Planning your wedding and feeling like following tradition just isn't for you? You're not alone! Many of my couples choose to break tradition in some way and add in their own unique and new traditions to make their wedding day truly their own. As an Ohio wedding photographer, I've seen so many fun and creative ways to break tradition while still making your wedding fun. Here are 10 unique ways to make your wedding unforgettable:

1. Skip the Traditional Venue

   Who says you have to get married at a typical venue or church? While Ohio has some stunning venues, we also have some amazing Airbnbs down in Hocking Hills, as well as some unique spaces like treehouse venues, greenhouses and even breweries.

   

   
   

2. Get Ready Together

   Instead of spending the morning apart, you could get ready together! My husband and I didn't get ready together, but we did arrive at our venue and set up together before going off and getting ready. Getting ready together creates some sweet moments and can help calm any anxiety.

3. Have a First Look with a Twist

   First looks aren't just for the couple. You could also do a first look with your parents, grandparents, kids, or wedding party!

   

   
   

   

   
   

4. Bouquet Hand Off

   Instead of doing a bouquet toss, you could hand your bouquet off to someone who inspires you and means the world to you. I had a bride do this last year and it was such a heartfelt moment! She gave her bouquet to her mom, who had no idea of her plan. It was so special.

   

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

5. Mix Up the Wedding Party

   Ditch the gender roles and have a Man of Honor or Best Woman! You could also skip the wedding party altogether and just have friends and family come as guests.

6. Rethink the Ceremony

   If you want to mix things up, you can try:

   - a circular seating arrangement

   - walking into the ceremony together

   - a sunset ceremony time

   - have a friend or family member officiate

7. Serve the Food You Love

   If you're not a formal couple and don't want to have formal food, serve the food you love! I've had lots of couples serve Roosters or have pizza come out during dancing as a late night snack. You could also do:

   - a food truck

   - a pizza or taco bar

   - brunch

8. Dance to Music that Makes You Happy

   Your first dance doesn't have to be slow. If you and your partner love to dance then pick a song you enjoy and dance however makes you happy. It's common for couples to take dance lessons, but I've also seen fun dances for the father daughter dance!

   
   

9. Ditch the Cake

   If you don't like cake, you could do:

   - a donut wall

   - a dessert bar with brownies, cookies, or pies

   - a late night snack like popcorn or smores

   I've also seen where couples have a dessert bar that is full of their families recipes and they have family make them too!

   
   

10. Plan a Fun Send off

    End the night with a fun exit! Instead of sparklers, you could try:

    - glow sticks

    - flower or petal toss

    - fireworks

    - private dance before exiting together

    
    

    

    
    

Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. Don't be afraid to throw out traditions and create a day that feels 100% authentic to you. If you're planning a wedding in Ohio and want a photographer who loves capturing heartfelt moments, I'd love to chat!

Ready to break tradition? Reach out here or email me at chloehorvathphotography@gmail.com