Why Cookie-Cutter Weddings Just Don’t Cut It

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

You’ve always been into things luxurious and palatial, so why should your wedding be anything less than an over-the-top affair? Or perhaps you prefer to keep it low key but still want your wedding to be out of the box. This isn’t just any old wedding – and it shouldn’t look like it. Sure, no matter what type of wedding you want, you can take inspiration from movies, magazines, and your besties, but this is your day, and just like you, it should be one-of-a-kind. A cookie-cutter wedding is the last thing you want.

What’s Unique About Both Of You? Brainstorm Time!

Typically, brides dislike cookie-cutter weddings because they have seen the same details, the same cake, and listened to the same songs over and over again. They want their wedding to be different and after a while, all the Pinterest inspiration begins to look the same.

How can you make your wedding stand out? Well, it starts with both of you! Sit down together and brainstorm what you both love, what makes you unique. Jot down and discuss all your likes, dislikes, and things you don’t like at weddings. Your wedding must absolutely compliment your lifestyle and core values.

But how you can incorporate your diverse personalities into your wedding. For example, if you dislike DJ’s or bands than hire a dueling piano instead. Getting married on May 4th? Add a Star Wars touch. Do you love Chick Fil A? Get catering for the end of the night munchies. Do you love puns? Do what one of our brides did and use puns as your table numbers. Have a furry friend? Add them to your wedding party or even have donations to rescue societies. Love fall? Add white pumpkins with succulents flowing out of them.

Don’t forget to discuss color themes and the feel of your wedding. You are two unique people with your own tastes, so let your individuality shine to reflect a custom wedding day experience.

Make It A Destination Trip

Of course, Europe is never a bad idea, from castles to caves, the options are endless. What is truly important is that your location reflects who you are and what you value in life. Weddings are becoming more of an experience than an exactment of old traditions as many couples are creating brand new ones. “Couples are looking for the unconventional approach, mixing local customs with their own and providing an experience unique to any ceremony they have attended before,” said Jenny Chang, founder of ROCKNEVENTS  (RNE) “Excursions are a cool way to get immersed in the local culture and to help your guests get excited about your destination pick.”

Planning a destination wedding can be more challenging since you are not physically there but you can always hire a great team to make sure all the details are in check.

An Unforgettable Venue

We are allergic to cookie-cutter wedding venues. You should be too. If you are unsure of where to get married, we recommend you hire a wedding planner. They have insight into the venue details that will best fit your style. They also have the inside scoop on which venues provide the most worthwhile experiences.

We at RNE crave venues that will blow the minds of your guests. If you want a majestic garden vibe, we got you covered. If you want fantasy, we will find an incredible vineyard that oozes royalty. So it is important to do some research and consult with wedding designers and producers. Venues play a big role in choosing destination locations as well, so think about what you’re looking for in the architecture and feel of your wedding.

Breaking Tradition and Creating New Ones

Your wedding day shouldn’t be a set of rituals and must-haves. Don’t be afraid to skip the toasts, miss out on the bouquet toss or skip the bouquet altogether. It’s best that you start with a blank canvas and think about what the most important thing is for the both of you. Is it to have more of an intimate experience? Is it for your guests to have an amazing time? Is it to fuse your two cultures? Couples are looking for inspiration abroad as well:

“They are ditching traditional churches and are opting for medieval Irish castles on cliffs overlooking the open ocean or lavender fields in the French countryside”, says Jenny Chang. “From small chapels in Rome to the most lavish vineyards in Tuscany, the opportunities are endless for breathtaking views, romantic settings, and irresistible cuisines.”

You can add inspiration from other cultural traditions by mixing it with your own to create a brand new one. The options are truly endless. Just remember to focus on what matters most to both of you.

Eclectic Design Elements

Common centerpieces and tiered tablecloths are been there, done that. But how about countless candles and 20-foot high succulent walls? If you have a vision, get a team that has a plan that delivers!

When thinking of eclectic design elements, lighting always comes to mind. String lights and dangling terrarium candle globes will go the extra mile.

The next crucial step is to design your florals. Lavish roses, palatial succulents, and sumptuous hydrangeas all give off that modern deluxe vibe we crave.

Then, think about your exit before the after party. Hire a food truck, hot dog stand or even ice cream cart. This can allow for your personalities to leave one more lasting impression.

The Party Doesn’t Stop When the Reception Does

Unless you turn into a pumpkin at midnight, your reception shouldn’t end until you want it to.

Your celebration can last ‘til dawn if you’re up for it. Take the party to the next level and celebrate your nuptials until the wee hours of the morning.

Your guests will appreciate the option to keep partying past midnight. Consider extending your reception hours or even taking things to a local bar for some restless fun! All in all,  you must have your fingerprints on the overall wedding experience.

Avoid Cookie-Cutter Weddings

“A cookie-cutter wedding, what’s that?” says every badass wedding planner out there. But we don’t just talk the talk. This is your day, so let’s figure out how to make it all about you, down to every detail.

Say goodbye to Pinterest weddings and hello to the era of ROCKNEVENTS wedding production. We’re loud, outspoken, and badass. So are you. Let’s stop talking and start planning your wedding already.

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Bio: ROCKNEVENTS stages unique weddings from its headquarters in Marina Del Rey, CA. For great ideas, read our blog.