20 Ways to Create a Wedding That’s Totally You

Want to have an absolute banger of a wedding? Think outside the box when planning your big day- so it really echoes who you are as people and connects with your guests.

Small thoughtful additions can have a big impact and I’ll tell you why.

It’s how you make people feel on the day that they’ll remember.

I’m going to let you in on some genius moves I’ve seen at my weddings in the past that I’ve obviously not forgotten- and I guarantee their guests haven’t either.

And it’s not what you think..

Ready?

1. Pre Drinks- on arrival to wedding

Ooh controversial! I hear all the time that venue operators push back on this. IMO though- this is a basic party starter. Guests are more relaxed, they get on board with the ceremony more and it works a treat for social anxiety- which a lot of people suffer from.

If you want ceremony pics to be free of drinks in hand, hire a good celebrant who will wrangle the crowd and call drinks down before moving into the ceremony space. Honestly though- I think photos of smiling guests with a glass of champs in hand are great. It’s not exactly a tinnie of Emu is it? For the record, people do not get drunk. There’s simply not the time for that. They have one drink, tops 2.

For the record- I get asked often- do we do drinks pre and not post then? No way- you have both. Half an hour pre and then as soon as the ceremony finishes it’s bar open.

2. Have a ripping ceremony

You knew I was going to go here right? A ceremony that is totally crafted for you about you, and delivered in an engaging manner is a no brainer. Be gone with the idea that the ceremony is something you get through so you can get to the open bar. The ceremony should kick it all off, creating the vibe for the entire wedding to continue on. Start as you intend to continue.

3. Speeches 

Keep em short and punchy and serve em up with drinks straight away, soon after the reception kicks off. Get them out of the way so the speakers can relax and the guests aren’t groaning inwardly when someone starts tapping a glass at 9pm.

Late night dranks or Snack Stations

4. We did gin cocktails at our wedding- brought out on silver trays at 9pm when everyone was at their peak sweaty groove on the d floor. I still remember my joy seeing glasses of the blue glow bumping through above the crowd.

5. Espresso martinis in winter, frozen margs in summer

6. Whiskey/ gin/ tequila bar

7. Toastie stations: line up the Kmart sanga makers and alllll the things- various cheeses, tinned spag, Bolognese etc. People LOVE this at that point in the night where they’re sauced and starting to get hungry again.

8. Maccas cheeseburger drop- do a pre order and in they roll at 9pm. Genius.

9. Late night nachos. Everyone loves them. Cheap, easy, crowd pleasy.

10. Hot chip station- all the types: crinkles, French fries, wedges, sweet potato etc. And all the condiments. Allow people to serve themselves into paper cones. Guaranteed slam dunk. And cheap to do!

11. A wall of crisps is also a winner- a tonne of different types and let people go for it. Cheezel Wall or Burger Ring Wall: hell YES.

12. Ice cream: Everyone loves it. Especially in hot weather. Gelato is awesome but it need not even be that fancy. Roll out a wheelbarrow full of Gaytimes or Bubble o Bills or hand out Frosty Fruits, Calippos or Zooper Doopers. A nod to your childhood faves is awesome.

13. Lollies: Maybe it’s lollipops, maybe it’s Perky Nanas, maybe it’s a packet of Fruit Tingles on every napkin. Nostalgia is a total winner for feels.

Vibe creators:

14. Aperol Spritz or jugs of Pimms on picnic rugs with live tunes in the arvo sunshine. Chilled arvo hangs are the BEST at weddings.

15. Music is non negotiable if you want a good vibe. Preferably live or DJ. It’s worth saving longer to include these things or booting something else. A Spotify playlist is no match for a good DJ who will read your crowd and drop exactly the right thing at exactly the right time. Check my tune recs in the Band Mates section on this site.

16. Heaps of comfy seating. Whether it’s couches or cushions or chairs- you gotta have a space where people feel comfortable hanging out. Either outdoors with cold beers and bubbles in summer or with wintery drinks and fire pits and throw rugs in winter. VIBE. Find rad space creators here: https://www.gooddayclub.com.au/

17. Carnival stuff: a jumping castle or one of those massive wavy slides etc. These things are amazing fun and create incredible memories and photos.

18. Photo booths and audio guest books: such a winner. EVERYONE will have a go. They’re a tonne of fun and make awesome mems.

Noms:

19. Cocktail style or shared plates are best for creating a good atmosphere. As long as it’s plentiful, it’s good and it comes out in a timely manner. Waiting until 9pm for three pizzas to straggle out is not much fun. Guests regularly recall this type of thing as their enduring memory of a wedding. Being boozed and starving sucks a big one.

20. On food, serve what you love to eat. If that’s a big white plate with three scallops and some foam, great. If you’re burger people or your Nanna made the best Mac and Cheese or Spana or you love smoked meats or whatever it is- serve that! You just do you. As long as people are full and the food is good, they’ll be happy.

To wrap up, if you do something or enjoy something in your lives, or have a special memory- share that with your guests. Your wedding is a reflection and a celebration of you.

Can not lose.