Cute and unique wedding ideas

With wedding season in full swing, it may be that you see similar ideas and themes pop up again and again… so feel free to use them for inspiration ' there's a reason they're popular, after all. Or if you need some more ideas, enjoy these cute and unique wedding elements…

Remember always make your story as a couple the starting point for the details that make your wedding

This can thread a truly personalised feel into your ceremony before it has even begun. Aisles can be created in a range of different fabrics to tie in with your theme ' burlap or jute for an outdoor ceremony, for example ' or your aisle can be printed with your names, wedding date, or even a surprise message to your other half. We've also seen famous quotes and song lyrics printed beneath the happy couple's feet. 

Leave note cards at a guest book station or on the reception tables for guests to share in a personal piece of advice during the day. Once written, these are lovely to display at your venue, hung on a tree or simply used as a garland decoration at your reception. Either leave the cards blank for your guests' wise words or prompt some responses with headings such as 'Always…', 'Never…' and 'Sometimes…'.

Once your cards are complete, you can then create a wedding guest book at a later date, either by simply sticking your cards into a blank book, or perhaps framing them and hanging them up at home. 

Go beyond paper and ask guests to write their advice on wooden blocks, to create a Jenga-style tower packed with advice from your nearest and dearest. This makes a lovely display on the day and a truly special keepsake for years to come. You can even organise a game of Jenga on future wedding anniversaries and see whether you have heeded the advice! A similar idea, for arty types, is to create a heart shape made from either driftwood or old corks. Once you have created the shape, guests can then write their messages across each cork or piece of driftwood, and by the end you should have a beautiful and bespoke piece of artwork brimming with well wishes.

For a really homespun approach, leave your guests small squares of fabric to sign at your guestbook station, and then spend time after your wedding day sewing them together to create a quilt bedecked with your guests' words. This will become a lovely keepsake that will keep you both warm, and cover you in wishes, throughout your marriage. 

Confetti bars are a super-cute and simple way to decorate your venue. We love antique desks or drawers stuffed with different shades of confetti, for guests to help themselves to. You can also use dried herbs or flowers as confetti, which will add a beautiful scent to your day. Use a variety of colours to match your theme and watch your day explode into a kaleidoscope of whimsical pastels or be showered with pops of zesty brights… And make sure your photographer is on hand to catch the colourful celebrations!

If you love the idea of incorporating your family into your day, hang individual picture frames of family members on to a tree. If you're outside, this could work wonders on an old oak tree or similar, to represent the passing of time or, for an indoor option, use an artificial tree or trees in pots. Bedeck the trunk or branches with pictures, going back as many generations as you can. What a lovely way to gather your entire family ' both past and present ' and have any great-great grandmothers and fathers watch over your day.

Photography Mike Kelly

This is romance of Big-Screen proportions. Saying your vows by candlelight (or fairy lights) is a simple way to create a beautiful atmosphere. If candlelight is not possible, how about hosting your ceremony as the sun sets, again creating a bespoke and romantic vista that is so unique to you. No one can copy your exact sunset, after all!

Styling Knots & Kisses

Photography The Unbridled

Give your guests the gift of life, by gifting them plants such as succulents, sunflower seeds or even vegetables to grow and nurture. A sustainable way to thank your guests, this will keep your day and your love story alive in their hearts and minds ' and gardens! ' for years to come.

The idea of a self-service bar at a wedding will surely be met with rapturous applause. Create a bespoke setting with chalk board or neon signs ' depending on your theme ' and a bar set-up to match. We love the idea of mismatched antique drinking vessels or a prosecco or champagne wall where guests can simply help themselves to a glass of bubbles. Huge jars full of garnishes such as cucumber, strawberries and mint for Pimm's, or various straws and stirrers for cocktails, will look visually stunning. Edible flowers frozen inside ice cubes are beautiful, and little ones will love this too, making their water or juice much more grown-up! You may wish to ask a responsible best man or bridesmaid to take turns to watch over the bar to rein in any extra enthusiasm as the evening goes on!

words Elizabeth Chester