A Wedding Without Cheese: Making Your Day Unique

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially if you're trying to avoid the cheese factor that often comes with traditional weddings. From heart-shaped everything to overly sentimental decor, it's easy to fall into the trap of wedding cliches. But fear not! There are plenty of ways to make your wedding unique and memorable without sacrificing style or sophistication. Whether it's choosing a colourful wedding dress or suit, opting for a non-traditional venue, or getting creative with your menu, you can make your big day stand out and truly reflect your personality as a couple. So, get ready to say I do in a way that's authentically you and leave your guests talking about how fun, cool, and definitely not cheesy your wedding was!

Characteristics of a Non-Cheesy Wedding

Ditch the white dress

If you're looking to make a statement on your wedding day and steer clear of anything cheesy, one of the easiest ways to do so is by ditching the traditional white dress. While it's a time-honoured ritual, opting for a dress that reflects your unique style and personality will make your big day more meaningful and authentic.

So, if you're an eclectic soul, why not go for a bold pattern? Or, if you're a fan of colour, choose a dress in a bright, vibrant shade that makes you feel amazing. You could even add some colourful accents to your ensemble, such as dyed tulle or whimsically placed flowers.

For a truly unique look, you could accessorise with unconventional adornments. Think bedazzled headpieces, printed pocket squares, or even a pair of cow-printed cowboy boots instead of classic bridal heels.

Whatever you choose, don't be afraid to think outside the box and go for something that truly represents who you are. It's your day, after all!

Unique entertainment

If you're looking for unique entertainment ideas for your wedding, here are some suggestions to make your big day stand out:

• Book unexpected performers such as synchronized swimmers if you have a pool at your venue.
• Set up a bouncy house at the reception. This will bring a youthful, energetic atmosphere and give your guests a chance to relive their childhood.
• Create a game of "I Spy" where guests take photos of designated items on a list. This will encourage mingling and result in a variety of pictures to look back on.
• For a quirky and interactive element, set up a Lego guest book. Ask guests to build Lego structures that reflect their hobbies, interests, or appearance.
• Instead of a DJ or live band, task a skilled friend or family member with operating a record player and playing your favourite vinyl tunes.
• Set up a faux photo booth with a fun, painted background and disposable cameras.

Alternative bouquets

There are many ways to make your wedding stand out and avoid the cheese factor. One way is to opt for an alternative bouquet. Here are some ideas for unique and creative bouquets that will add a special touch to your big day:

Paper Flower Bouquets

Paper flowers have come a long way, and now you can find incredibly realistic and creative designs. You can even make them yourself and keep them as a memento. Paper flowers are also a great option if you want to add a splash of colour, with options like rainbow origami paper flowers or a swirl design.

Fabric Bouquets

Fabric bouquets are another unique option, and they can be made from a variety of materials such as silk, felt, or pom-poms. You can also incorporate other elements like buttons, brooches, or even origami. Fabric bouquets are a great DIY project and can be customised to match your wedding colours or theme.

Natural & Earthy Bouquets

If you're looking for something a little more rustic or natural, consider a bouquet made from materials like cotton, fresh herbs such as eucalyptus, pine cones, or wheat. These options are perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding and can be a more budget-friendly choice.

Fruit Bouquets

For a unique and fresh idea, consider a fruit bouquet, especially if you're having an autumn wedding. Grapes are a great option as they come in various shades of green and purple, and you can even use artificial grapes for more colour options. Just be careful not to use berries, as they may stain your dress.

Unique Accessories

If you want to ditch the bouquet idea altogether, there are plenty of other accessories you can carry. You could opt for a lantern, a fan, or even a teapot. For a musical touch, carry a sheet music bouquet or your favourite record. If you're a bookworm, why not carry a book instead? For something more whimsical, consider a yarn ball bouquet or a modern dream catcher.

These alternative bouquet ideas are sure to add a unique and memorable touch to your wedding, and they show that you don't always need flowers to make a statement!

Creative guest books

Guest books are a timeless wedding tradition, but they don't have to be cheesy. Here are some creative and unique ideas for guest books that will make your wedding memorable:

Vintage Phone Audio Guest Book

Guests can speak their well wishes into a vintage phone, and the newlyweds can end the reception by playing back the recordings, creating a lasting memory.

