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Image by Vellum Studios

Friends of mine are engaged and are at the beginning stages of their wedding planning. The bride is ready to lock and load, but the groom, well, he is after ‘something different’ for their wedding. This doesn’t come as a surprise however, as a number of couples are searching for that point of difference… that thing that will make their wedding stand out compared to others… that will make their wedding memorable for years to come.

So often we go straight to the wedding ‘theme’ as a solution to finding this point of difference. I have seen everything from ‘Phantom of the Opera’, to pink cowboy (ahem, cowgirl) hats, to a Hawaiian Luau, to James Bond. But, do we really need to go to such lengths, or could we achieve the same result by considering the following instead?

Timing. Just because the majority of weddings are held in the afternoon with a reception to follow in the evening, doesn’t mean yours has to! A brunch or lunch wedding can be a nice change up. Without the blanket of darkness, a riverside or seaside venue gives guests a glittering blue backdrop; families may find it easier to enjoy the festivities without worrying about being home late for the sitter; many places have less expensive dining options during the day – and just think, you and your beloved can start honeymooning early!

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Image by Feather and Stone

Location. Pick a non-traditional wedding venue. It doesn’t have to be a fairy-lit marquee on a neighbour’s sprawling paddock (though it could be!), but consider a place that is meaningful to the two of you. Perhaps a location that guests wouldn’t normally go to or even a destination wedding where it’s just far enough to make a weekend of it.

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Image via Hamilton Island Weddings

Bridal Party. Mix it up with your besties and family. You don’t have to have equal numbers of guys and girls, or even male groomsmen or female bridesmaids (read more here). Pick those people who mean the world to you and kiss goodbye to the old rules of balance and stereotype.

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Image by Katie Takes A Picture

Menu. Let me guess, the function venue has a three-course package with cake served as dessert with a side of berry coulis and cream? Sure, there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you’re an adventurous foodie then why not consider food vans or stations, a personalised cocktail, or chat with the chef about serving a feast via share platters.

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Image by Alcorn Images

Transport. Instead of the white limo, think outside the box. Do you have a favourite make of car? Something retro perhaps? Go a little further… perhaps the bridal party can catch the tram and skip the traffic. Why not treat all of your guests to a ferry ride from ceremony to reception? Better yet, surprise your loved one with a helicopter ride to really make an entrance.

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Image by Katie Takes A Picture

As you can see, there are many ways to make a difference to your wedding day… just make sure you don’t get too caught up in changing it up a little that you forget the real reason behind it – you’re marrying your beloved and that should be more than enough reason for a memorable day!

 

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Ms Chinoiserie Says: Some great advice on making choices that reflect you as a couple; don’t be afraid to break with ‘tradition’ and follow your heart!