30 Alternative Wedding Ideas to Make a Statement

Groom in White Suit and Bride in Black Dress Kissing With Moody Florals on Either Side of Them — Photo by Scott Clark Photography

Traditional weddings will always transcend time, but they aren’t for everyone. While being part of an enduring history is important to many couples, others are more interested in throwing a unique affair that stands apart from the rest and captures their love story. If you’re looking for a statement-making, out-of-the-box way to celebrate your marriage, an alternative wedding will likely accomplish your vision.

Whether it’s switching up the standard flow of a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception; rethinking the neutral-colored, floral-filled décor; or revamping the typical chicken-fish-or-steak entrée options, an offbeat wedding will make your big day feel more intentional, meaningful, and authentic. “Choosing a nontraditional aesthetic guarantees that there is a more personalized stamp on the wedding,” says Kristine Cooke, founder and creative director of Simply Charming Socials. As long as you’re open to new ideas and experiences and have a desire to make your big day your own, an alternative wedding is a suitable option for your nuptials.

Meet the Expert

Kristine Cooke is an event planner and designer and the founder and creative director of Simply Charming Socials, a full-service event planning and design company in Atlanta, Georgia.

There are endless ways to bring an offbeat wedding to life. Select a colorful ensemble for your main getup or accessorize with unconventional adornments, from bedazzled headpieces to printed pocket squares. Transform your ceremony into a fashion show by setting up your seats in a runway-style fashion, Cooke suggests, before having a mixologist dole out drinks at your cocktail hour and leading guests to their reception tables via an interactive seating chart.

Looking for more inspiration? Keep scrolling for 30 alternative wedding ideas that will make your nuptials simply show-stopping.

01 of 30

Go Bold With Your Invitations

gold edged fall boxed wedding invitation — Courtesy of Margo&Bees

Mailing your wedding invitations in a paper envelope is often the norm, but if you’re looking to set the scene in a statement-making way, consider sending your invite and the rest of your suite in a box. Unwrapping a package will heighten the anticipation of the moment and boost your guests’ excitement for the event. To really up the ante, use a nontraditional material to relay the details, such as lucite trimmed with gold for glamorous nuptials.

02 of 30

Forgo the Traditional White Dress

Brunette Bride in Off-the-Shoulder Dress With Aztec Print and Fluffy Bouquet — Photo by Amber Gress

Brides wearing white on their wedding day has been a time-honored ritual for centuries. But if you’re envisioning an alternative wedding look that’s a better reflection of your own unique style and personality, you can certainly forgo this tradition. Wearing something that feels more representative of who you are, whether it’s an eclectic pattern (like this bride’s off-the-shoulder number at her food-focused affair in Brooklyn) or a bright color, will make your big day more meaningful and authentic.

03 of 30

Strap on Unexpected Shoes

Bride In Asymetrical White Gown and Knee High Cowboy Boots — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

In addition to the dress itself, you can also play around with offbeat wedding accessories. For instance, at her winery wedding in Brooklyn, this bride completed her asymmetrical gown with cow-printed cowboy boots, not the classic bridal heel. This idea is ideal for those who want their getup to stand out in a more subdued way, whether it’s to showcase their personal style, augment the setting, or pay homage to a loved one.

04 of 30

Carry a Mushroom Bouquet

Closeup of Bride in Strapless Black Dress Holding Bouquet of Beige, Maroon, and Black Flowers — Photo by Scott Clark Photo

Although brides usually walk down the aisle carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers, there are so many other alternative elements to include in your handheld arrangement if they resonate more with you. For a moody look, supplement dark buds with various mushrooms, which is what this bride did at her nontraditional wedding in New York City. You can also nix flowers altogether and choose a more suitable replacement, such as a handbag or a book.

05 of 30

Don an Unconventional Hue

Portrait of Groom in Mustard Yellow Tuxedo and Brown Bow Tie Leaning Against Wall — Photo by Jeremy Chou

Just like there are endless opportunities for brides to flaunt an offbeat wedding look, grooms also have the ability to dress in an unconventional way. In terms of color options, you don’t have to limit yourself to the classic black tuxedo or suit. Consider sporting another vibrant shade that makes you look and feel your best like this groom’s cheery yellow double-breasted tux at his destination affair in Mexico.

