At the heart of every wedding is the love between the couple. At GSW, we encourage you to honor your authentic selves and plan things that speak to you, no matter how unique or offbeat it is. The below is a list of ideas that may speak to you, or maybe they won’t. Whatever you want to incorporate in your wedding is up to you and no one else (you hear that, parents?).
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to be able to produce new content and products.
Giant Sheet Cakes
Move on over tiered cakes, it’s time for sheet cakes to take center stage. Not just any sheet cakes, mind you, but GIANT sheet cakes. We’re talking sheet cakes upwards of EIGHT FEET LONG.
Perfect for a large guest list, these mega cakes offer a unique wow factor and have already been trending on TikTok. Once you find a baker willing to turn your extra long cake into a reality, you can truly customize it. Maybe it’s 4 different flavored cakes frosted together? Maybe you want to decorate it with flowers that match your decor? Maybe you want it shaped in a semi-circle instead of a rectangle? The options are endless and can truly reflect your own style and vibe. It’s sure to be one of the most photographed pieces at your event because chances are, your guests haven’t seen anything like it!
Flower Lapels
Girls don’t have to have all the fun when it comes to flowers! While the boutonniere has been around since the 16th century to ward off bad luck and evil spirits (Wikipedia), a “buttonhole flower,” as it’s called in English, doesn’t have to be the limit. If the groom is into it, why not have his whole lapel be FULL of flowers?
This accessory choice is bold, but can really complement the bridal bouquet or general floral aesthetic of the wedding. There’s tons of different flowers and greens to suit every groom’s taste and personality. This is a fresh and fashionable twist to the standard menswear.
Custom Crests
A quick search on Etsy will provide you with a number of different artists who are ready to customize your own wedding crest! This crest can be used on your invitations, website, programs, beverage napkins, etc. It’s a piece of art that you can have printed and framed in your house for years to come.
We actually opted for a personalized crest for our wedding and used LanaDreams on Etsy. This crest includes imagery that is meaningful to us. In our welcome bags, I included a little information pamphlet including the meaning behind all the different elements in the crest.
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
Matchy matchy is out. It’s time to let the personalities of your individual bridesmaids shine (while still honoring your wedding aesthetic). Instead of everyone wearing the same dress in the same color, there are lots of unique variations:
- The same dress in different shades of one color for a nice ombre effect (would only recommend if the singular style is flattering on everybody).
- Different style of dress (picked by each person wearing it) in the fabric and color of your choice.
- Different fabrics with complementary colors to give some more visual interest and texture.
- Patterns! I am a sucker for a floral print and Birdy Grey recently came out with SO MANY MORE.
If you are going to have different colors or get dresses from different shops, make sure you take advantage of all the swatches to ensure they look good together!
Not sure where to start on your hunt for mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses? Take a look at these options!
Sustainable Practices
With a growing emphasis on environmental consciousness, sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of modern weddings. From eco-friendly decor to locally sourced cuisine, couples are making conscious choices to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste. Reusable decorations, biodegradable confetti, and eco-conscious favors are just a few ways couples are incorporating sustainability into their special day, leaving a positive impact on the planet while celebrating love.
Ides for sustainable practices include:
- Silk flowers
- Renting bridal accessories, such as veils
- Digital invitations and RSVPs
- Finding vendors who prioritize sustainability and limit waste
- Vintage jewelry
