For today’s couples, the word traditional doesn’t always spell romance. Many are choosing to toss the rulebook and reinvent what a wedding can be, infusing personality, creativity, and intention into every detail. From unconventional venues to immersive guest experiences, these modern celebrations are proving that “different” can also mean deeply meaningful. We spoke with Minnesota wedding experts who have helped couples reimagine the big day in bold and unforgettable ways.
Create Interactive Guest Experiences
“Located in Minneapolis’s creative North Loop, Hewing Hotel is perfect for couples looking to break from tradition,” says Cyndi Secrest, Sales Manager. “Some of the most memorable weddings here have included interactive experiences like MN-made whiskey tastings, DIY flower bars, or custom perfume stations.” These activities go beyond décor - they invite guests to connect, play, and leave with something personal that reminds them of your celebration.
Choose Dessert That Tells Your Story
Mary Carlson, owner of Pure Event Planning & Design, encourages couples to skip the obligatory cake. “Too often we hear, 'I don't like cake, but we are getting a cake.' Dessert is the perfect time to teach your guests a bit more about you. What's the dessert that you and your fiancé celebrate with? Those are the desserts you should serve on your wedding day. If you are worried about the traditional cake cutting photo opt, you can consider a small cutting cake. Don't forget, though - a picture of you eating ice cream together might be more fun and a lot more you."
Create a Relaxed Garden Party Atmosphere
Rebekah Bjelland of Mintahoe Catering & Events suggests, “My favorite weddings are those that feel intimate yet effortlessly relaxed, where a full-service venue team makes the day seamless so the couple can be fully present while guests feel welcomed, cared for, and free to enjoy themselves. The staff becomes an extension of the couple’s hospitality, representing them with grace and ease." One of Bjelland's favorite styles is a Garden Party vibe. After the ceremony, guests enjoy drinks, interactive food stations, lawn games, photo booths, and creative guest book experiences. The relaxed celebration flows into the evening with speeches, first dances, and a lively dance floor to kick off the night.
Define Your Wedding Non-Negotiables Early
Alison Newcomer of Live Nation Minneapolis (The Fillmore Minneapolis, The Uptown Theater, The Varsity Theater) ecommends starting your wedding planning by drawing inspiration from real weddings. "Think about weddings you’ve intended - what did you love, what could you do without and what are the non-negotiables that will make the room feel like you and your fiancé? You don’t want to walk into someone else’s wedding! Once you’ve narrowed down 5 non-negotiables (DJ vs band, kids or no kids, plated or buffet, etc.) then it becomes much easier to stick to the details."
Turn Your Guestbook into an Experience
Looking for ways to make your wedding guestbook interactive and memorable? Couples love personal touches, and Leanne Larson of Paint My Wedding Day says the Guest Canvas is perfect for that. “Guests don’t just sign their names - they add brushstrokes to a collaborative painting that celebrates your love story. The finished canvas becomes a one-of-a-kind keepsake, capturing not only your wedding day but also the energy, creativity, and heartfelt wishes of everyone who celebrated with you.”
Vinyl guestbooks are another unique option. “I’ve had a couple people choose this for a guestbook. For couples who love collecting vinyl or listening to records, it’s a fun way to show their personality,” says Sammy Larkin, owner of Ackin Events. Guests can sign the vinyl, which can later be displayed at home - framed on the wall, for example. Pro tip: Attach paper or a backing to one side so guests don’t accidentally sign both sides.
Stay True to Your Personal Style
Natalia Brummond of Belle Âme Vineyard advises: “Your wedding should honor who you are, not a trend or a tradition that's been repeated again and again." Your wedding can reflect this in big ways, like unique attire, a nontraditional ceremony, or meaningful cultural or religious touches - or in smaller personal details, from handmade accents to locally designed dresses. As Brummond adds, "The important thing is to always stay true to yourself and hold on to what matters to you. This is your day, and it will be remembered for the rest of your lives. You want to look back and remember feeling comfortable, free, and true to yourself, not stressed over things that never aligned with who you are in the first place."
