Five Non-Traditional Wedding Trends

Weddings are a tradition as old as time but that doesn’t mean you have to follow all the “rules”. We work with our couples to help pick and choose which traditions to keep, and which to ditch. 

1. Alternative Venues

Look beyond traditional clubs, venues, ballrooms, hotels, etc. We’ve worked with clients to host their weddings in all sorts of unique locations - from private homes, to dance clubs, to restaurants - we’ve done weddings in so many unique spots.

2. Elopements and Smaller Ceremonies

We’re also seeing a trend to host a small ceremony for the wedding - whether that’s at the courthouse or on the day of your reception. We did a wedding recently where we did a Thursday night ceremony and dinner for immediate family and wedding party, followed by a Friday night reception / party. We’re seeing more and more of splitting up these events. 

3. Ditching the wedding parties

While couples are still opting for traditional wedding parties, we’re seeing more and more couples ditch the wedding parties. They’ll still invite their best friends / siblings to give a toast, get ready with them / join for hair and makeup, go on a bachelor/bachelorette party, etc but we’re seeing less and less formalities around the “ask” and the label.

4. Interactive Experiences

Tons of couples are asking us to come up with interactive experiences / entertainment at their weddings. Whether this is a food and beverage element - espresso martini station was a recent experience - or creating a 360 degree photo booth, we’re often tasked with figuring out the newest entertainment options. Last year alone, we saw disco head drink passers, tons of selfie and photo moments, stilt walkers, drummers and sax players to accompany a DJ, cigar rollers, magicians and beyond. Everyone is loving cocktail artistry too. 

5. Less formalities - parent dances, first dance, etc

We’re seeing more and more couples cut back on speeches and formalities. The basic formalities are parents speech, best man and maid of honor speeches, first dance, parent dances, and cake cutting. We’re seeing people ditch parent dances or combine it into one, cut back on speeches to 1-2 total with an overall focus on cutting back on formalities. Its been all about to food, drink and dancing, less so on the other “stuff”. 

Vendors:

photographers: @kateedwardsweddings, @gurjojo, @larisastingaphotography, @loreto_caceres_photography

venues: @therivercafe, @babysallright, @shunleenyc