Non-traditional isn’t synonymous for off the wall or crazy. And traditional doesn’t mean old school or stuffy. Creating your traditions allows you to host a wedding that reflects your personalities and relationship well! And blending both gives you the opportunity to plan the wedding of your dreams.

There are so many ways to show off your personalities throughout the wedding planning process. Your actual wedding day is the most important and impactful, but your engagement session can exude you and yours too! You can showcase your personalities with your engagement session by choosing locations near and dear to you. As well as picking your favorite season and knowing how seasons affect your engagement photos.

So I’m breaking down your options: hosting a traditional or non-traditional wedding. Each has some great ideas on ceremonies and traditions to use on your wedding.

Your Wedding Ceremony

The length of your ceremony and what you choose to do with that time is entirely up to you! Some ceremonies are 20 minutes, and some are 2 hours.

Personalized vows stress you out? No worries- go with the traditional option. Your wedding ceremony is not something you’ll soon forget. So include your guests and make some fantastic memories! Below are some ideas for your wedding ceremony, but you’ll find the possibilities are endless!

Traditional Ceremony

Evening wedding

Traditional vows

Exchange of rings ceremony

Unity candle

Hosted at a church or hotel

Non-Traditional Ceremony Options

Daytime wedding

Passing of the rings

Personalized vow exchange

Outdoor ceremony

Symbols of religion- worship song, washing feet, etc.

Your Wedding Reception

Your Houston wedding reception can be as wild or calm as you’d like it! It can be structured giving your guests constant activity, or it can be guest led. When choosing details about your reception, think about you and your man, as well as what your family and friends would enjoy! Creating a genuine experience for your guests that represent your relationship well will leave your family and friends raving about your big day.

Traditional Reception

Grand entrance

First dance

Dad daughter dance

Cake cutting

Bouquet and garter tosses

Grand exit

Non-Traditional Reception

Creative grand entrance

Mother son dance

Anniversary dance

Wedding reception activities: Shoe game, lawn games, poker station, etc

Lounge area for guest

Creative send offs/grand exit: lantern, bubbles, sparklers, plane, etc

How to Choose What’s Best for You

Firstly, it’s essential to understand neither option, a traditional or non-traditional wedding, is bad. They are simply different. Above all, use the activities you choose as a way to express yourself!

Even better, choose the activities from both options that you resonate with most — thus creating your wedding day traditions! At many weddings I photograph now, both the bride and groom share dances with a parent or grandparent. A perfect example of making your wedding your own and doing what works for you as a couple!

My list of traditional or non-traditional wedding activities is not all-encompassing. The sky’s the limit when wedding planning!

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