Wedding planning can be fun, exciting, stressful, demanding, and aggravating all wrapped in one. Not only are there a lot of decisions that need to be made, but there’s also choosing which traditions to keep and which to ditch.
Many modern couples are opting to move away from more traditional wedding customs to make way for more affordable and practical solutions. This can include anything from ditching the customary three-tier cake for a cupcake delivery to choosing a simple outside garden venue.
Current Times Call for Modern Solutions
It’s not uncommon for modern couples to opt for moving away from the pomp and ceremony that often go along with a traditional wedding. While this may raise a few eyebrows from the older folks, it’s essential to remember that different can also be amazing. If you’re looking for a few unique ideas for your upcoming wedding, this article is for you.
- Switch the Cake for Cupcakes
The wedding cake is one of the integral parts of the wedding planning process. Couples use their cakes to add a unique and individual stamp to their day. Some cakes are elaborate and huge. They’re also expensive, difficult to transport, and usually limited to one flavour.
Many modern brides are choosing to ditch the over-the-top cake for a wide variety of cupcakes. The good news is that you can switch symbolic slices of magnificent cake for platters of equally amazing cupcakes. Here are some of the advantages of choosing cupcakes for your wedding:
- Depending on your decoration, flavours and quantity, cupcakes can be a cheaper
- Cupcakes are easier to eat, especially if you use decorative cupcake cases
- You can choose a wide range of flavours, colours and decorations
- It’s easier to accommodate different dietary requirements by offering gluten-free and vegan options
- Cupcakes are easier to transport
- With the right cupcake stand you can create a spectacular display that will rival any traditional cake setting
- Consider a Picnic in the Park
If you find the thought of a traditional indoor reception a little boring and not in line with your free spirit, you may want to consider a picnic in a local park or garden. Switching traditional tables, linen and excessive décor for picnic blankets and baskets is a fun idea worth looking into.
This idea is particularly appealing if you’re looking for an excuse to have a more laid-back and casual wedding reception. Here are a few ideas to make this work:
- The right park: Find a beautiful and safe setting to have a large picnic. Having an area that has a mixture of picnic benches and grass areas is a bonus. Bathrooms close by are a must. The right venue will ensure that you have stunning, natural backdrops for your wedding photos.
- Picnic baskets: Depending on the number of guests, you can fill picnic baskets with snacks and fun party favours for each family. This works very well for smaller, more intimate weddings with fewer guests. Think out of the box and opt for picnic blankets and pillows that match your whimsical theme.
- Food and drinks stations: If you feel that picnic baskets will prevent people from mingling, set up a park in the area for drinks and food stations. Remember to match your food choices to the setting. Finger foods, and simple, but elegant snacks are an option here. Consider snacks such as a wide assortment of pies, scotch eggs, sandwiches, sausage rolls and different types of baguettes – the list is endless!
- Dress code: Let guests know well in advance that the dress code will be less formal. Depending on the garden, park, or farm setting, you can opt for an entirely casual dress code.
- Consider a Cocktail Reception Party
Another variation to the traditional sit-down reception is a cocktail reception party. This eliminates the need for heavy buffet meals and boring table décor. Rather opt for creative, but theme-related appetizers and snacks. A few fun ideas to consider include the following:
- Skewer foods
- Tapas
- Mini pastries
- Bruschetta
- Mini quiches
- Shrimp cocktails
In this instance, the devil truly is in the detail. Use your creative skills to add a touch of elegance to your finger foods. How you decorate and serve a wide variety of snacks will make all the difference. This works well with an option to ditch the cake for cupcakes. You’ll want to think of options such as Champagne towers, and quirky bride and groom cocktails. Creating mini theme-related cocktail bottles could make the perfect wedding favour.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding should be fun and memorable. It shouldn’t be a day filled with doing what you don’t like to impress people you don’t really know. Take a step back and think about creative and fun ways to bring your and your partner’s personalities into your wedding. Use your creativity to find favours and foods that not only blend in with your theme but make the day memorable for everyone. And, whatever you do, don’t forget the cupcakes!
