Do it your own bloody way!

It's something I find myself saying at every meeting I have with my couples.

It's your day, not anyone elses, so just do it how you want.
It may be that you're met with reservation or even a bit of push back from family or friends. They might be used to a 'wedding' being in a certain format. But this format may actually be the polar opposite of you as a couple. So does it make sense to have a day - the beginning of the rest of your lives together, a day that SHOULD represent you as a couple - actually have no bearing on how you are as a couple??
No. This does not make sense.

I'm pretty lucky that most of the couples I've worked with seem to have this mindset anyway.
I've seen some amazing things at weddings - and a lot of them I hadn't seen before.
Here's just a couple of them - think of it as 'food for thought'.

1. BRIDAL CLUMP

A bridal clump?? What is this?
Basically this is your bridal party's (from both sides) all clumped together in a group.
Especially handy if you're having difficulties in choosing who you'd like in your bridal party, or if you have someone who could be in either bridal party.
They all stand to one side. Together. Here they can stand together, laugh together, cry together. All together.

2. walking down the aisle together

Kara & Simon walking to their ceremony together - image by Anna Taylor

This might be handy if there is some tension between parents. Instead of having your parents walk you down the aisle - you could walk each other down the aisle. This would go hand in hand with either getting ready together, or having a 'First Look' (where you have a quiet 5-10 minutes with each other before the ceremony - you get to see each other for the first time in private and take each other in with out all the watchful eyes)

3. To have flowers, or not to have flowers

I do love a good floral arrangement, but if you're not that fussed, there are definitely alternatives out there.
I had one couple have balloons and lego instead! They had their bridal party (not clump!) each hold a massive balloon full of confetti and when it was the 'first kiss' they popped the balloons over the couple. It was a beautiful thing I have to say!
And instead of flower arrangements on the tables, they had piles of lego down the centre of the table where people could build till their heart's content!

And if you do decide to have flowers - there are no rules here either.
Hold them, hang them, have them in your hair.
There are no limits.

Image by - Tahnee Jade Photography Headpieces & Florals - JCRC Events & Styling Gown - Amanta Bridal — Image by - Tahnee Jade Photography Headpieces & Florals - JCRC Events & Styling Gown - Amanta Bridal

4. the first dance

First Dance FLOOR - image by Anna Taylor

Not all of us have the confidence of Fred and Ginger, so if being out on the dance floor is your worst nightmare, don't do it!
But one way of getting everyone on the dance floor is to have a 'First Dance FLOOR' - make an announcement that you'll be having a first dance, but only if everyone joins you on the dance floor too. I've seen it done a few times and it works every time!

5. getting ready together

One of my favourite things is when a couple says to me 'oh, we're getting ready together' - my heart does a little dance.
And I'll tell you for why.
Remember those Friday night vibes, with your crew, getting ready all together at someone's house, ready for that big night out!
It's a bit like that. You get to share that excitement together, getting ready for the rest of your life together.

So, yes, make decisions based on what works for you - as a couple!
And yes, you might be met with scepticism, or disapproval - but I bet anything that on the day, those 'nay sayers' will be so caught up in the awesomeness that is your wedding day, that they will forget they ever thought that it wouldn't work.
Trust me.
Just do it your own bloody way.