06 of 30

Sport a Floral Lapel

Philadelphia Eagles player Jordan Mailata in a custom Zegna suit — Photo by Greg Finck

Instead of going all out with an alternative wedding ensemble, grooms can also incorporate an out-of-the-box accessory for a show-stopping look. One idea is accenting your garment with a colorful, multi-bud boutonnière that covers the length of your lapel, a strong candidate for garden nuptials. Other unexpected options include uniquely-shaped cufflinks, patterned pocket squares, or textured bow ties.

07 of 30

Let Your Bridesmaids Express Their Style

Bride in White Dress Surrounded by Bridesmaids in Different Gowns — Photo by For the Love of It

Couples often strategically choose their wedding party’s attire to coordinate with their color palette and create cohesiveness. But rather than prescribe a uniform look, why not give your bridesmaids and groomsmen the autonomy to select their own outfits (like this bride did at her fashion-focused fête in Beverly Hills)? The medley of colors, styles, and patterns will bring a distinctive touch to your celebration. Plus, your crew will feel empowered to express themselves and don pieces that increase their confidence.

08 of 30

Swap Handheld Arrangements for Wicker Baskets

Closeup of Bridesmaids in Blue Solid and Floral Dresses Holding Baskets of Colorful Flowers walking on Beach — Photo by Camera Shi Photography

Floral bouquets are almost always part of a bridesmaids’ look, but there are so many other swaps you can make at your wedding. Woven baskets stuffed with bright blooms will reinforce a cottagecore affair like the conglomeration of sweet peas, garden roses, daisies, and mint that appeared at this summer celebration in Seattle. With a bed of buds enclosed in wicker, your flowers will look handpicked from the garden.

09 of 30

Arrive to Your Ceremony by Boat

Bride in White Wedding Dress and Veil and Groom in Black Tuxedo in Red Boat in Ocean With Brown House and Mountain in Background — Photo by Bottega53 Studio

Want to make a jaw-dropping entrance at your ceremony? If you’re tying the knot at a waterfront venue, arrive by boat. Showing up to your service in a private vessel will certainly make an impression on your guests. Not to mention, setting sail will give you and your partner some much-needed alone time to connect with one another and ground yourselves before the rest of the day unfolds. This alternative wedding idea is best for those who are doing a first look—but you can always glide across the water solo.

10 of 30

Tie the Knot in an Amphitheater

ceremony setup in amphitheater with baby's breath chuppah and aisle — Photo by Asia Pimentel Photography

To make your vow exchange extremely memorable, hold your wedding ceremony in a historic site like an ancient amphitheater. As you and your significant other deliver lifelong promises to one another, you’ll be surrounded by a piece of history. A unique setting will also give you the opportunity to experiment with different seating arrangements, such as the setup at this glamorous function in the Dominican Republic.

11 of 30

Create an Asymmetrical Ceremony Setup

nontraditional wedding ideas mismatched ceremony chairs — Photo by Darinimages

Asymmetry is one way to enact an offbeat wedding. To accomplish this look at your ceremony, set up two different kinds of chairs on either side of your aisle, such as translucent ghost chairs and black round-back ones. The juxtaposed materials and unbalanced look will capture guests’ attention and convey dynamism.

12 of 30

Enlist a Flower Man

Man Throwing Flower Petals and Holding Wicker Basket — Photo by Jenny Quicksall

Challenge the standard gender and age of traditional flower girls by enlisting a flower man at your wedding ceremony. Have one of your loved ones who isn’t a groomsman, whether it’s your brother, cousin, or uncle, do the honors. Watching a grown man toss flower petals down the aisle will kick off your service with lighthearted fun and a lot of laughter.

