Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Nontraditional Wedding Themes

Ditch the traditional wedding dreads for something unique.


To the modern bride, traditional weddings might seem boring or too formal. While you still want the celebration, good food, plenty to drink, music and dancing, be creative on the venue or overall theme. Make your reception suit your dreams and your non-traditional wedding style.


Charity


If you are an animal lover, choose the Humane Society or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to receive your guests' donations.


Traditional wedding receptions typically involve overindulgent catering and guests bearing expensive gifts. Use your celebration of marriage as the vehicle for fundraising for charity. Inform your guests on the invitation enclosure cards with phrasing such as "In lieu of gifts, please send donations to The Humane Society." Incorporate donation jars instead of expensive centerpieces at the reception. Submit the donations directly to the charity anonymously or in honor of the new couple.


Medieval


Be creative and make your own family crest to use as decoration.


An outdoor venue or a garden is an ideal place to hold a medieval wedding reception. Encourage guests to dress for the time period and suggest costume shops on your wedding website or blog. A medieval-themed wedding invites all guest to participate and be creative. Continue the theme with the meal by choosing a caterer who can accommodate medieval dishes. Hire professional actors or musicians to entertain your guests.


Beach


As favors at a beach-themed wedding, give guests a beach towel.


Organize a beach party and invite guests to wear flips-flops and beachwear. Barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers for a casual meal and then set up a s'more station for guests to make their own dessert over the bonfire. This informal party is a perfect way for a beach-loving, casual couple to celebrate. Check with the local parks and beaches for regulations on bonfires and reserve them accordingly.


Casual Celebration


Everyone likes pizza.


Skip the formal clothes and expensive catering and host a casual reception. Encourage guests to wear jeans and T-shirts while they dine on pizza. Or make it a potluck and tell guests to bring side dishes instead of gifts. Throw this party in your backyard or a neighborhood park. Put together your own playlist of music. Celebrate your marriage at a fraction of the cost and avoid the stress.

Tags: your guests, Encourage guests, guests wear, Humane Society, reception Encourage, reception Encourage guests