Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete Weddings and Wedding Planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, photo galleries, checklists, and expert advice to walk brides through every step of the wedding planning process.
You can view the complete sitemap to find everything you need to plan your wedding.
Today’s weddings are all about options that reflect your personalities and style. Here is a list of top picks for non-traditional or unexpected wedding ideas to incorporate into every aspect of your big day.
Ceremony Ideas
1) Location -
If you don’t host your ceremony in a house of worship or in the same location as your reception, you can get creative with your ceremony location and exchange vows at sunrise on the beach or at sunset from the rooftop of the tallest building in your metropolitan area. Get more ideas for unique ceremony sites.
2) Refreshments -
Use the season or your location as an opportunity to greet guests with a refreshing drink. Lemonade and sweet tea will quench your guests’ thirst while gathering in the blazing sun, or serve hot apple cider to warm your guests during chiller months.
3) Grand Entrance -
Make your entrance especially grand by being escorted by your pet dog or by arriving on a white horse.
4) Vows and Readings -
Not a new concept, but speaking from the heart by writing your own wedding vows or incorporating personalized poems and weddings readings into your ceremony will surely grab the attention of your guests.
Flowers & Decor Ideas
5) Color Scheme -
Try pairing a few uncommon colors together or featuring varying shades of the same color throughout your space.
6) The Food Pyramid -
Fill cylindrical glass vases with fruits and vegetables reflecting your colors. Oranges, lemons, and limes have been done so try a unique, more contemporary look with mangos or coconuts or tie it to the season with texture-rich earthy vegetables like husked corn, acorn squash, or artichokes.
7) Au Natural -
Consult Mother Nature for inspiration, and bring the outdoors in. Natural objects like stones, leaves, pinecones, even twigs can add an organic aesthetic to your reception décor. Place in rustic containers or scatter amongst pillar candles for added ambiance.
8) Lighten Up -
Floating candles in a shallow bowl adds lighting and elegance to your tabletops. Or arrange multi-level candles on a mosaic of mirrors or tiles and surround them with seashells or flower petals. Placing coffee beans or red hot candies at the bottom of a vase or bowl to hold the candles steady also adds an aromatic effect.
9) Consult your Inner Child -
For the kid at heart, fill decorative bowls with your favorite candies – such as jellybeans and M&M’s - in your wedding colors.
Find even more inspiring ideas for unique wedding decorations in this complete guide to wedding flowers.
Entertainment Ideas
10) Ceremony Music -
If "Here Comes the Bride" doesn’t suit your style or personality, choose a song that does. There is no written rule that states you can’t make your grand entrance to a rendition of your favorite Beastie Boys’ song.
11) Non-traditional Instruments -
If you desire live music over a DJ, consider tying your musician selection to the theme or location of your event. A beachside bash naturally lends itself to the sound of steel drums, while a trumpet quartet will sound impressive in an elaborate cathedral.
12) Themed Music -
Take it one step further and zone in on the music that is indigenous to your wedding location. Guests attending a Mardi Gras-themed event in New Orleans will bask in a cocktail hour of Dixieland jazz.
13) DJ and a Band -
Can’t decide which you would rather have? Have both to ensure that all types of music are represented throughout your day to please both your 85-year-old grandmother and your 21-year-old cousin.
Photography Ideas
14) Photojournalism
More and more brides are leaning toward hiring a photographer who specialized in a photojournalistic style. These photographers shy away from posed shots and aim to capture all of the candid moments that you’ll always want to remember or may have never seen.
15) Creative Shots
Hire your photographer to follow you throughout your entire day (leading up to the "Do Not Disturb" sign, of course). While it may make you feel anxious to have someone photograph you as you get ready, these shots will help you to remember the joy and anticipation of every part of your big day.
Cake Ideas
16) Minimal Adornments -
Some brides believe in the "less is more" adage. A simple cake minimally ornamented can make a bold statement.
