Welcome to Unconventional Wedding! We’re assuming you’re here because you’re newly engaged. If so… CONGRATULATIONS! What an exciting time! UW is a directory and blog dedicated to quirky, unique and alternative weddings. We’re here to advise and inspire! We love everything outside the box, from bold statements to small touches.
Often, the first question of the newly-engaged is: ‘’Where on earth do I start with planning a wedding!?” Now, wedding planning is one of our favourite things but it sure can be a handful. We’ve broken the planning process into baby steps so your loved-up brain doesn’t pop!
Where to start with planning your wedding:
celebrate!
the main details
key values
fun stuff
venue... or no venue?
helping hands
1. Soak it in! Don't rush into wedding planning
You’re engaged! Let that sink in for a minute. Give yourself time to be excited and enjoy being engaged! Maybe you could plan an engagement shoot and use the photos as a fun way to announce to friends. Or you could throw an engagement party! You don’t need to rush straight into planning.
2. Wedding Planning Building blocks
These wedding planning details will create a framework that you can build around. For example, knowing what kind of wedding you want will help you choose a venue.
- Type of wedding – Do you want a church wedding, civil service, elopement or alternative ceremony?
- Numbers – Will it be a a small gathering or a large party?
- Location – A vague location will help your venue searching. This may also depend on your numbers.
- Rough date – Be flexible! Summer or winter?
- Budget! – Be realistic, don’t put yourself in debt! Will you be asking guests/family to contribute to any aspects?
3. What are your key values?
Defining what’s important to you as a couple can really help your wedding planning. Are you both eco-conscious? Do you want to incorporate culture/ religion? Are you both family focused? These values can help you choose your suppliers, venue and decide on a type of ceremony. To view our alternative wedding supplier directory, click here.
By looking at your values, maybe you’ll decide you want something specific like a zero-waste wedding, a sentimental location, a theme, or a ceremony that incorporates your beliefs. You may want to look into having a celebrant ceremony, as they can be customised to suit you. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
4. the fun details of wedding planning!
Once you’ve established an outline, you can now get into the fun stuff! Lists are really going to be your best friend here. Decide on a style/ theme for your wedding. Grab yourself a scrapbook and some magazines, or log into Pinterest! A word of warning- don’t get too tied up in the magical world of Pinterest! It’s great for inspiration, but you’ll end up spending hours on there! The world really is your oyster; nowadays anything is possible! We’re always posting about alternative and quirky wedding ideas on our blog!
Find some local wedding fairs and events. We list our favourites here! Wedding fairs are great ways to get ideas and meet suppliers- it’s always better to work with people you get on with!
5. The all important wedding venue
Your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make because it sets a date and location for your wedding. It can greatly impact the styling and general vibe of the day.
- Make a shortlist of venues. Trust your gut- you’ll know if it feels right.
- Wedding venues are often cheaper on weekdays or at quieter times of year.
- Ask to see the venue dressed up so you get an idea of what it could look like.
We have some awesome alternative wedding venues listed in our directory. From a space centre to an alpaca farm… click here to browse our tribe members!
Maybe you’ll decide not to have a venue at all! Have you considered an elopement or a wild wedding? What about a tipi wedding?
6. Last but not least... ask for help with wedding planning!
Wedding planning is so much fun but can be very overwhelming. Especially with demanding jobs, childcare and other commitments…there’s just not enough hours in the day! There is no shame in asking for help. Maybe you could leave a relative in charge of the cake, or your best friend in charge of the bridal party. Utilise your friends- know any crafters, bakers or musicians? See what they can do! Alternatively, as wedding gifts, you could ask for guests to contribute towards the wedding.
Wedding planners are wonderful things! They aren’t as expensive as you might think as pricing usually depends on your budget. Bespoke packages can be created so you get help with exactly what you want. Our sister company, that black and white cat, offer all sorts of help, including: full planning, on the day coordination, RSVP management and budgeting advice. More planners are listed in our directory here.
Above all, HAVE FUN! Planning your wedding should be a time for fun, not stress! You get to dress up like your best self, party with all your favourites, and most importantly, celebrate your love! Don’t get too caught up in the whirlwind. Happy planning!
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