Experiment with Ceremony Layouts
"One of our favorite non-traditional concepts is transforming our historic industrial spaces into modern, light-filled ceremony settings," states Grace Eberhardt of Northern Pacific Center. "In a recent wedding, the couple stood surrounded by their guests in a circular seating arrangement instead of the traditional aisle. This layout not only created a more intimate, inclusive atmosphere, but also gave every guest a perfect view of their vows."
Similarly, a unique approach to the aisle can enhance the ceremony experience. “A wavy aisle is a fun way to break from the straight-line tradition, instantly adding movement, visual interest, and a touch of whimsy,” says Melody Hall of Events by Melody. “It creates an organic, romantic feel, especially when lined with lush flowers that seem to ‘flow’ with the curves. This design not only captivates guests’ attention but also allows for more intimate moments as the couple’s processional gently winds toward the ceremony space.”
Make a Memorable Grand Exit
Photographer Laura Alpizar encourages couples to plan a fun, memorable exit. “Change into a wedding suit and ride your scooters out for your wedding exit!” A grand exit is the perfect way to close your celebration - whether it’s scooters, vintage cars, sparklers, confetti, or even a lively dance-off. Keep it personal, playful, and unforgettable to leave guests with lasting memories of your day.
Create Sensory Memory Anchors
Allie Robyn of Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design suggests, “Intentionally create sensory memory anchors. Choose a signature scent you’ve never worn before and save it exclusively for your wedding day. Select a specific song that plays during a private moment between you two, like before the ceremony or during a first look with your reception space. These sensory elements become powerful triggers that transport you back to these moments for decades to come.”
Robyn adds that as a photographer, she captures these subtle sensory moments - the inhale of your partner’s cologne or the way you close your eyes during "your song" - so your photos reflect not just what your day looked like, but how it felt.
Make Your Buffet Stand Out with a Bread Display
Devin Johnson Miller of Fork and Flair Catering and Events suggests putting a creative twist on buffet dining: “Instead of doing bread baskets on each table, we created a bread display filled with many different kinds of bread, dips, and oils, along with multiple whipped butters for guests to enjoy.” It’s a simple yet memorable way to elevate your wedding meal and delight your guests.
Bring the Garden to Your Wedding
“Bring the beauty of the garden into your celebration," suggests Myra Patterson of Rison Design. "There’s something so special about using flowers that are freshly cut, seasonal and locally grown. Not only is it an ecologically friendly choice, but it adds a natural elegance that feels effortless and timeless. Garden flowers have a way of bringing warmth and character. Every bloom is unique and every color is a little reminder of the season you’re in. They can be as formal and polished as you’d like, while still carrying that grounded, authentic charm that makes the day feel truly yours."
Let Music Tell Your Love Story
Courtney Burton of Courtney Burton Music suggests, “Your love story is unique - shouldn’t your wedding music be too?” Couples can embrace "musical storytelling" by weaving songs that chronicle their relationship throughout the ceremony or reimagining the wedding flow with different instrumental configurations in various venue spaces, such as solo piano for the ceremony, a saxophone duo for cocktails, and a full jazz band for dancing. For a bold twist, have your bridal party enter to a walking jazz bassline instead of traditional wedding classical marches, creating a cool, immersive atmosphere that turns your celebration into an unforgettable musical experience. As Burton advises, "Don't be afraid to let music become the thread that weaves your wedding into something truly extraordinary."
Turn Favors into Interactive Experiences
Rachel Geertsema of Festivities suggests, “Forget generic wedding favors that end up forgotten in junk drawers - we’re all about creating interactive experiences that double as meaningful takeaways. One of our favorite setups was a live flower cart where guests hand-selected fresh blooms and built their own bouquets to take home."
Non-traditional weddings celebrate what truly matters to each couple. From rooftop ceremonies and circular seating to custom desserts and collaborative guest canvases, these personalized touches reflect the couple’s individuality. By embracing authenticity and creativity, couples craft celebrations that are memorable, joyful, and uniquely their own.
Photo by Laura Alpizar Photography
