HOW TO ORGANIZE AN ALTERNATIVE WEDDING

1. Choose a wedding dress that suits your style…

If you're a bride who wants to break away from the traditional white gown, you might be wondering how to choose an alternative wedding dress that suits your style. Whether you want to add a pop of color, a touch of sparkle, or a twist of texture, there are many ways to express your personality and taste with your wedding dress. 

Think about your wedding theme and venue. Your wedding dress should match the mood and vibe of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic ceremony in a barn, you might want to go for a bohemian lace dress with floral. If you're having a modern wedding in the city, you might go for a sleek satin jumpsuit with a statement necklace.

Be creative and have fun. The wedding dress should be a reflection of you! Your creativity and playfulness should have no bounds. You can mix and match different colors, patterns, and fabrics to create a unique look. Accessories are important such as a veil, a belt or a leather jacket, to spice up your outfit. Inspiration can be drawn from celebrities, magazines or online platforms, such as Pinterest or Instagram.

Choosing an alternative wedding dress can be a fun and exciting process. You can experiment with different options and find the one that makes you feel like yourself. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to your wedding dress. The most important thing is that you love your dress and feel happy on your special day.  And remember, there are no boundaries for creative ideas. If you want to be a vampire princess, just do it!

2. Get married at a festival…

If you and your partner are festival lovers, why not celebrate your big day at a festival? It's a great way to combine your love of music, art and culture with your love of each other. Plus, you'll have a ready-made guest list of your festival friends and a memorable experience that you'll never forget.

But organizing your wedding at a festival is not as easy as it sounds. There are some challenges and considerations that you need to take into account before you say "I do" on the festival grounds. Here are some tips to help you plan your perfect festival wedding.

Choose the right festival. Not every festival is suitable for a wedding. You need to find one that matches your style, budget, and preference. Some festivals may have a dedicated wedding area or service, while others may require you to get creative. You also need to check the festival's rules and regulations regarding weddings, such as permits, fees, and restrictions. Some festivals may not allow weddings at all, so do your research before you book your tickets.

Plan your outfit and accessories. A festival wedding is not a traditional wedding, so you don't have to follow the usual dress code. You can wear whatever you want, as long as it's comfortable, fits the festival vibe and reflects your personality. 

Enjoy the party! The best part of having your wedding at a festival is that you don't have to worry about the entertainment. A festival wedding is a great way to celebrate your love in a fun and unconventional way. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you'll cherish forever. Just remember to plan ahead, be flexible, and have a blast.

3. Choose an unusual destination location…

Do you want to tie the knot in a place that is unique, adventurous and unforgettable? If you are bored of the usual beach, mountain or city weddings, why not consider some of these unusual locations for your destination wedding?

•  Ice Hotel: If you love winter and snow, you can have your wedding at an ice hotel, where everything is made of ice, from the walls, to the furniture, to the chapel. You can exchange your vows in a frozen wonderland, surrounded by ice sculptures and snowflakes. You can also enjoy some winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing or dog sledding. Some of the most famous ice hotels are located in Canada, Sweden and Finland.

•  Treehouse: If you love nature and adventure, you can have your wedding at a treehouse where you can feel the breeze, hear the birds and see the stars. You can have a rustic and romantic ceremony and reception in a wooden cabin perched on a tree surrounded by greenery and wildlife. You can also explore the forest, go hiking or zip-lining. Some of the most amazing treehouses are located in Costa Rica, South Africa and Thailand.

•  Cave: If you love history and mystery, you can have your wedding in a cave where you can experience the beauty and wonder of the underground world. You can have a dramatic and enchanting ceremony and reception in a natural or man-made cavern, illuminated by candles and lanterns. You can also discover the secrets of the cave, such as stalactites, stalagmites, fossils and paintings. Some of the most spectacular caves are located in Turkey, New Zealand and Mexico.

•  Aquarium: If you love marine life and water, you can have your wedding at an aquarium, where you can admire the colorful and diverse creatures of the sea. You can have a serene and stunning ceremony and reception in a glass tunnel or dome, surrounded by fish, sharks, turtles and coral. You can also enjoy some aquatic activities, such as diving, snorkeling or swimming. Some of the most impressive aquariums are located in Singapore, Dubai and France.

