Planning a wedding is not a simple task. All the elements from the location to the wedding invitations need consideration. But what do you do when you want non-traditional elements to your wedding as many couples are doing today. Here are a few wedding ideas which will add some variety to the occasion.



Story Time

If you are looking for something different for the wedding reception, you can try this alternative to the “clinking glasses" idea. Make an announcement that in order for the couple to kiss the guests have to stand and share a story or memory about either bride or groom or the couple. This provides for much interaction and many memories.

A Twist On Pictures

As a twist to the traditional wedding pictures you can try this idea. Have someone take pictures, with an instant camera, of the guests as they are arriving at the reception. After the day is concluded, do the following:

Sign each photograph

Add the wedding date to the photograph

Write a short word thanks to each guest for attending

Mail the photographs along with the thank-you cards

Making Your Love A Star

If you are looking for a wedding gift for your future spouse, there is no better gift than making your love a star. Actually, for a small fee, you can get a star named after the one you love. Celebrities, dignitaries and others have been doing this for years. When you name a star you get the following to commemorate the event:

A parchment certificate, framed or unframed, with the name of the person whom the star is named for

The dedication date

The coordinates to find the star with a telescope

A booklet of charts and constellations

A larger detailed chart with your star circled in red for identification by future generations

Simply look up information about naming a star on the internet and proceed from there.

Guest Book Variation

If you want a different way for wedding guests to note their attendance other than the traditional guest book, try this idea. Purchase a silver serving tray to place on a table by the door at the reception. The guests will “sign" the tray using an engraving pen or other engraving tool. This variation of the guest book will certainly outlive the traditional method and can be displayed in a china cabinet or on a shelf.

The engraving tool or pen can be found at hardware stores or the hardware section of your local Wal-Mart for a small cost.

An Idea For Catholics

If the bride and groom are of the Catholic faith, there is another interesting idea which can commemorate the wedding. You can have the marriage blessed by the Pope. Simply send a wedding invitation to the Vatican, along with a donation, for a blessing. A papal blessing which can be framed will be sent in return. Your priest can provide you with any information needed on how to do this.