For some couples, a traditional wedding doesn’t sound like their dream scenario. However, you might be on the hunt for something different but aren’t sure what your big day might look like.
Here are 8 wedding alternatives you probably haven’t considered.
- Choosing the Engagement Ring Together
Traditionally one partner will buy the ring for the other without them knowing about it. From cut, metal type, and size, there’s a lot to consider when buying an engagement ring. But what if you could have an at-home kit to try on various styles?
Frank Darling provides kits to preview engagement rings from the comfort of your home to compare shapes, stone sizes, and setting features with your partner.
- Declare Marriage
Did you know that you can legally declare yourself married without an officiant in a few states, such as California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, and a few others?
This is called a Quaker Wedding and is recognized as an official ceremony. All you have to say is that you both declare yourselves as married and there you have it. Can’t get any simpler than that.
- Elope on a Mountain
One of my all time favorite weddings I attended was my best friend who decided to elope in the mountains of Washington. My friend, her partner, their daughter, and the officiant hiked the mountain and exchanged their vows.
The paperwork was signed under a beautiful mountain sunset along their favorite hike. The next day, they had a big party with all their friends and family.
No one says you have to have a big wedding. Eloping can be a beautiful experience. It allows you to focus on what’s most important – the marriage.
- Scrap the White Dress
According to an old tradition created by Queen Victoria, brides started wearing white gowns as a staple of their wedding. Luckily, it’s only a fad portrayed by the media.
You don’t have to wear white at all. Wear any type of dress or outfit you want with a splash of color. It’s your day after all – so wear whatever you want!
Don’t want to buy a wedding dress for just one day? Why not rent your wedding dress and save thousands of dollars? You also won’t have to think about what to do with it after the wedding day is over.
- Have a Backyard Wedding
Maybe the idea of having a traditional wedding is what you want, but your budget doesn’t have the money for it.
A backyard wedding is an intimate and convenient way to exchange nuptials without having to pay for a large venue. Instead of hiring a caterer, make it a potluck for everyone to participate in.
- Double Weddings
Perhaps there is someone very special in your life, like a sister, twin, or best friend who is also engaged. A beautiful way to share the bond could be by having a double wedding.
This is a unique way to save money, especially if you’re going to have significant overlap on your guest invitations. You’d be surprised at how easy this ends up being to pull off, as long as you all can agree on what to have at the wedding, of course.
- Head to the Courthouse
In all the chaos of wedding planning, sometimes you feel like you want to run to the courthouse and say, “I do” already. The best part is that you can at any time.
If you don’t want the stress of planning a big wedding for months on end, you can make the process as simple as possible. Hire a photographer and have romantic photos taken outside of the courthouse.
- Have a Post-Wedding Picnic
If you decide to elope, you’ll still want to consider eating something afterward as a way to celebrate the marriage. Instead of going to a restaurant or hiring a caterer, you could simply have a picnic for two in the park.
Set up streamers or a small tent and string lights. Have your favorite foods and beverages ready for a simple, stress-free daytime celebration.
Conclusion
Weddings can be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. If you’re looking for something more unique and affordable, think outside the box.
Get creative with your alternative wedding ideas and how you can create the dream day you want without all the bells and whistles. This day is all about you as a couple, not about what other people think you should or shouldn’t have.