Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that the day is about celebrating the love between two people and throwing an unforgettable party. From unique ceremony seating and creative menus to interactive games and thoughtful welcome bags, there are endless ways to make a wedding memorable. Whether it's incorporating the couple's hobbies and interests, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests, or simply letting loose and having fun, a memorable wedding is one that leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved. So, while the little details are important, at the end of the day, it's all about celebrating love and creating memories that will be cherished forever.
What You'll Learn
Memorable food and drink
Firstly, it's a good idea to think about the type of wedding you're having and the time of day. If it's an outdoor wedding, you could offer refreshing drinks such as sparkling water or lemonade in highball glasses before the ceremony. If you're having a brunch wedding, serve a variety of hot favourites like French toast and croissants, as well as fruit and yoghurt. For an outdoor wedding, food trucks are a fun option, serving up delicious steak sandwiches, falafels or gourmet burgers.
For the main meal, it's worth investing in good food. This doesn't have to be a five-star meal, but it should be memorable and enjoyable. You could offer a choice of festival-style food, or a more formal sit-down meal. If you want to add a personal touch, choose a menu that reflects your interests. For example, if you're coffee lovers, you could serve a variety of coffee drinks and incorporate coffee beans into your decor. If you're foodies, you might want to go for a decadent, handcrafted meal created by an executive chef. You could even have a unique groom's cake that reflects the groom's interests, such as an outdoors-themed cake or one inspired by his love of spearfishing.
For drinks, it's a good idea to have an open bar, or at least offer a limited selection of beer and wine. You could also have a signature cocktail, choosing a concoction that reflects your personalities and tastes.
Finally, don't forget about late-night snacks! Keep your guests energised with handheld options like sliders and fries, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, or coffee and donuts served about an hour before the reception ends.
With some creativity and attention to detail, you can create a memorable food and drink experience that your guests will be raving about for years to come.
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Creative seating
Half-Moon Design
Arrange seats in a half-moon shape on both sides of the aisle. This gives guests a better view than traditional row seating, where they might have to peer over the person sitting in front of them. This is a simple yet effective way to create a unique atmosphere and a lasting impression.
Intimate Circle
For a more intimate ceremony, consider seating guests in a circle around the proceedings. This non-traditional approach creates a close and connected environment, fostering a sense of unity and allowing everyone to feel involved in the celebration.
Alternative Seating Options
Think beyond chairs! Depending on your wedding theme, you could use benches, hay bales, or even picnic blankets. For an outdoor wedding, hay bales covered with quilts or picnic blankets can add a charming, rustic touch. For a more relaxed and eclectic vibe, try a variety of Moroccan-style cushions.
Accentuate with Decor
Make the guest seating the accent of the ceremony. Minimise decor on the arbour and aisle, and instead amplify the seating decor. Choose extravagant floral pieces to place at the end of rows or wrap chairs with coloured ribbons to create beautiful bows. This approach will be visually appealing and unforgettable.
Mix and Match
Combine different seating options and arrangements to create a unique and dynamic atmosphere. For example, you could have a mix of chairs, benches, and cushions, arranged in a mix of circles, half-moons, and traditional rows. This approach adds variety and a sense of playfulness to the ceremony.
Comfort is Key
Ensure your guests are comfortable by providing a variety of seating options that suit their needs. For older guests, chairs with back support might be preferable, while younger guests might appreciate the relaxed vibe of picnic blankets or cushions. By offering a range of seating choices, you cater to different comfort levels and create a versatile and inclusive space.
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Unique entrances
A wedding is a unique moment in time that celebrates the unbreakable bond between two people. The love shared is unique and beautiful, and the wedding should reflect the couple's personalities.
Creative Transport
Make a grand entrance by arriving in style. Whether it's a vintage car, a helicopter, a ski boat, a jet ski, or even a floral-decorated ATV for a beach wedding, think outside the box. You could even borrow a golf cart if your venue is at a country club, resort, or farm.
Dramatic Walkways
Create a memorable entrance by amplifying the decor of the seating and walkways. Consider a candlelit path, a tunnel formed by the hands of the bridal party, or a curtain that parts to reveal the happy couple. You could also walk through a sprinkling of rose petals, colourful confetti, or balloons in your wedding colours.
Themed Entrances
If you and your partner are sports enthusiasts, incorporate this into your entrance. For example, if your partner is a basketball player, you could introduce the wedding party like the NBA announces the starting lineup. Alternatively, you could arrive on a luggage cart in the famous Titanic pose, with the song "My Heart Will Go On" playing in the background.
Surprise Elements
Surprise your guests with a unique performance or outfit change. You could choreograph a sizzling line dance, a romantic dance with a silhouette projection, or a Broadway-style entrance through a trap door. For a fun twist, the bridal party could swap clothes, with bridesmaids wearing tuxedos and groomsmen in dresses, entering in pairs to a lively song.
Interactive Fun
Get your guests involved by creating an interactive entrance. You could have a parade with live music, or even a balcony moment where you make your entrance from above, taking in the perfectly designed reception space with all your loved ones gathered inside.
These unique entrance ideas will surely make your wedding memorable and create lasting impressions.
