How to Be the Unconventional Bride

If you want to be the unique bride that's seen as unconventional and different, then you are in the right place! We are going to show you exactly how to be that unconventional bride while still 'feeling' like a bride. Keep reading to learn more!

What Does Unconventional Mean?

First off, we need to discuss what being an unconventional bride is. Being unconventional means doing things differently than how they are usually done and not conforming to normal standards. So when it comes to being a bride, being unconventional means being different and planning your wedding in ways that are not seen as "normal."

Being an unconventional bride is a great way to add a unique and special flare to your wedding. If you have never done things the normal way and have never conform to society's expectations, then you would make for the perfect unconventional bride!

If this sounds like you, then you are definitely in the right place. We have set up eight steps to becoming the best unconventional bride you can possibly be! Follow these steps if you choose to do so, but remember, being unconventional means doing things YOUR way. So if you don't follow these steps exactly, that's okay too. All that matters is that you and your soon to be spouse are happy.

1. Start by Letting Go of “Supposed To”

The first step to being an unconventional bride is to let go of all the conventional rules brides typically follow. Every single thing you know about brides and weddings, everything that bride typically do and don't do, throw that all out the window. Being an unconventional bride means doing things the unconventional way. It means not doing what others want, or expect you to do, and instead doing what you want to do.

Many brides feel like they need to follow a script and do things the way someone else wants them to be done. Well guess what, you don't have to do that if you don't want to! Here are some typical questions brides ask themselves:

• Do I actually want a bridal party?

• Do I care about a bouquet toss?

• Do I want a big wedding or something smaller?

• Do I want a bachelorette party?

• Do I want to elope?

Instead of following tradition automatically, unconventional brides choose intentionally. Start changing your mindset today to become the unconventional bride of your dreams!

2. Wear Something That Feels Like You

Being an unconventional bride means wearing whatever you want. Whether that's black, pink, white, green, or rainbow. It really doesn't matter what's normal or what's wanted by someone else, all that matters is what you want to wear.

Having an unconventional wedding style could look like:

• A vintage gown

• A tailored suit

• A short dress

• Bridal separates

• A colored gown

• Statement shoes instead of traditional heels

Being an unconventional bride doesn't always mean wearing a black dress. It's definitely one way, and a typically common one, to being an unconventional bride, but it is definitely not required. Being unconventional means wearing what you want.

The key is wearing something that feels authentic to you, no matter what that looks like. Focus on making you happy!

3. Rethink Wedding Traditions

Wedding traditions don't have to be done, and you don’t have to do every tradition if you don't want to. Unconventional brides don't worry about following typical wedding traditions. Instead, they make their own traditions, or do whatever it is they want to do at their wedding.

Examples of things unconventional brides often skip or reimagine:

• Walking down the aisle alone or with both parents

• No bouquet toss

• Private vows instead of public ones

• No bridal party

• No first dance

• Big weddings

• Garter toss

Wedding traditions can be beautiful, but so can creating new traditions that can be just as special as old ones! Consider making new traditions to help create that unconventional vibe.

4. Design a Wedding That Feels Like a Gathering, Not a Production

Many unconventional weddings feel more relaxed and intimate, while conventional weddings can seem long, jam-packed, and detail oriented. Worry less about the details and more about the memorable moments. Here are some ideas of what to include to make your wedding more casual and unconventional.

Ideas include:

• Long dinner tables

• Cocktail-style receptions

• Backyard weddings

• Weekend wedding experiences

• Non Traditional venues like art galleries or restaurants

The goal is creating an experience rather than a performance. Consider making your wedding less unconventional by adding some of these to your wedding!

5. Focus on Atmosphere Over Formality

Unconventional brides often care more about vibe than rules, and one of the ways to do that is to add good lighting, music, etc.

That could mean:

• Candlelight and soft lighting

• Curated playlists instead of a traditional DJ format

• Family-style dinners

• Late-night snacks instead of a formal cake cutting

The energy becomes more personal and relaxed by adding these little accents!

6. Choose Meaningful Details Instead of Trendy Ones

Instead of copying trends, unconventional brides pick things that mean something to them instead of something that is just a trend.

For example:

• Serving food from a favorite restaurant

• Playing songs that represent their relationship

• Handwritten notes for guests

• Personal storytelling during the ceremony

• Adding accents that mean something to the bride and groom

These details make the wedding feel unique, special, and unconventional.

7. Protect Your Vision

Being unconventional sometimes means people won’t understand your choices. This means you are going to need to do everything you can to protect what you actually want your wedding to look like.

Here are some ways to do that:

• Listen to suggestions, but trust your instincts

• Remember the wedding is about you and your partner

• Don’t feel obligated to explain every decision

Confidence is part of what makes unconventional weddings feel cool and calm. Make sure to follow these ideas if you want to be an unconventional bride.

8. Let the Day Feel Real

Unconventional brides often focus on presence rather than perfection. Take the day, and try to enjoy it instead of worrying about every single little detail.

That might mean:

• Leaving space in the timeline

• Spending more time with guests

• Prioritizing candid photography

• Being flexible if things don’t go exactly as planned

Sometimes the most memorable weddings are the least scripted. So take a breath and enjoy being married. Years from now, you will remember the beautiful day you spent with your spouse and loved ones not about the missed moment and details.

Past Bride's Testimony

As someone who got married a few years ago and went through the bridal and planning experience, I have a few tips for you. One of the reasons I loved my wedding is because I did what I wanted to do. My wedding, nor I, was technically unconventional in any way, but it was special because I did what me and my spouse wanted to do. My tip for you is to focus on you and your spouse and your wedding will be special and beautiful if you do that and worry less about others opinions and expectations.

Conclusion:

Now that we have gone over how to be an unconventional bride, we hope you feel prepared and inspired to become the bride you want to be! All you have to do is take all of this advice and focus on being yourself and planning a wedding that you and your spouse want. Being unconventional is a great way to feel different and special on your wedding day! We wish you the best of luck!