Ep 09 / 10 Unique Ideas for a Timeless and Iconic Wedding
Coming right off a wedding weekend, I saw some beautiful details and lovely touches that made this wedding stand a part as something special. Some weddings just have that extra pop that make guests feel right at home, feel so true to the couple, and don’t feel cheesy or dated, but will stand the test of time as classic choices with fun touches. I wanted to share some ideas and trends I’ve been loving that I believe are only growing in popularity, but will also help your wedding feel timeless, curated, and iconic.
Check out my Pinterest Board for more ideas and staying up to date with wedding trends.
Film Photos
Having tangible photos on film of your wedding day is so classic, and unfortunately an art that we are losing in this digital age. So many photos live on in our camera rolls or social media, but rarely are printed. Incorporating Polaroid’s, Fuji Film mini cameras, and disposable cameras are great ways to have printed moments from your day. I would recommend entrusting a dependable picture takers, or giving these cameras to your wedding planner or photographer to ensure you get the pictures you need!
2. Favors (that are cute and will be used!)
Nothing bugs me more than the waste of gimmicky wedding favors that are never used again (ex: matching flip flops, silly sunglasses.) Put the money into tasteful and unique touches that your guests can take with them and enjoy after your wedding day. This trend is only growing in popularity, but I LOVE the idea of custom matchboxes. Similarly to how your favorite bars and restaurants have matches available, I think these are the perfect little favor to set around at the bars, welcome table, and that guests can toss in their bags. There’s also so many fun ways to display old matchboxes, and would be a cute piece of art for the couple to frame and display after their wedding. Recipe cards are also a fun and personal touch for you to send home with your guests! Put the recipe for a signature cocktail that you’re serving and your guests can pull out the card for years to come and think of your wedding day.
3. Signature Drink Station
Perfectly pairing with the favor recipe card mentioned above, I love the idea of having signature cocktails. You can do a “his and hers” cocktail, or just one iconic drink that holds significance for you as a couple. Obviously you can have other options and a full bar too, but this is a nice and classic touch. If you’re not big drinkers, consider having a luxury tea or coffee bar with fun favors, matcha, or specialty coffees.
4. Color Themed Dress Code
This goes beyond just a dress code (ex: cocktail attire, black-tie optional) but is a full mood board and color scheme for your guests to wear! I know this gets hate online for being too over the top, but as a guest, I would appreciate the guidance and tips to help me ensure I am well-dressed. The color theme can be broad (ex: shades of pastels) or very specific (wear shades of blues and greens) but looks so beautiful and cohesive in photos. Especially for intimate weddings where all of your guests will be in photos with you and each other, this is a great way to ensure everyone is coordinating.
5. Live Music & Bands
I’m personally kind of tired of DJs - especially at weddings that are supposed to be classic, timeless, and elegant. There’s something so beautiful about a few string performers for your wedding ceremony and having a large, fun band that can engage the crowd and play some classics to get everyone dancing. I actually see the dance floors more full at weddings with bands, because they play songs where couples are able to dance together, having fun, and are more approachable for all generations. If club music is more your vibe, maybe consider saving that for the later portion of the event but it’s definitely more timeless and iconic to be dancing to classic cover songs instead of dropping it low.
6. Intimate or Large
Controversial opinion - but I would rather the guest count be small (50 or less) or super large (200+) guests than the middle ground! With intimate weddings you can include lots of unique details and splurge on details and really have quality time with your guests. With large weddings, everyone can mingle, get to see friends and family who they haven’t in a while, and bring plus ones without feeling like it is infringing on a small, VIP group. I also like skipping formalities like stuffy seated dinners, and multiple toasts with larger gatherings and just having a cocktail style event for the majority of the evening.
7. Juxtaposition of Styles + Themes
Whether it comes to fashion, home décor, or wedding styling, I love juxtaposition of themes and details and making luxury with more eclectic details. The colorful, hand drawn, and organic style is making a resurgence and I love incorporating that with more traditional florals, venues, and themes. It makes the entire wedding feel more laid back and approachable. You can find more ideas on my Pinterest, but here are some ideas I’m loving!
8. Heirloom Pieces
Incorporate heirloom jewelry, a veil, wedding dress, or accessory that someone else in your family wore on their wedding day to keep a tradition going. If you don’t have a piece that is sentimental or passed down in your family, I would encourage your to start the legacy! You can do with your mom, sister, or fiancé and pick out a special piece of jewelry that can be passed down to other women in your family in the future.
9. Photo Op Installation (not a photo booth)
Let’s leave the photo booths with the tacky props in the 2015s. Instead, I love the idea of curating an area for guests to take photos that they can cherish and beautifully incapsulates your day. Whether it’s a statement wall with flowers, the ceremony arch, a mirror self spot, or a custom built area with a statement, I think this is a way better alterative than a prop photo booth.
10. Wedding Weekend Mentality
Hosting events and opportunities to connect throughout the weekend is a great way to show your guests how thankful you are that they showed up to celebrate you! A Friday night welcome party and rehearsal dinner, and a Sunday morning goodbye brunch are all great ways to spend more time with your guests and also a way to give them connection with each other.