style, or you don’t want white, there are other options. Many different colors, including pink, green, blue, gold, and silver are available, and are just about as affordable as the white ones. Or you can have one custom made with virtually any color, design or pattern you want, and can even be embellished with Swarovski crystals and ribbon borders.
But if an aisle runner isn’t your idea of ceremony décor, or your ceremony may take place outdoors where an aisle runner can be hazardous, there are still plenty of options and aisle runner alternatives to decorate your aisle if you wish.
9 Aisle Runner Alternatives
1. Potted plants placed alongside the edge of the aisle
2. Pumpkins and gourds placed along the edge for a fall wedding
3. A thick bed or border of petals
4. Pine boughs or fake snow along the edge for a winter wedding
5. Fabric or ribbon swags on the pews or chairs along the aisle
6. Ivy garland swags on the pews or chairs along the aisle
7. Flowers or Floral pomanders
8. Small shepherds hooks with a lantern or candle holder
9. Seashells and sand along the edge for a beach theme
2. Alternatives to Tossing the Bouquet
Photo Credit: Childers Photography
Q. – I’m not sure that I really want to toss my wedding bouquet at the reception. What else can I do instead? What wedding bouquet toss alternatives do you suggest?
A. – These days, most florists will make a special toss bouquet for you, so you are able to save your bridal bouquet for yourself. However, if you’re still unsure about doing the “traditional” bouquet toss, here are some alternatives to tossing the bouquet.
5 Alternatives to Tossing the Bouquet
1) Count the number of single ladies who will be attending, and attach that number of ribbons to the special “toss” bouquet. Only one of these ribbons will actually be secured to the bouquet, the others will just be loosely woven into it. At the appointed time, have all the ladies pull a ribbon, and the one with the attached ribbon gets the bouquet.
2) Instead of having just one lucky lady catch the bouquet, how about three or four? Have a few little bouquets tied together with a loose bow. It’s important to have the bow very loose so when you toss what appears to be only one bouquet, it will easily separate and more than one lady will get to catch one. (You can also remove the bow right before you toss it).
3) Have your DJ or bandleader do an Anniversary Dance. Bring all of the married couples onto the dance floor. After about a minute or so, the DJ/bandleader will ask those who have been married 5 years or less to leave the dance floor, then continue in this fashion every 30 seconds or so, in progressive increments – 10 years or less, 15 or less, and so on – until only one couple remains. Present them with the bouquet.
4) Is there a special person who lives nearby, but is not able to attend your wedding? Perhaps due to poor health Grandma, a favorite aunt, or special friend of the family just couldn’t come. They’d love a quick visit from you, and will feel even more special when presented with a lovely bouquet.
5) Forgo doing something with the bouquet completely. It’s your wedding, and your guests won’t mind.
3. Alternatives to Tossing Rice or Bubbles
Tossing rice originated with the ancient Hindus and Chinese to bestow fertility upon the bride and groom. Although highly traditional, this practice has lost its popularity and is rarely done anymore. And who really likes having something thrown at them anyway? (Rice or birdseed can sting if thrown directly at someone), and from the venue’s standpoint, it makes a big mess.
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
Due to the mess that rice or birdseed can make, many venues no longer allow you to toss them after the ceremony. While it makes for a fun photo, admittedly there is that mess afterwards. Instead, tossing rice evolved into one of the first common wedding alternatives – blowing bubbles. Blowing bubbles became the viable choice (it doesn’t land, so there’s no mess to clean up).
However, if you are like some couples that aren’t really into bubbles either, but want to do something, what alternatives are there?
7 Alternatives to Tossing Rice (or Blowing Bubbles)
1) Tossing feathers
2) Tossing rose petals
Photo Credit: John Beveridge (CC BY 2.0)
3) Tossing dried lavender
They’re fun and make for a great photo op. However, since they are tossed and therefore land, always check with your ceremony site well before your wedding day to see if they’re permitted.
Now, if you’re looking for something that doesn’t have to be thrown at all, how about:
4) Sparklers
5) Blowing kazoos or recorders
6) Ringing bells
7) Waving pretty flags
They’re festive, unexpected, and leave no mess afterwards.
Another alternative to tossing rice that is gaining popularity is having a live butterfly or dove release. It’s so romantic — truly a beautiful sight, not harmful to the creatures themselves, and aren’t messy (really!)
4. Alternatives to Traditional Ceremony Processional Songs
Photo Credit: hobbs_luton (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” (aka “Here Comes The Bride”) is a traditional wedding processional song choices for your wedding ceremony. However, it isn’t for everyone. Luckily there are several fun alternative song choices for your walk down the aisle.