17) Square Tiers -
Looking for a subtle way to break away from the ordinary? Square tiers make a modern presentation. Whoever said "it’s hip to be square" must have been in the cake business.
18) Cake-free -
If cake isn’t your favorite dessert, then don’t feel the need to serve it to your guests. Apple crisp, peach cobbler, pumpkin pie, cupcakes, or even glazed doughnuts are a hit at the dessert table.
19) Sugar-free -
The end-of-meal offering doesn’t have to be made of flour and frosting. Think savory instead, and visit your local cheese shop to have them construct wheels of cheese in tiers and stacked to look like traditional wedding cake.
Attire Ideas
20) Wardrobe Change -
Today’s brides are opting to wear not one dress, but two! Wear an elegant gown while you exchange vows, then slip into something a little more comfortable to round out the evening.
21) Anything but White -
A white wedding dress symbolizes innocence and purity, but if that’s not your style, feel free to bring out your colorful personality by adding a splash of color to your attire. You can be as subtle as a colored sash and jewels or as bold as a fuchsia-colored dress.
22) Something Borrowed -
Anything retro screams chic these days. So why not consider donning your mother’s vintage gown as a tribute to a family legacy. A few alterations can make it your own.
Stationery Ideas -
23) Ethnicity -
If your heritage is important for you to represent on your big day, do some research and find a stationer who offers multi-cultural invitations and announcements.
24) Creative Touch -
For more intimate, casual gatherings, request the honor of your guests’ presence in an innovative and entertaining way. Here’s an idea - have your invite printed on a balloon so guests have to blow them up to receive the message.
25) Programs -
Do something a little different with your programs by including personal photos or by printing them on something that serves a dual purpose - like a fan.
26) Storybook -
Get the most bang for your program buck by including stories of how the two of you met, who introduced you, and your relationship to everyone in the bridal party. Think of all the time you’ll save by not having to explain all of this to your husband’s childhood neighbor during the reception!
Transportation Ideas
27) Grand Entrance -
If the size of your bridal party doesn’t warrant a stretch limousine, consider arriving on horseback, on the back of your husband’s motorcycle, or in the passenger’s seat of your dad’s antique car.
Get even more creative wedding ideas at Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Weddings , Wedding Receptions Banquets Florists
- How To Choose Right Venue For Your Wedding. Wedding..
- July Wedding, Wedding Invitations, Summer Wedding, Summer Wedding Reception
- Weddings, Wedding Planner, Top 10 Wedding Venues, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Jewellery, Photography
- Learn How to Plan a Cheap Wedding - Wedding Advice
- Caribbean Wedding: Wedding Planner and Organizer
- Ideas for Your Perfect Wedding: Wedding Customs in Russia
- Summer Garden Weddings - Wedding Bells Amidst Beautiful Flowers




The Wedding Day Diet: Pros and Cons
By: Shane | 30/11/2009The Wedding Day Diet is a 30 day weight loss plan designed for women who want to lose weight quickly before a wedding. Interestingly, Matt Marshall, the creator of the program, made it for men and then later tailored it for women. The plan can be used by anyone, though it is ideal for brides who need to lose 10-20 pounds quickly because of the diet and exercise plan - which, while fairly rigorous, is definitely manageable if you budget your time.
How to write Groom Wedding Speech
By: Brent Gross | 30/11/2009We all love a good wedding, as we love, love. When you believe about some of your favorite moments at a wedding, you can't help, but remember the wedding speeches. Marriage speeches do not only touch our hearts, but they make us laugh too. The reality is different folk are asked to give the speech ; it may be the father of the bride, ma of the bride, the best man or the chief bridesmaid. often folks, who are not even in the marriage party at all, give the speeches. In any ca...
Is it a Good Idea to Go On a Date Before Tying the Wedding Knot
By: Ashish Rawat | 30/11/2009Freematri.Com is a reservoir of nri matrimonials consisting of a plethora of profiles of NRIs looking for their ideal partner.
