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Unique, Laid-Back and Fun Wedding Ideas for Couples Who Want an Unconventional Celebration
- Isobel Buxton
- Aug 26
- 8 min read
Your wedding is a chance to celebrate your love in a way that feels uniquely you!
If traditional isn’t your vibe, why not shake things up? From unconventional venues to personal touches that reflect your passions, there are endless ways to create a day that gives off the vibes you’re after.
Ready to get inspired? As a Devon-based wedding photographer, I have seen my fair share of weddings. The most memorable and fun ones are the ones where the couples aren't afraid to be themselves and do something different. So I'm going to share some of the best, unique, fun, laid-back wedding ideas I've seen thus far.
Unique, Laid-Back and Fun Wedding Ideas for Couples
Picking a Tailored Venue
Forget those classic banquet halls and grand ballrooms! The first crucial wedding idea for couples is a non-conventional wedding venue. Think about places that feel special to you two.
Maybe it’s that cosy cafe where you had your first date or a quirky art gallery that shows off your love for creativity. Even a beautiful pub garden or a beach with your toes in the sand can set the perfect mood for a chilled-out day. Barn venues are quite common too!
It’s all about picking a spot where you feel relaxed and happy. Make sure to check with the venue how much you're allowed to decorate and customise things.
One-of-a-Kind Ceremony Ideas
Want to make your ceremony extra special?!
Try writing your own vows! This wedding idea for couples is the perfect way to express those personal sentiments, and maybe throw in a couple of inside jokes too. These always get some laughs and/or tears!
Instead of the usual ring exchange, how about a unity ritual? Plant a tree together or create a time capsule with things you love and want to look back on in years to come. It’s a lovely way to seal the deal and create lovely memories. If you're feeling bold you could hide the rings under someone's chair and have a surprise ring bearer- a perfect way to involve everybody!
Another idea is to incorporate your favourite hobbies or shared interests. Love music? Have a friend play your favourite song on the guitar as you walk down the aisle. Big into literature? Maybe read a passage from a book that means a lot to you both. Dance down the aisle? Or zipwire?! (saw that on Tiktok the other day!). Speaking of the aisle, ditch the tradition and walk down on your own or walk down with your bestie/mum/pet/child, etc. Screw the whole 'giving away the bride' shenanigans!
If you’ve got pets, why not include them in the ceremony? Let your furry friends be ring bearers or just have them by your side as you say your vows.
You could also invite your guests to participate in a collective activity, like a group blessing, a sing-along to your favourite song or a moment of shared silence for a lost loved one. It’s a way for everyone to feel involved and make the experience more communal.
And for those with a taste for adventure, why not choose a unique location that means something to you both? Whether it’s a mountaintop, a forest, or even a hot air balloon, the sky’s the limit! Just think about what makes you both happy and go for it.
Non-Traditional Reception Styles
Skip the traditional sit-down dinner and opt for something more fun and relaxed.
Picture a laid-back picnic or barbecue in a park or even your garden. It’s perfect for a chilled vibe where everyone can unwind and chat. If you’re foodies, why not invite food trucks? They offer a range of cuisines that can cater to all your guests' tastes and dietries.
Fancy-themed food stations? Think about a vegan taco bar, sushi station, or even a make-your-own pizza area. It’s interactive and delicious! Another cool idea is to have a cocktail-making station where guests can mix their own drinks.
For seating, mix it up with cosy lounge areas, bean bags, and picnic blankets. It’ll give your reception a more intimate feel. If you love a bit of a rustic vibe, consider long, communal tables for that big family dinner feel.
And let’s talk about dessert! Forget the classic wedding cake and go for a dessert table with a variety of sweets. From cupcakes to doughnuts to a chocolate fountain, your guests will love having options.
For entertainment, set up some garden games like giant Jenga or a game of rounders. It’s all about creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere with these wedding ideas for couples that everyone will remember!
Imaginative Entertainment Choices
Live bands are always a hit. Especially if you're after that festival vibe! Find a group that matches your music tastes. Indie, rock, jazz – whatever gets you grooving! If you're in Devon I can recommend The Conscious Club and Mammoth - they are epic!
Get everyone involved with fun activities. Set up a games area with things like giant Jenga, croquet, or even a DIY crafts station. A photo booth with quirky props like Margot Camper is always a hit and gives guests a fun way to capture memories. Set up a karaoke or, if you love a pub quiz, play a massive game of Kahoot!
Feeling artsy? Hire a caricature artist to sketch your guests or set up an area for a collaborative art project where everyone can leave their mark. Cassie at Cornwall Caricatures is incredible and gets everyone laughing! A live artist like A Name and Dress also doubles as favours for your guests to take home. Love films? How about an outdoor cinema with cosy blankets and popcorn? This wedding idea for couples and guests is perfect for a chilled summer evening under the stars.