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Non-traditional music
Music is a key part of any wedding, and choosing non-traditional songs is a great way to make your wedding stand out. Here are some ideas to help you select the perfect non-traditional music for your big day:
Processional Songs
The processional song is the music that plays as you walk down the aisle. If you're looking for something other than the traditional "Here Comes the Bride," consider one of these options:
- "My Heart is Set" by Handsome and Gretyl
- "Your Love" by Little Mix
- "Slow Love" by Michael Alvarado
- "I Was Made for Loving You" by Tori Kelly & Ed Sheeran
- "I Do Adore" by Mindy Gledhill
- "I Like You" by Ben Rector
- "I Choose You" by Andy Grammer or Sarah Bareilles
- "Sweet Love" by Phillip Larue
- "Take the World" by Johnnyswim
- "You're My Best Friend" by The Once
- "Hearts Don't Break Around Here" by Ed Sheeran
- "My My Love" by Joshua Radin
- "You Shine" by Andrew Simple
- "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding
- "Angel" by Jack Johnson
- "Yours" by Ella Henderson
- "Higher Love" by James Vincent McMorrow
Recessional Songs
The recessional song is the music that plays as you and your new spouse walk back up the aisle after the ceremony. Choose a song that reflects your joy and sets the tone for the celebration to come. Here are some non-traditional ideas:
- "Dream a Little Dream of Me" by Michael Bublé
- "Such Great Heights" by Iron & Wine
- "Baby I'm Yours" by Arctic Monkeys
- "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
- "Better Together" by Us the Duo
- "Your Song" by Elton John
- "Halo" by Ane Brun & Linnea Olsson
- "Forever Like That" by Ben Rector
- "Tenerife Sea" by Ed Sheeran
- "This Woman Loves You" by Wet
- "Big Jet Plane" by Angus & Julia Stone
First Dance Songs
Your first dance as a married couple is a special moment, and the song you choose can make it even more memorable. Opt for a non-traditional song that holds a special meaning for you as a couple:
- "Sea of Love" by Cat Power
- "Lucky" by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillet
- "Kissing You" by Des'ree (featured in Romeo & Juliet)
- "Married Life" by Michael Giacchino (from the movie Up)
- "Look At Me" by Carrie Underwood
- "History In The Making" by Darius Rucker
- "All This Time" by One Republic
- "Somebody" by Depeche Mode
- "Calgary" by Bon Iver
- "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles
- "Baby, Would You Marry Me" by Svavar Knutur
- "Moon River" by Henry Mancini (from Breakfast at Tiffany's)
- "Kissing" by Bliss
- "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones
- "Here, There And Everywhere" by The Beatles
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Fun activities and games
There are many fun activities and games you can include in your wedding to make it a memorable experience for your guests. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Interactive Games
Interactive games are a great way to get your guests mingling and having fun. Jumbo Jenga, bocce ball, badminton, and oversized board games like backgammon are excellent choices. These games are easy to set up and can be played by guests of all ages. They add a playful element to your wedding and keep everyone entertained during any downtime between the ceremony and reception.
Unique Reception Games
The Shoe Game is a fun and interactive game that involves the newlyweds and their bridal party. The bride and groom sit back-to-back, each holding one of their shoes and one of their partner's shoes. A member of the bridal party then asks a series of questions, and the couple answers by raising the appropriate shoe. Questions can include "Who said 'I love you' first?" or "Who is the better cook?". This game is sure to elicit laughter and give your guests a glimpse into your relationship dynamic.
Photo Booth with Props
A photo booth is always a hit at weddings, and you can make it even more fun by providing an array of creative props and costume pieces. Guests can let loose, take silly photos, and even use the props during the reception to enhance their dance moves. Send the photos to your guests as a thank-you surprise, or include them in your thank-you cards. This adds a memorable element to your wedding, and your guests will appreciate the fun keepsakes.
Scavenger Hunt for Kids
If you're expecting children at your wedding, a scavenger hunt is a brilliant way to keep them entertained. Create a list of items or photos for them to find, such as a four-leaf clover, the bride hugging someone, the best dancer, or the prettiest flower. This activity will keep the kids engaged and give their parents a chance to relax and enjoy the celebration.
Unique Guest Book
Instead of a traditional guest book, opt for something more creative and meaningful. If you and your partner love the outdoors, ask guests to sign a boat paddle or a globe. If you're musicians, have them sign an instrument like a guitar. You could also provide a hand-made bench for guests to sign, or set up a fingerprint tree where guests can leave their fingerprint and sign their name. These unique guest books will become cherished keepsakes that you can display in your home.
Delicious Food and Drinks
While games and activities are important, don't underestimate the impact of serving delicious food and drinks. Choose a memorable menu that will leave your guests raving. Offer a variety of options, including decadent meals, enchanting themed dishes, and scrumptious desserts. Don't forget to provide late-night snacks, such as sliders, fries, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, or coffee and donuts. Your guests will appreciate the opportunity to refuel and keep the party going!
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Frequently asked questions
Break away from the traditional seating arrangement, where chairs are set up in rows behind one another. Instead, opt for a creative pattern such as a half-moon design on both sides of the aisle, or a circle around the proceedings. You can also choose alternative seating options like benches, hay bales, or picnic blankets.
Ensure your guests are well-fed with memorable menu choices, such as festival-style catering or savoury canapés. Provide entertainment with games like Jumbo Jenga or bocce ball, and encourage mingling by setting up a photo booth with fun props.
Prepare welcome bags or baskets filled with snacks, drinks, a map of the area, and other personalised items like a handwritten note. If there's downtime between the ceremony and reception, arrange fun activities like trolley rides or berry-picking at a nearby farm.
Incorporate important aspects of your lives, interests, and love story into the wedding details. For instance, display your favourite love songs on reception tables, or choose a unique venue that holds special meaning. Include your pets in the festivities, or ask guests to sign a globe if you both love to travel.