•  Castle: If you love fairy tales and romance, you can have your wedding at a castle, where you can feel like royalty and live your dream. You can have a grand and elegant ceremony and reception in a historic or modern castle surrounded by towers, turrets, gardens and fountains. You can also enjoy some cultural activities, such as visiting museums, art galleries, or monuments. Some of the most beautiful castles are located in Scotland, Ireland and Germany.

A destination wedding at an unusual location is a great way to make your wedding memorable and special. It's a chance to express your personality, share your passion and have an adventure. Just remember to plan ahead, do your research and have fun.

4. Book fire dancers…

If you want to add some spark and spectacle to your wedding, why not book a fire show for your entertainment? A fire show is a performance that involves skilled artists manipulating fire in various ways, such as spinning, juggling, hula hooping and fire-eating. It's a thrilling and mesmerizing display that will wow your guests and create a memorable impression.

Importantly, you need to coordinate with the fire performers and the venue staff to ensure a smooth, safe and successful show. You need to provide them with a suitable space and go through all safety measures. You also need to inform your guests about the fire show and ask them to respect the safety rules and boundaries. Then on the day, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

A fire show is a great way to spice up your wedding and make it unforgettable. It's a unique and spectacular form of entertainment that will impress your guests and add some flair to your celebration. One of the best fire teams in Ontario is Hoop You (https://hoopyou.com/). They also offer a variety of roaming characters and performers.

5. Choose a fun wedding theme…

Your wedding theme is the overall look and feel of your big day. It reflects your personality, style and preferences. It also sets the tone and mood for your celebration. Choosing a fun wedding theme can make your wedding more memorable, enjoyable and unique.

Think about your interests and hobbies. One of the easiest ways to choose a fun wedding theme is to base it on something that you and your partner love and enjoy. It can be anything, such as a movie, a book, a sport, a game, a music genre or a travel destination. For example, you can have a Harry Potter, a Star Wars, a soccer, a rock and roll or a Paris-themed wedding.

Consider the season and the venue. Another factor that can influence your wedding theme is the time and place of your wedding. You can choose a theme that matches the season and the venue or contrasts with them. 

Be creative and original. The most fun wedding themes are the ones that are unique and personal. The key is to have fun and express yourself.

A fun wedding theme can make your wedding more special. It can also impress your guests and make them feel more involved and entertained. Just remember to choose a theme that suits you and your partner and that makes you both happy.

6. Use an unusual wedding venue…

If you are looking for a wedding venue that is different from the usual, you might want to consider some of these alternative options that will make your big day stand out.

•  Skating Arena: If you and your partner love ice skating, why not have your wedding at a skating arena? You can have a fun and festive ceremony and reception on the ice, surrounded by snowflakes and decorative icicles. You can also show off your skills and choreograph a special dance routine for your first dance. Some skating arenas that host weddings are the Cambridge Skating Club. 

•  Sauna: If you and your partner love relaxing and pampering, why not have your wedding at a sauna? You can have a cozy and intimate ceremony and reception in a heated cabin, surrounded by candles and aromatherapy. You can also enjoy some spa treatments, such as massages, facials, or manicures. Some saunas that host weddings are the Sauna Deco in Amsterdam, Netherlands and the Saunagondel in Braunlage, Germany. 

Don’t want to go that far, contact your local sauna to see how you can make your dream come true. Here is one wonderful place in Dundas, Ontario that has event space for an intimate wedding: Cedar Lodge Spa (https://sauna-dundas.club/)

•  Factory: If you and your partner love an industrial and vintage style, why not have your wedding in a factory? You can have a chic and modern ceremony and reception in a converted factory, surrounded by metal, brick, and wood. You can also add some creative touches, such as Edison bulbs. Some factories that host weddings are: The Cotton Factory in Hamilton, Ontario and The Hudson Candy Factory in Troy, New York.

Happy alternative wedding!