21 “Outside the Box” Wedding Ideas You Need to See
This post may contain affiliate links: full affiliate disclosure.
If you’re looking for a way to stand out on your wedding day, then it’s time to get a little creative. It’s time to think “outside the box” with these wedding ideas.
From your wedding invitations and your escort cards to your centerpieces and beyond, there are so many elements to play with as you plan. Let’s dive into twenty-one out-of-the-box wedding ideas!
1. ‘For the Record’ Guestbook
Source: @rusticweddingchic
This one goes out to the music lovers. Instead of a classic pen and paper guestbook, mount a record of your favorite album and have your guests sign it!
This is a beautiful thing to display in your home and will set the tone for the rest of your wedding to come.
Check out these other unique wedding reception ideas as well!
2. Custom Wedding Keychains
Source: @chrisweinbergevents
Give your guests unique favors with these custom wedding keychains! You can alter them to suit your unique style and sensibility, but the point is that these are practical, memorable favors.
You can double them up as escort cards to make sure your guests can find their way to their tables with ease.
3. The Hot Sauce Wall
Source: @guidesforbrides
Speaking of unique favors, why not lean into a love of your favorite condiment? If you live and die by hot sauce, then this delightful wedding wall is just right for you.
Your guests can take home a bottle of your favorite sauce with a custom label on there. Perfect for a cute yet practical gift!
4. Personalized Escort Cards
Source: @wildheightsevents
Rather than sticking with classic white and gold escort cards, think of a way you can include some personality in them! For example, this couple collects matchboxes together.
So, their escort cards were actually matchbox covers, with the sign ‘Get Lit’ placed nearby for a fun touch.
5. Embroidery Table Numbers
Source: @bloomheirloomcompany
Lean into your theme of rustic or vintage charm with hand embroidered wedding table numbers. This is a super simple way to add some flair to your tables without going overboard.
Pair your chosen embroidery hoops with the other wood at your wedding for a cohesive look!
6. Let’s Play Ball
Source: @weddingplanner.co.uk
If one or both of you are into basketball, then a hoop escort wall might be perfect for you. Give your guests the chance to shoot some three pointers before finding their seat!
Not only does this wedding seating chart make for a great photo opportunity, but it’s also a super cute way to encourage your guests to have fun!
7. Lean into Color
Source: @socalligraphyuk
So many weddings stick with the classic white and gold combination, and while that’s beautiful, it’s fairly traditional. If you’re looking for something unique, the vivid colors are the way to go!
You can printed beautiful stationery in bright hues, choose colorful napkins like these, and even choose pastel colored dishware for a final colorful touch.
8. The Donut Wall
Source: @ravenwoodsfarm
Donut. Wall. Need I say more? This is a snack or wedding favor wall that mounts donuts on hooks, because what more does anyone need to be happy in life?
This is not only a showstopper, but it’s also so easy to pull off, even if you’re handling your own decorations.
9. Bright Spring Bouquet
Source: @delicatedaisyflowers
Once again, so many wedding bouquets choose classic blooms and monochromatic palettes, so why not take a different approach? Enter: your very own garden!
This is such a cute choice if you grow your own flowers or you want your bouquet to echo the hand-assembled style of a cottage wedding.
10. Retro Ringer
Source: @retroringer.za
Instead of a standard guestbook, give your guests the chance to leave an audio message with this adorable retro phone! Once the messages are recorded, you can hold onto them for life.
This is such a cute idea for a vintage or retro-themed wedding, especially if you’re looking for something out of the box.
11. The Family Tree
Source: @montfairresortfarm
Honor the family members who came before you with a real-life family tree at your wedding! Mount old pictures of your family members in vintage frames onto a tree for all to see.
This is an adorable centerpiece for an outdoor wedding, and so easy to put together! You can even use matching frames like these for a more cohesive look.
12. The Unconventional Dress
Source: @wedsites
If you’re planning an unconventional wedding, then one of the best ways to make your mark is to choose an unconventional dress. A bright color or unique cut and pattern is the way to go!
This bride chose a bright pink gown to match her groom’s light pink tuxedo, and the effect is stunning.
13. The Cookie Cake
Source: @weddingwire
Not everyone wants a cake for their wedding, and that’s okay! This is meant to be your day, so this is your chance to make your cake whatever you want it to be.
In this case, it’s a cookie cake. Layers upon layers of chocolate chip cookies come together to create one of the most unique wedding cakes ever!
14. Vintage Wedding Food Bar
Source: @djathboda
Next up, it’s time to ply your guests with plenty of snacks. If you have a cocktail hour or a reception, this snack table is an affordable and adorable way to give guests some nibbles.
Plus, this definitely falls under the ‘unconventional’ theme. Grab some adorable doilies like these to complete the vintage picture!
You’ll want to see these other unique wedding food bar ideas!
15. Mismatched Bridesmaids
Source: @offbeatwed
Rather than dressing all of your bridesmaids in the same colors, give them the chance to run wild by picking the colors that suit them best!
This gives your wedding party a chance to inject some of their personalities into the big day, which will only enrich it further.
16. Antique Bottle Table Numbers
Source: @northcountryvintage
Looking for an affordable, unconventional way to number your reception tables? These antique bottles will do the trick!
With a rustic charm and mismatched quality, these add real character to the table setting. Door numbers like these are the perfect source for your table’s numbers.
17. Color Powder
Source: @unconventional_wedding
Break up all the white and formality with an explosion of color! Rather than throwing rice, have your guests pop colored powder tubes as you walk down the aisle.
This also makes for a beautiful photo (and the stains will last a lifetime – in a good way).
18. Open an Arcade!
Source: @caroweissphoto
That’s right! If you and your partner are all about gaming, then your wedding reception is a chance to show that off.
Have some of your favorite arcade games on-site for the guests to play in the quiet moments. This is a wonderful way to spice up the evening!
19. The Spring Cake
Source: @finishingtouchhawaii
Rather than classic white embroidery frosting or white roses dressing the cake, lean all the way into spring flowers! These are absolutely stunning, creating a show-stopping cake.
You can pick these up as sugar flowers or simply have your florist work with your baker to create an arrangement on the cake itself.
20. Lanterns Galore
Source: @paradewedding
Many wedding designers choose candles as their main form of mood lighting, but what if you went a different way? Wicker lanterns are a great choice for an outdoor table setting!
They’re warm, glow with beauty, and look incredible when paired with plant-life. What’s not to love?
These other wedding table decor ideas are sure to get your inspired as well!
21. Fruity Table Chart
Source: @southerncaliforniabride
Lastly, lean into the taste of summer with this fruity seating chart. Fruit makes a beautiful backdrop that will stand out in photos with ease.
This is a modern take on a vintage classic, and your guests will love the look of this chart. More importantly, you will too!