13 of 30

Transfer Your Ring Bearers in Style

Two ring bearers riding in a remote control Mercedes car that a man is controlling — Photo by Amy Anaiz

An alternative wedding idea that’s luxurious and adorable is shepherding your ring bearers down the aisle in a remote-control Mercedes-Benz. While a member of your wedding party or one of their parents will be operating the mini vehicle, the boys will appear as if they’re driving themselves, a heartwarming way to begin the festivities.

14 of 30

Walk Across Water

Bride in White Gown And Veil Walking Down Outdoor Aisle While Guests Watch — Photo by Michellia Fine Imagery

Walking down the aisle is your big moment, so why not make it as dreamy as possible? For a fairy-tale-like entrance, convert your aisle into a bridge that stretches across a pond (like the one at this pastel-hued garden soirée in California), so you can glide across the water toward your future spouse. The experience will be magical for everyone in attendance.

15 of 30

Start Your Ceremony With a Meditation

Bride and groom participating in a sound bath meditation during their ceremony — Photo by A Bitter Orange

Commencing your vow exchange with a sound bath meditation is a nontraditional wedding idea perfect for spiritual couples. If mindfulness is part of you and your partner’s daily lifestyle, incorporating the practice into your special day—like this couple did at their rainbow-hued nuptials in Pennsylvania—will help your guests connect with you on a deeper level. Plus, centering yourself before the service will alleviate any remaining nerves and get you in the right headspace to promise lifelong devotion.

16 of 30

Create an Interactive Seating Chart

Five White Pillars With Gold Blocks Decorated With Colorful Floral Arrangements — Photo by Gipe Photography

Finding table numbers is usually a passive experience, but to actively engage your guests in the process, make your seating chart interactive. At this funky outdoor fête in Palm Springs, the couple presented a display of rotating pillars that spelled each guest’s name, revealing their assigned table. Turning this pivotal detail into a game will bring a fun, playful flair to your reception.

17 of 30

Set Up a Playful Guest Book

Black Display With Legos and "Building Memories" Sign — Photo by Alice Ahn Photography

To bring another interactive element to your alternative wedding, consider converting your guest book into a creative activity for friends and family to enjoy. Since this bride and groom love LEGOS, at their minimalist soirée in Napa Valley, they asked their loved ones to “sign” their guest book by building LEGO structures that reflected their hobbies, interests, or appearance. This idea captured the couple’s love story and allowed guests to express themselves in a unique way.

18 of 30

Blend Your Bar Design into the Landscape

Cocktail Menu on Pressed Leaves In Front of Fern, Pine Cone, and Flower Decor on Tree Strump — Photo by Ryan Ray

If you’re throwing an organic wedding where the environment plays a pivotal role in your wedding tale, blend your bar design into the natural surroundings. Disguising a man-made object with natural materials and textures—like the ferns, pinecones, eucalyptus, antique hydrangeas, and amaranthus at this forest wedding in California—will create the illusion that the setup actually grew in the outdoor vicinity.

19 of 30

Switch Up Your Signature Cocktails

Bride in Colorful Floral Dress with Mehndi on Her Hands and White Nails Dipping Popsicle in Yellow Cocktail — Photo by Logan Cole

Elevate the cocktail hour at your alternative wedding by switching up the standard signature drinks. Give your alcoholic beverages an upgrade by dipping popsicles in citrus-infused concoctions, for instance—an apt idea for summer nuptials. Not only will this creative refreshment explode with mouthwatering flavors, but it will also keep guests cool.

20 of 30

Book Unique Entertainment

Synchronized Swimmers in Swim Caps and Pink Bathing Suits Dancing in Pool — Photo by Brogen Jessup

Mark the transition between two different periods of the evening like cocktail hour and dinner with a bit of live entertainment. Synchronized swimmers will add a touch of whimsy and theatrics to any wedding—as long as there’s a pool, of course.

21 of 30

Elevate Your Grand Entrance

Bride and Groom Walking into Nature Themed Wedding Reception — Photo by Michelle Beller

Who says you have to walk down the aisle on your wedding day just once? For your debut as newlyweds, strutting down a “runway” that cuts through the middle of your reception venue, such as the one at this timeless garden affair in Montecito, will give guests an unforgettable show. By standing on an elevated platform in the center of the room, no one will miss your entrance.