Here are a few alternative wedding processional song choices:
“You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
“Ribbon In The Sky” by Stevie Wonder
How To Choose Ceremony Music to Express Your Wedding Vision – Part 1
“Something” by The Beatles
“One Hand, One Heart” from West Side Story
“Breathe” by Faith Hill
5. Alternatives to a Traditional Wedding Cake
A tiered cake is a common sight at many weddings. But what if you just happen to not like cake? Or another type of dessert is your favorite? Or you just want something different?
Offer your guests a tasty treat with one of these delicious traditional wedding cake alternatives.
1. Cake pops
Photo credit: Shari’s Berries
Cake pops are still a popular choice for weddings. They can be decorated to fit your wedding color palette, and come in the same delicious flavors as a traditional cake.
2. Doughnuts
Photo credit: Bryan A. Monson
Glazed, filled, iced. Stacked them on a pretty cake stand, or displayed on trays. Doughnuts are a perennial favorite. Try a doughnut tower with Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
3. Cupcakes
Don’t let other articles fool you. (You know, the one’s that say cupcakes are on their way out). Cupcakes served at weddings is still a popular choice. Mix and match flavors.
4. Cheesecakes
Photo credit: Micah Sittig
Many people prefer cheesecake over cake. If this is you, why not serve cheesecake at your reception? You can do full-sized cakes or serve mini ones. Offer a variety of flavors.
5. Cookies & Milk
Photo credit: Michael Savino
What a better way to end the day than with a tall glass of milk and cookies? Yum!
6. Pancakes
Photo credit: © Natalyka | Dreamstime.com
Having a wedding breakfast or brunch? Then how about a stack of pancakes with delicious layers of maple syrup, seasonal fruits, and cream?
7. Ice Cream
Photo credit: rockvillephoto
Ice cream is a favorite with all ages. A make-your-own sundae bar with different flavors and multiple toppings will be a bit hit.
8. Cake
Maybe you do want to serve cake, but don’t want a traditional white confection. Why not pick a design that goes with your theme?
Can’t Pick?
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Who says you have to pick just one? Serve multiple types of sweet treats with a dessert buffet.
6. Alternatives to the Traditional Guest Book
Looking for a fun, easy way to add some more personalization to your wedding? One way is to include an alternative to a traditional wedding practice. How about a creative spin on the traditional wedding guest book?
Photo credit: Laura | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
One of the most common sights at a wedding is the guest book. You know, where guests sign their name, or maybe add a little message for the couple. But after the wedding, what happens to this keepsake? Your wedding guest book gets put on a shelf and never sees the light of day again!
Why? Isn’t the memory of who attended your wedding important? Of course it is. But, really now, how much fun is it to go back and read a list of names? Sure, it can evoke memories as you remember who was there, but, let’s get real. It is just reading a list.
The good news is there are a lot (and I mean A LOT) of creative and different alternatives to the traditional wedding guest book. Having your guests sign something other than the traditional book is more amusing and entertaining for them, AND you will get more pleasure looking at it in all the years to come.
Finding something that will fit your personalities and style is easy, because there are so many options. Picking out just one idea from all the fun options, however may be tricky.
Some great wedding alternative ideas for the traditional guest book include:
1. Thumbprint art
2. Other art/drawing
3. Vinyl records
4. Wine bottles
5. The mat of their framed engagement photo or other piece of artwork
Photo credit: Chris Breeze | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
6. A Guest Book Store page
7. A print with the couples’ home states
8. Quilt Square
Photo credit: DanaK~WaterPenny | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
9. Ski or other piece of sporting equipment
10. Puzzle Piece
Photo credit: Expressive Monograms
11. Map or Globe (guests sign near where they are from)
Photo credit: The Lettering Studio
12. Rock or shell (then place them in a pretty clear vase or glass bowl)
13. Wooden piece and drop in a shadow box
Photo credit: CaseyGris [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
These “guest books” can then become part of your home décor, something you can proudly display, and will evoke memories of your wedding day EVERY day.
Do you and your partner have a specific theme for your wedding? Maybe a shared hobby? Sometimes that can inspire a unique “guest book” idea.
The possibilities are truly endless. If you can write on it, it can be used as your “guest book.”
Be sure to check out my Wedding Guest Book Alternatives Pinterest Board for more ideas and inspiration.
What other alternative wedding ideas have you seen or are using for your wedding? Let me know in the comments below!
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Looking for fun ideas, or need help with your wedding plans? Contact me today at [email protected] or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!
