Gone are the days when weddings were all about formal dress codes, traditional vows, and grand, conventional venues. Today’s couples are looking for unique and meaningful ways to celebrate their love and personalise their special day. While some wedding traditions stand strong, others are changing to reflect couples’ unique priorities and interests! If you’re a modern couple looking for alternative wedding ideas, here are some creative options to inspire you, from choosing your ceremony features and wedding party members to your fashion and entertainment.

Alternative venue

Photo © S.G Mark Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Nearly one-in-five of today’s couples choose a unique venue or location for their wedding. Now that they’re legal, why not take advantage of an outdoor wedding? Whether it’s a garden, park, beach, or forest, the freedom is yours! Outdoor weddings are perfect for couples who want to keep things simple and intimate. For an even more low-key option, consider eloping. You can exchange vows with your partner in a stunning natural setting, surrounded by just a few loved ones.

Alternative catering

Photo © Katy Brothers Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

For a more relaxed, informal vibe, swap the traditional sit-down meal for something fun like a buffet or hog roast, or something fancy like afternoon tea. Alternative catering can also be helpful if you’re on a budget, as you can save money spent on silver service or waist-coated waiters. For something more immersive, consider a more interactive dining experience or live cooking. There are plenty of fun options, from chef’s theatres and live cooking, to DIY dining experiences with make-your-own options such as pizzas, cooking with hot stones, Korean-style BBQs, or a giant fondue.

Non-traditional wedding ceremony features

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

From non-traditional wedding party members to unique celebrants, you have the freedom and flexibility to choose exactly what wedding features you wish to include in your own wedding. Maybe you want your mum or best friend to walk you down the aisle, maybe you want bridesmates or groomsmaids, page girls rather than page boys, flower boys rather than flower girls. Or you might want to involve your own children in your wedding, or have a pet play a starring role in your wedding party. You can choose whichever combination reflects your own priorities and values.

From our Bridebook couples…

“Mum walked down the aisle with Dad”
“I had my two brothers as my best men instead of bridesmaids”
“Our best friend did the ceremony, and it was totally personal”
“All our speeches were gender equal” (e.g. groom’s mum, bride and bridesmaids)

Alternative entertainment and activities

Weddings should be fun! And what better way to create joy than by incorporating activities and games into your wedding? From archery and country line dancing, to kid’s party and lawn games like egg and spoon races and welly wanging, there are so many exciting possibilities! In fact, nearly one-in-five modern couples are incorporating activities or games into their weddings.

Photo © Bart Kerswell Photography | See their Bridebook profile

From our Bridebook couples…

“We had the surprise of a wedding singer dressed in the uniform of the hotel staff”
“Chose archery as an activity for guests between the ceremony and reception”
“We had a country line dancing instructor come and run a session”
“Bouncy castle, bouncy slide, welly wanging, tug of war, limbo and piñata”

Alternative wedding fashion

Not a fan of the classic white wedding dress? No problem! Colourful wedding dresses are en vogue – from blush pink to crimson red to orange to black. In fact, over half of the dressmakers we spoke to are seeing wedding dresses in alternative colours to the traditional bridal white. David and Nathan were finally married in July of 2022…in a heatwave…in a velvet dress! Thankfully the aircon was fully functional and Nathan stole the show in their Billy Porter inspired gown.

Photo © Magpie-Eye Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Alternative wedding themes

Themed weddings are a great way to get creative with your partner and guests. They also allow you to truly express your individual personalities and interests, whether that’s a favourite movie like Harry Potter, or favourite time period like the regency era. From your invites and decorations, to your food and costumes, let your chosen theme run wild! If you’re getting married on a special holiday, like Valentine’s Day or Halloween, you might also want to showcase that.

Photo © Zane Corlett Photography | See their Bridebook profile

There you have our alternative wedding ideas for modern couples. From unique venues and theatrical catering, to fun activities and non-traditional dress, the possibilities are endless. The key is to find an option that reflects your unique priorities and values – and your individual personalities. Whatever you go with, make it personal, meaningful and memorable!