Non-Traditional Wedding Ceremonies

The most common image of a wedding ceremony is of a man and woman, the bride in white and the groom usually in black, facing each other or a religious officiant and reciting their vows. While this is the archetype of a Western nuptial, there are plenty of non-western and non-traditional weddings that dance to a different beat. Indian weddings for instance are colourful, noisy and exuberant affairs, while Japanese weddings are elaborately, and in an almost suffocating way, ritualized. Plenty of people today lean towards non-traditional ceremonies for various reasons. If you are thinking of exploring off the beaten track, here are some suggestions:

Outside the Faith

The moment that couples decide to have a non-religious ceremony, they enter uncharted territory because in many countries and cultures, a civil union is by definition, non-traditional. The most important elements of a civil or non-religious nuptial ceremony are the marriage celebrants Sydney. These are licensed individuals who have the authority to officiate at your marriage. Technically, you could have anyone officiate, but the legal paperwork would be a nightmare since there are so many boxes to tick. It is easier for you to have an officiant who is recognized by humanist organizations and the government so that they will do all of that for you. A quick search on the internet will reveal someone close to you.

Creative Energy

Once the celebrant is tied down, you can think about the creative vibe of the nuptial. After all, that’s why you want to do things a little differently, right? If your partner and you have a specific lifestyle that is outside the norm – for instance you are both extremely conscious of the environment and your impact on it – then design your bridal to be as minimally invasive on the environment as possible. Email your invitations, have a quick ceremony during the day to use natural light instead of electricity, wear a borrowed or hired dress etc. If you both prefer Gothic tones and that’s your jam, forget the rules and wear black to the nuptial.

Your Family and Friends

Since you’re throwing the rule book out anyway, isn’t it better to do the same for the guests? Invite only those who you know are going to be fun. Don’t bother inviting those who will complain about everything from the weather to the food to the clothes. Invite your friends and those few relatives that you know are genuinely interested in your well-being and care only for your happiness. Don’t go overboard with the list; remember, it’s all about quality not quantity.