You know you want your wedding day to be unique, but all the traditional planning advice online seems cliche or overdone. So, how exactly are you supposed to find new and interesting ideas to plan a wedding that’s meaningful to you? 

With TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest always within arms reach, you’ve got access to the latest trends and ideas. Some are fleeting, but others feel like they are meant to stick around for years to come. So many unique wedding ideas shared by couples across the nation–and even the world– found their way onto our “For You Pages” and into our hearts. After hours of “scholarly” research (okay, scrolling the socials), I’ve found some interesting ideas that really stuck with me. I bet one of these new traditions will fit right in with your wedding day dreams!

Trend 1

Community vows. Weddings are your most intimate day. The family and friends who helped you and your partner become the people you are today are finally gathered in one space. This is the only time you will have this group of people by your side at one time. They are your support system, your advice-givers, and your teammates. They are the ones you will turn to in the best of times and the worst of times. So, why not include them in your vow ceremony? In a community vow, your guests participate in a call and response. The officiant engages your loved ones by asking them to commit to supporting, loving and encouraging you as a couple, allowing your guests to wholeheartedly answer, “we will!” 

Trend 2

Bringing in a food truck for catering. And I am here for it! Who doesn’t want a delicious street taco or the best acai bowl they have ever tasted to follow a beautiful wedding ceremony? While this type of availability may depend  on where you live, I am envisioning the euphoria in photos that contain dance floors AND mini donuts. Not to mention you would be supporting a local small business! Win-win in my book.

Trend 3

The most frequent request I see in wedding planning groups is “what should I do instead of a traditional guest book?” Traditional guest books have slowly faded away, and couples are looking for fun, quirky, and even practical “guestbooks” in its place. Something they can display or use in their home. BUT–I think I’ve found the coolest alternative. I love, love, LOVE the company, “After the Tone”. This up-and-coming small business ships you a rotary phone to set up at your wedding reception. Guests “call” the couple and leave a recorded message – after the tone. After the reception, the phone gets turned in. The company then takes these messages and presses them on a vinyl. When you get the vinyl back, you can relive small moments of your special night whenever you want. Seriously, I’m obsessed. This new guestbook trend might be one of the most unique wedding ideas I’ve heard of!

Trend 4

Similar to the After the Tone vibe, you could ask your wedding videographer to do something similar to the experience After the Tone creates. It won’t be the vintage phone and vinyl vibe, but your videographer could use their own skills to provide a visual take on your guest’s best wishes. During the downtime of a reception or cocktail hour, have your videographer prompt your guests to tell their favorite memory of you, send you good wishes, or bring a spark to the party and have them tell their funniest memories with you. Whether these clips are slipped into your wedding video or sent to you separately, they will serve as a priceless reminder of a night filled with laughs and love.

Trend 5

A private last dance. When the night is coming to a close, ask all of the guests to leave the dance floor. Encourage them to get ready for your end-of-the-night sendoff while you as the newlyweds stay behind on the dance floor. Take this moment to dim the lights and enjoy the fleeting moments of your wedding. Play your first dance song again or another musical favorite. I have seen photos from this up-and-coming trend, and all I can say is…magic. 

Take these unique wedding ideas and trends as inspiration to try something new for your special day. I can’t wait to see how you personalize your celebration with intention!

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