Illustrated Pet Portrait

If you and your partner are pet lovers, incorporate your furry friend into your guest book signage. This is a fun and whimsical way to include your pet in your special day.

Snail Mail Display

Instead of the traditional guest book, provide envelopes and a wooden board. Guests can write notes to the newlyweds and place them in the envelopes affixed to the board, creating a charming display.

Vintage Typewriter

Set out a vintage typewriter and ask guests to type out their notes of love and encouragement. It's a unique and nostalgic way to collect messages from your loved ones.

Quilt Square Coloring

Provide quilt squares and fabric pens for guests to decorate. After the wedding, sew the squares together into a keepsake quilt that you can display in your home.

Collection of Vinyl Records

If you and your partner share a love of music, set out a collection of vinyl records and markers for guests to sign. It's a unique way to incorporate your passion for music into your wedding.

Heart-Shaped Wood Tokens in an Acrylic Frame

Have guests sign mini wooden hearts and drop them into an acrylic shadow box-like frame. It's an interactive and visually appealing alternative to a traditional guest book.

Custom Caricature Picture

Commission a custom caricature of you and your partner, and have guests leave their well wishes around it. It's a fun and lighthearted way to capture memories from your special day.

Illustrated Hometown Sign

If you want to include a nod to your wedding destination or hometown, consider a guest book with an illustrated sign. Guests can sign the border, and you can hang it in your home as a memento.

Globe Guest Book

A globe guest book is perfect if travel is central to your love story. Guests can sign the globe and even mark destinations on your travel bucket list. It can also be displayed as home decor in your new home together.

These creative guest book ideas will not only make your wedding memorable but also provide you with unique keepsakes to cherish for years to come.

Fun wedding favours

Wedding favours are a fun way to show your guests gratitude and give them a sweet reminder of your special day. Here are some ideas for unique and fun wedding favours that will delight your guests and add a creative touch to your celebration:

Mini vases with guests' initials

Sprinkle More Joy suggests adding your guests' initials to beautiful mini vases, which can act as place settings and add a floral touch to your wedding tables. You can fill them with sweets or a simple flower, making them a lovely keepsake.

Happy tears handkerchiefs

Gigi & Olive offer embroidered linen handkerchiefs in various colours to match your wedding theme. They are a pretty keepsake and can also be used as a thoughtful wedding thank-you gift.

Personalised chopstick wedding favours

Engraved chopstick wedding favours made from high-quality bamboo are a unique and practical gift. Your guests will be able to use them long after your wedding, and you can choose from a variety of fonts to match your style.

Fortune cookie wedding favours

Fortune cookies are a fun, affordable, and interactive wedding favour. Bunting & Barrow offers customisable fortune cookies that can be used as table decorations and icebreakers for your guests.

Mini rose quartz hearts

If you're planning a celestial or spiritually-themed wedding, rose quartz hearts are a magical choice. Said to be the crystal of love, these pink beauties will bring good energy to your big day and can be personalised.

Bespoke macarons

The English Rose Bakery creates gorgeous bespoke macarons with a wedding-ready finish. You can choose from a range of flavours, including pistachio, salted caramel, and chocolate orange, to delight your guests' taste buds.

Personalised photo sweets

Foo Digital offers a unique and thoughtful option with personalised photo-printed sweets. Your guests will smile from ear to ear seeing their faces or fun photos on these edible treats.

Live illustration

Cheryl Morrice Art & Illustration offers a live illustration service, creating guest portraits throughout your event. Your guests will be amazed watching the artist work, and they'll leave with a one-of-a-kind illustration to remember your special day.

Personalised coasters

These favours are a practical and stylish keepsake. Anthropologie's tiled monogrammed coasters will add a touch of elegance to your tables, and your guests can use them long after the wedding.

Temporary tattoos

Etsy offers custom portrait temporary tattoos featuring you and your partner's faces, your names, and the wedding date. Your guests will adore this fun and lighthearted favour, and it will make for some awesome photo opportunities!

There are endless possibilities for wedding favours, and these fun ideas will surely get your guests talking and leave them with a memorable token of your special day.

Frequently asked questions