Congratulations! If you’re reading this then I’ll take a guess that you are engaged and planning a wedding, or at least considering planning a wedding in the future. Across the hundreds of weddings I have photographed over the years, I have noticed one thing really stands out: my clients love to give their wedding ceremony and reception a unique touch. Sometimes they’ll pick a quirky venue, but other times it will be found in the small, thoughtful details. I thought I’d put together this blog of some of the wonderful things I have seen to create a unique and thoroughly memorable wedding – and even better, a lot of these don’t have to break the bank!
Get there in style
Whilst your guests may expect you to arrive in a nice car, don’t forget you have lots of options available. I’ve seen couple arrive in everything from campervans, to motorbikes to tractors! Don’t be afraid to get creative and pick a mode of transport that means something to you or says something about you as a couple. It will certainly make for a memorable photo opportunity!
Different flavour favours
OK, forget the traditional bag of almonds and let your imagination run riot! This is your opportunity to make your guests feel truly special and give them a memento from your special day that they’ll treasure forever. Some of my personal favourites have been things like packets of seeds people can grow in their gardens, fortune cookies and even miniature scented candles.
A toast that packs a punch
Fewer people seem to be choosing the traditional glass of fizz for their toast and experimenting with other ideas instead. I had a couple recently who provided jaeger shots for their guests instead, which gave the moment an added element of fun.
Centrepieces that wow
There’s no doubt flowers look beautiful at a wedding, but sadly they don’t last. A fun alternative could be something like a Ferrero Rocher or marshmallow tree, as your guests can happily tuck into them whilst dessert is served! Alternatively old gin bottles with dried flowers you can keep make a beautiful centrepiece, as do giant cocktail glasses filled with fairy lights.
A table plan that ticks all the boxes
One of my favourite elements of a wedding is seeing how the married couple have chosen to name their tables. Some go for the countries they have visited together, their favourite food or drink, or some even keep their guests guessing by using memorable dates that are only revealed later on during the speeches!
Brand your wedding
Giving your wedding a central theme and choosing a colour palette is a great way to make it memorable, make your decoration and outfit choices easier, plus it really helps tell a beautiful story with your wedding photography. You can use your colour scheme and overall style across your outfits, decoration, invites, order of service – and even a timetable of the day so that your guests know what is happening and when. With the beautiful selection of countryside venues we have here in Hampshire, I’ve noticed festival weddings, rustic weddings and country-inspired weddings are particularly popular.
Creative cakes
Gone are the days when your only option was a traditional there-tier white wedding cake! I love seeing the creativity come across in the weddings I shoot. I’ve seen some wonderful alternatives such as cupcakes, cheese towers and ‘naked’ cakes.
A guest book with interest
Have you ever picked up a pen at someone else’s wedding, looked at their guest book and thought ‘What am I going to write?” Give your guests some inspiration by setting up a photobooth or providing an Instax camera – they can then stick the photos into your guest book and let the words flow!
Crowd-sourced playlist
A final bonus idea if you plan on having a DJ: why not ask your guests to submit a song for the evening playlist when they RSVP? It can be a lovely way to share memories of fun times together and make new ones when you hear it again on your special day.
Getting married this year?
If you’d like me to capture all the unique touches that you plan to create for your special day, with stunning wedding photography, please do get in touch.