22 of 30

Embrace Eclectic Patterns

Colorful Table Decor at Wedding Reception — Photo by Perry Vaile

Minimalist tablescapes with neutral hues will always be in style, but for a nontraditional wedding, try decking out your tables in surprising color combinations and patterns. Pairing floral-printed linens and butterfly-appliquéd chargers with striped napkins and checkered taper candles in bright shades of pink, purple, red, blue, and yellow (which appeared at this nature-focused celebration in Santa Fe) will create a loud, bold display that will catch everyone’s eye.

23 of 30

Line Your Tables With Lamps

Table Setting With Pink Roses and Lamps at Wedding Reception — Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Ordinarily, flowers are the focal point of a couple’s big-day décor, especially their reception tablescape. At your offbeat wedding, consider demoting your floral arrangements and giving lampshades the main role, which was the case at this Gatsby-themed event in South Carolina. Lining your table with lamps will give your affair a homey vibe, mirroring your living room.

24 of 30

Skip the Flowers

Long Table Top at Outdoor Wedding Reception — Photo by Irina and Matej

If you really want to break the mold (and save some money in the process), abandon blooms altogether and highlight other standout elements on your tabletop display. For example, at this minimalist summer wedding in Italy, glass candle holders popped against an all-white spread, producing a crisp, clean, and sophisticated look. With a no-frills design, the concave of trees also took center stage.

25 of 30

Make a Statement on the Ceiling

Wedding Couple Dancing at Reception with Large Ceiling Centerpiece — Photo by Silent Capture

Wedding flower chandeliers aren’t a novel concept, but you can take this decoration to another level with the size and scale of it. A massive crystal chandelier suspended with greenery and trailing blooms (like the one at this mansion soirée on Long Island) is an extravagant and original way to mark your dance floor.

26 of 30

Encourage Interaction

nontraditional wedding ideas instagram reception game — Photo by Twah Dougherty Photography

Dancing doesn’t have to be the sole activity at your post-ceremony party. For another offbeat wedding idea, invite your guests to play a game of “I Spy,” where participants snap photos of designated items on a list. Friends and family will intermingle, and you’ll have an abundance of photos to look through after the wedding.

27 of 30

Offer Opportunities to Play

bride and groom jumping in a bouncy house with a golden disco ball — Photo by Erich McVey

Another nostalgic iteration is propping up a bouncy house at your wedding reception, which is what this duo did at their classic affair in Mexico. Giving your friends and family the chance to relive the carefree, imaginative days of childhood will create a youthful, energetic atmosphere.

28 of 30

Cut into a Brushstroke Cake

nontraditional wedding ideas brushstroke wedding cake in neutral colors — Photo by Darinimages

There are endless ways to enliven your wedding cake, but a multidimensional brushstroke cake errs on the more creative side. Turning your main dessert into an artistic sculpture is a striking choice for offbeat weddings at a museum. To up the sophistication factor, stick with a neutral palette.

29 of 30

Arrange a Candy Bar

Swedish Candy Cart Set Up Against Red Curtains and Beside Black Table Linen — Photo by Ryan Ray

Whether or not you’re serving the traditional wedding dessert, adding a candy bar (like the one at this modern soirée in New York) to the scene will aid in the excitement of the celebration. With this alternative wedding idea, each guest can fill a bag with assorted sweets to savor in between rounds on the dance floor or take home as a post-wedding treat. Plus, the cart itself will add a vintage feel to your big day.

30 of 30

Gift One-of-a-Kind Favors

Live Painter At Wedding Reception Creating Portrait Illustrations — Photo by For the Love of It

Give your loved ones a memorable keepsake of your special day by hiring an artist to draw portraits of each attendee. Watching the talent work their magic will add another amusing aspect to the party, and the illustration will always remind the subjects of your wedding—especially if it’s put on display in their home.

11 Unique Honeymoon Destinations to Consider for the Ultimate Romantic Getaway

30 Alternative Wedding Ideas for a Statement-Making Affair