Today’s blog is one in a series on Wedding Tips for those getting married across the greater Philadelphia, PA area. Whether you are planning your own wedding or helping somebody you love to plan theirs, this blog series is meant to provide fun tips and ideas for a memorable Wedding celebration.
If you are looking for the industry’s most luxurious Wedding Transportation company, call 610-222-6225 today and speak to a Kevin Smith Transportation Group Wedding Coordinator. Your dedicated Coordinator will help you arrange all of your transportation, from Limos to Party Buses to Shuttle services for you or your guests.
Last week, we shared part one of today’s blog on unconventional wedding ideas. Today, we will share part two, all of which were contributed by our May and June Brides.
Are you a bad-a** bride? Then these unconventional wedding ideas are for you. Shy away from the traditional and embrace the original with these ideas only for the quirkiest of couples.
Original Reception Entertainment
Club DJs – Why book your standard wedding DJ when you can book an professional club DJ
Live Bands – Or do away with the DJ and book a live band
Themed Bands – You can add a touch of ‘unique’ to the band by going with a theme like 80’s, country, new romantic…
Acoustic Soloists – Having background music at all times is recommended where possible. So, why not book a guitarist or even a harpist?
String Quartets – Or if you can, book an entire ensemble!
Silent Discos – If your venue has a noise curfew, bring out the headphones and arrange a silent disco
Karaoke – Or just let the guests entertain themselves with a karaoke machine.
Jukebox – What better way to keep your guests busy when they arrive than having a retro diner style jukebox ready and waiting.
Garden Games
Giant Jenga – This family classic is available in garden sizes, and Jenga isn’t the only option
Fairground Rides – You can hire retro or modern style fairground rides, if you have to space
Archery – Or, you can book a professional to set up a range in your garden
Bouncy Castles – Likewise, why not get a bouncy castle – even your nan will enjoy that!
Firework Displays – If you’re guests are expected to stay late, or you’re getting married outside of summer, get the dads to put on a firework display
People You Can Hire
Magicians – How about entertaining guests when they arrive at the reception with a magician.
Children’s Entertainers – Alternatively, keep the kids entertained with professional entertainers
Celebrity Lookalikes – Most towns have lookalike agencies, so why not have Barrack Obama or Sylvester Stallone attend your wedding?
Unusual Bar / Drink Ideas
Color Match – Serve cocktails in the same color as your bridal party, or the main colors of your palette.
Pimm’s o’clock – Everyone loves Pimm’s, especially in the summer. You can control how strong it is and you can fill a dispenser and guests can help themselves.
Mini Cocktails – Why not have your waiters serve mini cocktails with complimentary canapés? Classy.
Beer Barrow – If you’re going for a country vibe, fill a barrow of locally sourced beer bottles and mini wine bottles, then top with ice
Kiddie Cocktails – Don’t forget that children will be thirsty too! Create a non-alcoholic version of your cocktails or serve milk and cookies.
An Ice Surprise – Add a touch of loveliness to the ice by using giant ice molds, and placing washed, edible flowers in them as they freeze.
Beer Buffet – Let the drinks flow with a serve-yourself bar. Do be sure to have a drink monitor though; people can get carried away in the hot sun.
‘Pimp my Prosecco’ Stand – If Prosecco is your drink of choice, add some sparkle with a Pimp My Prosecco stand, full of fruit, cordials, juices and purees.
Design-A-Cocktail – Personalize the drink by creating your own cocktail – you can call it what you like too! Try combining the tastes of both the bride and groom.
Pack A Punch – For an American prom feel, why not create a punch and let people help themselves. It’s budget friendly and you can control the strength.
Quirky Wedding Cakes
Tired of the traditional wedding cake? Literal “cheese cakes” make a great alternative, especially for country-themed receptions. What’s more, it doubles up as an after dark snack and any leftover cheese can be stored, or frozen so it doesn’t go to waste.
Another recent trend is the doughnut wall. These doughnuts can be as gourmet as you like and filled with flavors you might expect from a wedding cake. Here are 12 other great, unique wedding cake ideas to whet your appetites.
Inspired Gifts & Favors for Guests
No doubt, your day will be one to remember, but just to make sure, give your guests something special to take with them too. There are literally thousands of quirky favour ideas out there. Below are just some of our favorites!
Mini Liquors – Baileys Chocolate for example, always goes down well
Special Hot Sauce – There are loads of unique recipes, which come in mini bottles
Sunglasses – Perfect for an outdoors summer wedding
Flip-flops – High-heels wear thin by the afternoon, so bring a bucket of flip-flops
Temporary Tattoos – For tattoo loving brides and grooms
Hangover Kits – Containing Paracetamol, Mints, Plasters, Coffee Sachet, Tissues, Vitamin C…
Personalized Nutella Jars – These are available to order online, one for every guest
Lollipops with Edible Flowers – Beautiful and tasty, these will impress your guests
Personalized CDs – Chock full of your favorite tunes and complete with commemorative sleeve designs
Scented Candles – Everyone loves scented candles and you can pick a scent that reminds everyone of the day, like apples if your reception was on an orchard
Popcorn – This doubles up as entertainment if you bring along a popcorn makers and have it served fresh
Flower Seeds – Pick a seed that needs little nurturing to flourish, so even the not-so-green fingered can enjoy watching them grow
Lottery Ticket – Spread a little luck and joy by giving each of your guests a lottery ticket or a scratch card
Pick ‘n’ Mix / Retro Sweets – Like with popcorn, set up a Pick ‘n’ Mix stall, with retro sweet bags. The kids will love it too
Bottle Openers – This idea marries nicely with the beer barrow suggestion
Sparklers – These are a perfect accompaniment for a fireworks display if you’re getting married out of season. Just be sure to add water buckets and gloves for children. Safety first!
Personalized Shot Glasses – Get shot glasses inscribed with the guests names and make sure they get used on the night
Christmas Crackers – If you’re having a Christmas wedding, get each of your guests a premium Christmas cracker with a great gift inside
Cocktail Flavored Lip Balm – If you’re serving a cocktail for arriving guests, try pair this with flavored Lip Balm (such as G&T)
Fun Wedding Photoshop Ideas
No wedding is complete without wedding photos, and these can be just as unconventional. There’s so much you can do with Photoshop, for instance, why not have your guests pretend to be running away from a T-Rex! The creativity isn’t just subject to Photoshop.
There are loads of funny and interesting shots your photographer can take on the day too. These types of pictures will need some forward planning, so be sure get your thinking caps on sooner than later.
If you are looking for the industry’s most luxurious Wedding Transportation company, call 610-222-6225 today and speak to a Kevin Smith Transportation Group Wedding Coordinator. Your dedicated Coordinator will help you arrange all of your transportation, from Limos to Party Buses to Shuttle services for you or your guests.
Thank you for reading today’s blog on Wedding Tips. Please visit us every week as Kevin Smith Transportation Group, Philadelphia’s only choice for Luxury Wedding Transportation, brings you the best tips and most insightful feedback on planning and celebrating your upcoming wedding.