Unique Ways to Make Your Wedding Extra Special

If you’re deep in the wedding planning zone (or just about to take the plunge), you’ve probably already seen your fair share of cookie-cutter ideas. Or heard the infamous line: “But that’s not the traditional way” (cue my internal uuuggghhh).

Now, don’t get me wrong….. I love tradition when it holds meaning. But if you’re anything like the thoughtful, creative humans I get to work with across Tasmania and beyond, you’re probably dreaming of a wedding that feels a bit more personal. A bit more you.

The good news? There’s no one right way to do a wedding. As long as we tick off the legal components, the rest is completely up to you.

So, here’s a collection of wedding ideas and inspiration, some big, some small, some in-between, that could make your day feel extra special, extra memorable, and most importantly, extra you.

And just so we’re clear: this is far from an exhaustive list. Got your own ideas? Love that. Let’s chat and bring them to life.

newlyweds first look before ceremony | Sue Lush-Saunder Celebrant | Wedding Planning and Inspiration
newlyweds first look before ceremony | Sue Lush-Saunder Celebrant | Wedding Planning and Inspiration

Start your Wedding Day your way

Do a first look

Not just for the photos. A first look can be a moment of calm, connection, and a nerve settler,  just the two of you, taking it all in before your wedding day kicks off.

And if you’re doing private vows during your ceremony, this is the perfect time.

Get ready together (if that feels right)

Tradition says “separate.” But maybe it feels more natural to have a slow, connected morning together, coffee, music, a quiet toast (and not just the bread kind). It’s your day. Do what feels right.

Have a hype person

Nominate someone whose sole job is to hype you up. They hand out tissues, pour the pre-ceremony bubbles, tell you you’re a vision. It’s a vibe.

Petal nans walking down aisle | Sue Lush-Saunder Celebrant | Wedding Planning and Inspiration
symbolic wedding ritual | Sue Lush-Saunder Celebrant | Wedding Planning and Inspiration

Fabulous (and personal) Wedding Ceremony Ideas

Walk in however you want

Together, solo, with parents, friends, fur babies… whatever suits your story. Maybe your wedding party’s already at the front and it’s just the two of you making that walk. Let’s see you “Own It”.

Ditch the “sides”

No need for traditional aisle sides or gendered setups. Stand wherever feels right. Make it yours.

Seated wedding party

One of my all-time favourites. Let your crew sit! Pop them in the front row or on the aisle entry ends. They still get their grand entrance but then get to relax and take it all in…. and actually, see what’s going on with your ceremony.

Include a cultural or symbolic ritual

Ring warming, handfasting, sipping whisky from a Quaich, unity shot….. if it’s meaningful to you, let’s weave it in – Please!

Aisle party starters

Petal Nans, Petal Patrol, Booze Butlers, Refreshment Royalty—whatever you call them, having a few fabulous humans kick off your ceremony by walking down the aisle with flair always brings big smiles (and often, a few happy tears).

Skip the wedding party altogether

No rule says you need one. Just the two of you up front, all eyes on the moment. Super relaxed, super focused.

Mixed and matched wedding party outfits

Let your wedding party (if you have one) wear what suits them best. Mismatched colours, styles that fit their vibe, it looks great and everyone feels comfy.

The Mad Minute

A total wild card, and I love it…..just before we kick off the ceremony, we blast a tune, and you strike a few poses for one minute of glorious, slightly chaotic energy. It’s fun, silly, and a great little tension release.

Private vow exchange | Sue Lush-Saunder Celebrant | Wedding Planning and Inspiration
bride reading love letter before ceremony | Sue Lush-Saunder Celebrant | Wedding Planning and Inspiration

Make Your Vow Exchange Extra Personal

Exchange a love letter on your Wedding day

Start the day with a letter from your lover. It’s calming, grounding, and a beautiful way to reconnect before the big moment. Bonus: it makes for an emotional photo or video keepsake.

If saying personal vows in front of a crowd isn’t your thing, this could be a fabulous alternative.

Private vow exchange

Want the vows, just not the public moment? Do them privately….. during your first look, after the ceremony, or once the dancefloor has cleared. Just the two of you. Quiet, powerful, perfect.

Crowd vows

Get your guests involved in a short, sweet, fun vow of support. Something like:

“We promise to support you, love you, and keep dancing with you - even when the speeches go too long.”

bride handing bouquet to mum | Sue Lush-Saunder Celebrant | Wedding Planning and Inspiration
newlyweds and espresso martini tower | Sue Lush-Saunder Celebrant | Wedding Planning and Inspiration

Special ways to kick off Post-Ceremony Celebrations

Toss or keep (or both!)

Not ready to part with your bouquet? Have a second made just for the toss. Or skip the toss and keep the original to preserve.

Give your bouquet away

Hand your bouquet to someone special instead - your mum, nan, a chosen family member. It’s a beautiful, magical moment.

Photo dash

Want a pic with every guest but don’t want to spend hours posing? Halfway through the reception, put on a banger and race around the room snapping a pic with each table. Fast, fun, unforgettable.

Or sit and make them come to you! Even better.

Skip the wedding cake

Not into cake? That’s fine! Cut into a cheese wheel, pour a cocktail together, build a doughnut tower and ceremoniously topple it. Or skip it altogether.

Pinata wedding cake smash anyone?! Fill it with lollies. Unexpected, tons of fun and image worthy – heart, wedding cake shape - for Bonus points.

Feeling inspired? I hope so.

Like I said, this is just a taste. There are tons of ways we can create a wedding day that feels uniquely you.

Head to my weddings page if you’re planning a full celebration, or check out the elopements page if something small and intentional is more your style. 

Whether it’s barefoot vows, bubbles, or arriving by seaplane…..I’m here for it ALL.

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