I love celebrations! I believe the celebration of a marriage is an important element in your special day and the beginning of married-life. I’m happy to see there has been a significant trend away from the formal sit-down dinner reception to a celebration unique to the newly-wed couple.
So many brides look back on their wedding photos and say ‘but it looks like everyone else’s wedding!’. Well, while the colour scheme might be different, if you bring aspects of other people’s weddings into your day, no matter how fabulous they are, there’s no doubt it’s not going to look as ‘unique’ as you might have expected.
Here is a list of alternatives to a formal wedding reception which are no less fabulous and quite possibly more fun!
Champagne Brunch
There’s a reason so many cafes offer all-day breakfast. Breakfast food is delicious! A brunch can be fancy, with gourmet pancakes or casual with bacon and egg rolls. Add some champagne and you are in instant celebration-mode!
Perfect Picnics
Personally, I think eating outside makes the food taste better! Yes, you are at the mercy of the weather, but get prepared with shelter, throw some blankets and cushions on the ground, choose a picturesque location and you have set a gorgeous scene for a fun celebration- no seating charts required!
Backyard BBQ
If you’re a couple who loves backyard get-togethers on the weekend and you don’t want to scrimp on the guest-list, a backyard BBQ can be the perfect option for your wedding celebration. Decorating with easy DIY projects can transform the most boring backyard into any theme you can imagine. Scattered tea lights and fairy lights throughout the garden look spectacular with very little cost and effort. Think about getting a caterer to save the groom getting stuck behind the BBQ. There are many caterers now offering packages specifically for weddings.
High Tea
If you enjoy the elegant things in life, a pretty high tea full of dainty delicacies can be a memorable occasion. High tea’s can be a sit-down affair or a stunning buffet-display that will get your guest’s talking- with their pinkies extended, of course! You can incorporate mini wedding cakes into your sweets selection to add a touch a wedding tradition.
Hire a Boat
If you live near water, whether it’s a river or the ocean, getting out on a boat can feel like a mini-holiday, even if it’s for only a few hours. From cocktail cruises at sunset to lazy lunches drifting down a river, there are so many ways you can create a celebration to suite your personal style.
Winery Tour
Most celebrations involve a few drinks and winery tours can get pretty jolly! The best thing about winery tours is while you are enjoying the vino, you also get a taste of some stunning winery locations; and lunch is usually provided. Make sure you grab some bottles to open on your wedding anniversary!
Extreme Adventures
Is there some crazy thing the two of you have talked about doing, but never got around to? Maybe skydiving, bungy jumping or a hot-air balloon ride on the day you ‘take the plunge’- yes okay, the clichés are endless! You can invite family and friends to witness your heroic feat- or dare them to join in. You are guaranteed to never forget your wedding day if you start married life with a thrilling adventure!
I think it’s exciting that couples have the freedom today, to move completely away from the traditional wedding ‘checklist’ and celebrate in a way that is as personal and meaningful to them as their wedding vows. You can now celebrate, your way.
As an additional service to our pop up wedding package, we can assist with any of these alternatives to a formal wedding reception- or perhaps you have your own unique idea!
Have you been to a unique wedding celebration? We would love to hear about it!