If you’re up for something different, consider a silent disco. Guests can choose their own music channels and dance away without disturbing the neighbours. Want to add a bit of magic? Hire a magician or a fire performer to dazzle your guests- Dan Brazier always has me perplexed!
And don’t forget about interactive food and drink stations! Think build-your-own cocktails, a s’mores bar or Beyond The Wall. It's all about creating a lively, engaging atmosphere where everyone feels part of the celebration.
Personalise the entertainment to reflect what you both love, and your wedding will be a blast for you and your guests!
Green Wedding Options
These ideas are right up my street as an eco-conscious wedding photographer in Devon! Think about using second-hand or upcycled items for your decor. Raid the charity shops!
Vintage finds or family heirlooms can add a personal touch while being eco-friendly. Swap traditional confetti for biodegradable options, flower petals or even bubbles for an eco-friendly wedding idea.
Opt for an outdoor venue to cut down on electricity use and make the most of natural light during the summer months-outdoor ceremonies are so cute! Solar-powered fairy lights can add a magical glow come evening.
Consider donating leftover food to local shelters or food banks. This way, nothing goes to waste!
For your favours, give guests something sustainable like seeds to plant, reusable bags, or even homemade jams. It’s a sweet way to thank them and encourage green living.
If you’re going the extra mile, look into offsetting your wedding’s carbon emissions. There are lots of organisations that offer this service and it’s a great way to give back to the planet.
Remember, every little bit helps when planning a sustainable wedding in making your special day kind to Mother Earth!
Celebrate Your Passions
How about mixing your hobbies and passions into the big day?
If you're both into hiking, imagine tying the knot on a scenic trail with mountains as your backdrop. If books are your thing, a literary-themed reception with quotes from your favourite novels could be ace. Adore art? Hold your ceremony in a local gallery, surrounded by your favourite pieces or hire a live painter!
Got a love for travel? Each table at your reception could represent a place you’ve visited together. Into gaming? Create a gaming station for guests to enjoy or incorporate subtle nods to your favourite games in the decor!
If you both enjoy cooking, have a mini-cooking class or a tasting station with your favourite recipes. Love animals? Consider having a wedding at a sanctuary or asking for a donation to a charity instead of your wedding gifts.
With these wedding ideas you can tailor your wedding to reflect the things you love doing together – it makes the day truly special and unique to you guys!
Wear Your Style
Forget the typical wedding attire. Think about what really makes you, well, you!
Love bright colours? Go for a vibrant dress or a bold suit. Vintage fashion more your thing? Hit up some charity shops or check out online vintage boutiques. How about something a bit more unconventional, like a boho-chic dress with lots of lace and flowy fabrics? Stevie Nicks style!
Or maybe a sleek jumpsuit that makes you feel like a rock star. And don’t be afraid to mix it up with fun accessories. Think quirky ties, colourful shoes, or even a cool hat. If tattoos are your style, don’t cover them up—show them off proudly.
Into comfort? Go for trainers instead of heels, or barefoot if you’re having a beach wedding. You could even match your outfit to your wedding theme. Having a rustic barn wedding? Maybe some cowboy boots will do the trick.
Or, if you’re having a glam city wedding, why not rock a sparkly gown or a sharp tux? The key is to choose something that makes you feel confident and happy. And if traditional attire is your thing, that’s cool too.
With these wedding idea for couples, you will feel amazing if you wear something you love. After all, it’s your day to shine!
Unique Invitations
Your invites set the tone for the whole wedding, so why not make them as unique as your big day?
Instead of the usual paper invites, how about custom wedding invitations that are something different like video invitations? It’s a fun way to give your guests a sneak peek into what’s in store. If you’re artsy, hand-paint your invites or use calligraphy to add a personal touch. For the tech-savvy, create a wedding website where all the details are just a click away.
Love a bit of nostalgia? Send out vintage postcards from places you’ve visited together. You could also include a little keepsake like a personalised magnet. Got a green thumb? Send seeds or small plants with your invites to give guests something to grow and remember your day by.
For a bit of interactive fun, consider puzzle piece invites that guests have to put together. If you’re into music, why not send out custom playlists with your invites so guests can start grooving to your wedding tunes?
Think about using recycled materials or plantable paper that guests can actually plant after they’ve noted down the details. It’s a lovely eco-friendly touch. No matter what you choose, make sure it reflects your style and gets everyone excited for your wedding day.
After all, your invites are the first glimpse into the amazing celebration you’re planning and can be a great keepsake!
Ready to Discuss Your Wedding Photos in Devon, or Beyond?
There we havve it, my unique, laid-back wedding ideas for couples who want something different on their big day! It's your wedding day, so why not make it as unique and laid-back as you are?!
Remember, the key is to let go of expectations and embrace what feels right for you. So, dream big and enjoy every moment of creating your awesome wedding day!
Get in touch with me to chat about wholesome and vibrant wedding photography to capture all the fun!
