Putting on the Veil

The veil traditionally symbolizes modesty and a means to prevent the groom from seeing his beautiful bride until the ceremony is complete. It acts as a long sheer mask or the opportunity for the bride to make a dramatic statement. A new take on wearing a veil is not wearing one at all! Brides have moved away from the elaborately long veil, and on to a barrette with flowers and pieces of a veil attached. This creative trend emphasizes the DIY era and shatters the original meaning behind wearing the mask. 

Switching Out the Place Cards

The process of choosing a seating chart is stressful, especially when there’s drama in the family! Once the placement is finalized, getting guests to their seats is the next challenge. Couples have started to use fun and creative ways to seat their guests rather than having place cards. A unique idea is to have some guests arrive and see a sign that reads “Take A Shot and Take A Seat” and below sits a full shot glass with their seat assignment attached. 

Another fun twist guests will be excited to see is a sign that reads “Snap a Photo and Sit Down” with a photo wall and a Polaroid camera. This is particularly creative because the photo taken replaces the seat assignment card on the wall.

Making Memories Last

A guestbook is the most fabulous keepsake from this special night. It’s where you will get to look back years down the road on the day you tied the knot and see what your attendees had to say. The typical sign-in book is a thing of the past because couples want a more creative way to remember their night. A fun example is using a photo booth, where two copies are printed but one is put in a scrapbook where guests can write a meaningful message to the couple. Another example is a “Words of Wisdom” box, where guests write their marital two cents on a card and slip it into a box.

Dancing in Style

Slow dancing with your partner and all eyes are on the two of you for what seems like an eternity- nothing in the world seems to be more nerve-wracking. To give the crowd a goofy surprise, try an exciting choreographed routine! This is sure to bring laughs from around the room, and give you and your loved one a fun-filled memory you’ll never forget.

Personalising the Bar

Who doesn’t love an open bar? Well, modern couples are adding an even more fun addition to the wedding bar scene. Signature cocktails are an opportunity for the bride and groom to reflect their personal traits or characteristics. The bride’s tipple might be called “Blushing Bride,” and the groom’s might be named “Blue-eyed Groom.” This is a fun way to get the guests to enjoy a drink in honour of the happy couple.

Changing the Food Scene

Steak, chicken, or seafood? It’s that big decision that will be a defining factor for your big day. This crucial part of a wedding will stick with guests for years to come; if you completely change the norm of what is expected for dinner, it’ll be twice as memorable. Popcorn station, a s’mores bar or all-you-can-eat grazing table – the opportunities are endless! Imagine showing up to a wedding and seeing a fully stocked burrito bar in the far corner. This creative culinary twist is something you wouldn’t expect. 

Personalising the Bar

Kicking it off on the sweet side, the most exciting change in the wedding world is how wedding cakes are presented. If you and your bae want to stay up to date with fashion trends, then deciding on a hip wedding cake is very important. A wedding cake on display is the ultimate eye catcher when you walk into reception, and the traditional pure white cake just isn’t surprising anymore; people want excitement. Glam cakes, themed cakes, and alternative cakes are providing the surprise element to most modern weddings.  

Glam Cakes

A glam cake is a simple twist to traditional cakes that has the word “bling” written all over it. This style adds a bit of spice to the plain white base. Glitter and diamond jeweled ribbons line the cakes to make them sparkle and shine. Some couples might even add pops of colored flowers or edible intricate designs to make it really stand out. 

Theme Cakes

Themed cakes have become all the rage over the last few years. It’s not just kids who get to express their love for fantasy and fiction in their cakes! Whether it be Game of Thrones themed, Star Trek, or even something as simple as a botanical garden, couples have been doing it all.

Alternative Cakes

For all non-cake lovers, there’s plenty of other options for you. Another rising trend in the world of wedding cakes is not even having a cake at all. Not everyone has a desire for an elaborate three-tiered cake, and that’s entirely okay. A chocolate covered strawberry mountain, three tiers of brownies and cookies, or a three-tiered donut cake! 

The most popular alternative to the cake as of 2019 is a cake pop or cupcake wedding cake. Cupcakes and cake pops are no longer considered children’s treats; they’re now wedding must-haves! This trend snowballed as people began to realize that not everyone wants to take a whole piece of cake, plus grabbing a cupcake or cake pop is so much more inviting. 

Taking the Pain Out of Dancing

The dance floor is arguably the most popular part of a wedding reception. It’s also the perfect place to show off your sexiest dance moves and totally let loose after a few glasses of celebratory champagne. But what’s one thing that puts a big damper on the dancing festivities? For women, the answer is definitely high heels. Couples are now placing a basket next to the dance floor filled with foam sandals for their female guests to wear so they can dance the night away pain-free. This simple fix is extremely creative and a must-have at your wedding.

Finding the Perfect Favours 

Wedding favours have always been tricky. How do you choose gifts to say thank you to your loved ones who attended your wedding? It’s traditional to give a box of candy that has a ribbon attached with a saying of love. Lately, it has become popular to mix it up. Mini succulents with the date and couple’s last name engraved into the pot is a cute way to say thank you. Another option is personalized pint glasses! My favorite example and one I would run to grab is the after wedding snack box. This handmade box comes with fries and a coke, or any food you wish to provide so that guests can have a snack from the bride and groom on the way home.

Spicing Up the Send-off

The formal exit of the bride and groom from the reception is the customary way to send off the happy couple on their honeymoon. Traditionally, guests throw rice above them to symbolise prosperity and good fortune. This tradition has taken on new forms as it has become increasingly common to get creative with wedding gestures. Instead of throwing rice, guests have found new objects to throw above the couple. Some objects include confetti, flower petals, balloons, and bubbles. These give a unique aesthetic to the wedding send-off, which will also undoubtedly make for amazing photographs.