Choosing Platinum Wedding Rings
By: George Sandler | 30/11/2009Quite contrary to popular belief, the engagement ring is the center of attraction in the finger of a woman should be to ensure that the wedding rings that you choose to look good against. It is tempting to look for platinum wedding rings, but writing this was to be avoided if the engagement ring is to remain in focus.
Choosing Platinum Wedding Rings
By: George Sandler | 30/11/2009Quite contrary to popular belief, the engagement ring is the center of attraction in the finger of a woman should be to ensure that the wedding rings that you choose to look good against. It is tempting to look for platinum wedding rings, but writing this was to be avoided if the engagement ring is to remain in focus.
Choosing Platinum Wedding Rings
By: George Sandler | 30/11/2009Quite contrary to popular belief, the engagement ring is the center of attraction in the finger of a woman should be to ensure that the wedding rings that you choose to look good against. It is tempting to look for platinum wedding rings, but writing this was to be avoided if the engagement ring is to remain in focus.
Cheap Wedding Supplies
By: Ivancopper | 30/11/2009Many wedding guests may face difficulty in remembering what the bride was wearing, but can't get over the clever centerpiece or decoration kept on the table or the cake topper
Free Wedding Sites Can Be Quite Helpful
By: Syamantak | 30/11/2009Free Wedding Sites not only can be personalized for a particular couple, but the general ones available can provide great help to the general people as in suggesting newer and innovative ways of making a wedding the most special.
Unique Wedding Favors – 8 Ideas
By: Cori Russell | 07/10/2009 | WeddingsWedding favors often evoke a "been there, done that" response from wedding guests. Looking for something a little more memorable than a bag of Jordan almonds? Here are some top choices for unique wedding favors...
Wedding Menu Ideas for Every Season
By: Cori Russell | 28/09/2009 | WeddingsLet your wedding catering take a cue from the seasons. Plan your wedding catering with these creative wedding menu ideas for spring, fall, winter, and summer weddings.
Cash Bars at Weddings: Tacky or Thrifty?
By: Cori Russell | 03/09/2009 | WeddingsAre cash bars at weddings a good way to save money and cut wedding costs or a breach of wedding etiquette? This article offers some good insight into the issue and options for couples on a budget.
33 Best R&B Songs For Your Wedding Reception
By: Cori Russell | 27/08/2009 | WeddingsWith smooth base lines and sultry lyrics, R&B songs of love and devotion are perfect for moving, grooving, and romance at your wedding. If you're looking to set a sensuous vibe at your wedding reception, look no further than a playlist full of R&B wedding songs...
Wedding Dresses Ideas for Every Season – Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
By: Cori Russell | 19/08/2009 | WeddingsTake a cue from the seasons with these wedding dresses and attire ideas for spring, summer, fall, and winter. Find the perfect wedding gown to complement the time of year of your wedding.
Wedding Dresses - 5 Hot New Wedding Dress Designers You Need to Know
By: Cori Russell | 13/08/2009 | WeddingsMove over Ms. Wang - these emerging wedding dress designers represent the next class of high-style designer names to remember. From couture one-of-a-kind wedding dresses to breezy ready-to-wear styles, five up-and-coming designers are all making a name for themselves in the world of wedding fashion.
Wedding Flowers Ideas for Every Season - Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
By: Cori Russell | 10/08/2009 | WeddingsTake a cue from the seasons with these inspiring wedding flowers and wedding decorations ideas for every season. Get ideas for fall wedding flowers, winter wedding flowers, and spring wedding flowers.
Wedding Catering Serving Styles Guide - Buffet, Seated Dinner, or Finger Food Reception
By: Cori Russell | 09/07/2009 | WeddingsBefore you begin choosing between filet and chicken for your wedding reception, consider how you’d like to serve them. The most common wedding catering options include a sit down dinner, buffet and wedding finger food reception. To help you decide, consult this guide with everything you need to know about these catering serving styles.