11 Ideas For Non Traditional Wedding Features in 2024
You’re engaged! Congratulations! Now it’s time to get planning and research shows that more Gen Z and Gen X engaged couples are looking to have a non-traditional wedding features from a quirky outdoor tipi venue to unique experiential catering and entertainment. Non-traditional weddings don’t have to be seen as less special or impressive, but an ideal opportunity to be extraordinary and memorable, often talked about for years to come. Our team of wedding experts here at Sheepy Meadows have provided 11 ideas to help embrace the non-traditional and get creative with your special day. 1. Unique Location or Venue Demand is increasing for unique locations and wedding venues and a popular choice of venue is the outdoor tipi. Outdoor tipi venues such as Sheepy Meadows in Warwickshire offer a blank canvas, perfect for personalisation and an array of styling from DIY to professional. This unique style of wedding space with roll-up windows and sides, allows for the indoors to meet the outdoors, and encourages a constant flow of people throughout the venue instead of segregating areas. It’s a great option for couples looking for an alternative wedding and hoping to add interesting and out-of-the-box features to their special day. Styling by Make It Special Events 2. Specialty Catering Ditch the 3 course sit down meal where everyone is forced to eat a set menu containing something they likely don’t like all whilst being made to talk to strangers they don’t know across the table. Instead allow your guests to eat at their own pace and reduce food waste with unwanted courses, by using our specialist street food suppliers. It may save you a few ££ too! Popular choices for 2023 were classic Fish & Chips and a Hog Roast, for 2024 we predict people will become even more adventurous by incorporating around-the-world cuisine and more plant-based options. Seek inspiration from award-winning wedding catering companies such as Anthony’s Catering, Black Peppermint and Beef on the Block. Styling by Make It Special Events 3. Activities and Games When we think traditional wedding, we think alcohol and dancing and not much else in the way of entertainment. Surveys show that Gen Z and Gen X couples care about inclusivity, diversity and equality and because of this they have been shown to consider this when planning their wedding. Research from the Guardian in 2023 stated that between 2002 and 2019, the proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds in England who reported monthly drinking fell from 67% to 41%, showing a generational shift in attitudes to alcohol and a need to change the way we have always planned events and weddings. It also explains why you may be seeing TV adverts for popular brands such as Corona, Guiness and Captain Morgans all promoting their 0% alcohol range. A common trend for gatherings in 2024, is a “no and low” – meaning no or low alcohol available. It’s not for everyone but with the growing number of people deciding not to drink alcohol, guests would appreciate the…