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Your friends and family are part of the story too, and let’s be honest, it’s fun when the wedding party feels like a cohesive, memorable part of the wedding, and not just some typical, run-of-the-mill group of friends. (We both know they’re not.)
Let’s talk through some non-traditional wedding party ideas that you and your loved ones will appreciate.
If you have trust in your wedding party’s fashion sensibilities, let them have free reign of their own looks
To really break tradition (and make a splash), but in a chic and fashionable way, let your wedding party all wear white or cream hues. Your wedding is just as much about your marriage as it is about the relationships that brought you here. So make a statement and embrace that sentiment with an all-white wedding party.
All white: embrace the monochrome look
However, don’t feel limited to coordinated ensembles. If you have trust in your wedding party’s fashion sensibilities, let them have free reign of their own looks, from the color to the silhouette to the fabric. After all, you love them for the unique light they bring to your life, so why not let it shine? (But perhaps within the boundaries of a color palette?)
Let them wear what they want
1. The same silhouette in different colors
Embrace the versatility of your wedding color palette throughout your wedding party’s attire. If you have found a silhouette or suit style that you absolutely love, share it with your wedding party, then let them choose the color that speaks to them.
2. Different silhouettes in the same color
Allowing your wedding party to choose the silhouette or style that they love will ensure that each of your loved ones feel comfortable. And with the same hue across the board, they’ll be effortlessly cohesive. Think pastel blue — but your sister is wearing a sleeveless dress and your best friend is sporting an A-line dress with thin straps.
3. Different silhouettes and colors
With gentle guidance and a cohesive color palette, this can still feel chic and coordinated. Here, we recommend seeing the completed looks before the wedding to ensure that they flow with your vision.
This mismatched approach to wedding party attire can be accomplished in any number of ways while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. See the chic, yet non-traditional wedding party ideas for attire.
Mix & match outfits
Non-traditional wedding party ideas: the wardrobe
If you are worried about the symmetry of your ceremony or simply want a more intimate feel, let your wedding party sit in the front row with your family rather than standing at the altar with you. Not only will it allow your wedding party to actually witness the ceremony in its entirety, but now you and your partner will have an even more intimate moment during the ceremony (after all, you two are the stars of this show!).
Have your wedding party take a seat
You and your partner likely don’t have the same exact number of family members or friends, and that’s okay! Don’t force yourselves to add more members to your wedding party just for the sake of symmetry. Stay true to yourselves and only incorporate as many or as few people as you see fit. (We’ve seen lists get cut because of this, but for what point? Celebrate with who matters to you!)
Embrace uneven numbers
You can take the pressure off yourself and your wedding party by leaving out the honored titles altogether. After all, each person has contributed to your life in immeasurable ways. Without these rankings, your entire wedding party will feel equally appreciated. (Perhaps a unique, hand-selected gift for each part of the wedding party is the way to go. Like a matching vintage purse for your college roommate or a fashion-forward bow tie for the one who always wears quirky items like that anyways!)
Or don’t have any members of honor at all
Choosing between multiple siblings or two best friends that both mean the world to you can seem impossible. But, it’s your wedding and you can designate as many members of your wedding party with the honor of best man/woman, maid/man of honor as feels right. This way you avoid hurt feelings and truly reflect your relationships within your wedding.
Have multiple members of honor
Non-traditional wedding parties to fit your vision & relationships
Or, don’t have a wedding party at all!
For couples who want an easygoing experience throughout their planning process, forgoing the wedding party altogether could be a great option. However, you can still find meaningful ways to include the people who mean most to you.
Without being a part of an official wedding party, your loved ones can still accompany you when getting ready for the day, give heartfelt speeches, and contribute to your ceremony. A close friend could even be your officiant!
Your wedding is just as much about your marriage as it is about the relationships that brought you here
As a team of wedding photographers, we have seen countless unique approaches to wedding parties. If you’re struggling to find a structure that feels true to you, reach out and we can share some insights, or we can come up with something totally new. For more inspiration, follow us on Instagram.
There are more non-traditional wedding party ideas where this came from
