Weddings are not one-size-fits-all: Your big day should be as unique as your love! Cookie-cutter, uber-traditional weddings are fast becoming a thing of the past, with more couples opting for customized, unconventional touches to their wedding day. And why shouldn’t they? After all, weddings are a celebration of the couple and all the things that make them special! It’s the personal touches that make a wedding truly unforgettable.
Here are seven of our favorite unique ideas to make your wedding memorable:
Say “I Do” to Color
Every bride wants their wedding gown to be unforgettable. Leave a lasting impression on your guests by opting for a bold color instead of the traditional white! In recent years, brightly-colored wedding gowns, minis, suits and more have been trending, from regal yellows and golds to dreamy pinks to sprightly florals.
Still not enough wow factor? Carry your daring dress color choice throughout your wedding day details, like your groom’s suit, table settings and beyond.
Pre-Party It Up
Forget the after-party: Mix up your wedding weekend with a themed pre-party! A pre-party can work as your welcome party, rehearsal dinner or shower and is a great excuse to loosen up and show off your personality as a couple. Consider a backyard barbecue dinner, a 1920’s-themed speakeasy fling, a drive-in movie night—the only limit is your creativity!
Whatever party theme you choose, be sure to customize it with a unique dress code, special decor and a setting that fits the vibe you’re after. It’s a memorable way to make your guests feel at ease and excited as your wedding approaches!
Lean In to Local
If guests are traveling from afar to attend your wedding, or if you’re hosting a destination wedding somewhere far-flung, why not lean in to all the local flavors? Use your menu as a culinary map of your wedding’s locale. Some ideas to get you started include deep dish and Chicago-style hot dogs in the Windy City, lobster rolls in New England, Tex-Mex in New Mexico and po’boys in New Orleans.
And of course, we can’t forget Minnesota! Try wild rice-crusted fish with a dressed-up hot dish as a side, and lingonberry tart for dessert. At the Heritage Center, our chefs love to add some locally-sourced, Minnesota-inspired flare to wedding menus—just ask!
Start a Cocktail Hour Conversation
Even the smallest details can make a big statement! Customize your cocktail napkins by having them printed with fun facts about you and your new spouse. Get your guests talking by mixing in some trivia questions to spark conversation, too! Even better? Guests tickled by your talking tablescape will most likely stash an extra napkin or two in their purse or pocket, effectively making this clever customization a no-brainer party favor.
Incorporate a Ring Warming Ceremony
What’s a ring warming ceremony? It’s a heartwarming (See what we did there?) mid-ceremony moment in which the couple’s rings are passed from guest to guest, allowing them to imbue the rings with their well-wishes before they’re placed on each finger. The couple feel the love of each and every guest in the warmth radiating from their rings after being passed from hand to hand. Your guests will never forget being a part of this touching ritual!
The Clock Strikes Snacktime
Partying down on the dance floor can make for hungry guests, so why not wheel out something whimsical as a midnight snack? Tap into your inner child with warm chocolate chip cookies and milk, hit the sundae bar, or chow down on some sliders and fries—whatever you and your new spouse fancy when that snacky time of night hits, your guests are also sure to love! You can even level up your midnight snack by calling in a specialty food truck, like a retro ice cream truck, taco truck or doughnut truck.
Did you know that the Heritage Center chefs have put together a dedicated menu of late night bites? From sumptuous soft pretzels served warm with beer cheese to chicken wings and build-your-own slider stations, there’s no midnight craving we can’t tackle! You can find our Late Night Snack options in our wedding menu brochure, or ask your event planner about crafting a custom creation just for you!
Honor the Matchmaker
Decorate the chair of the special guest who set you and your SO up (or facilitated the circumstances of your meeting, even if it wasn’t technically a set-up) with a garland of greenery or florals and a charming sign that says “Matchmaker.” This crucial guest will never forget being unexpectedly honored on your big day!
Other key people who played a role in your relationship’s story could also be honored with a special seat or flower crown of their own—think old friends you share, the teacher of the class in which you met, the friend he took to help pick out the bride’s engagement ring, etc.
Ready to Make Memories?
When you’re ready to start planning your unique wedding, the Heritage Center is here for you! Our expert planners have seen and done it all when it comes to weddings, and we’d be delighted to be a part of yours. From creating a truly extraordinary setting to making sure every moment of the big day goes off without a hitch, Heritage Center will be with you every step of the way. Contact us today to connect with one of our friendly event planners and start planning your unforgettable wedding!