Unique Wedding Ideas to Make Your Special Day Extra Special

Not your run-of-the-mill bride and groom? Then why have a run-of-the-mill wedding? Whether you want to blow your guests away or add one or two quirky touches to your wedding, we’ve some tips that might help make it a day to remember.

Find tips on simple savings for your wedding here.

The Frock

Sure, a white dress might be the norm for a bride, but there’s no reason why you can’t mix things up a little. If you’re not one for dresses, a suit is a chic alternative and will ensure you feel like yourself on the day. Getting playful with colour is another way to inject your personality into your wedding look, and sequins and blush tones can put a subtle twist on the traditional white. Sneak a colourful shoe under a traditional dress or, for something bolder, change the white for a bold block colour and you’ll certainly turn heads when you walk down the aisle.

The Ceremony

If you’ve opted for a non-religious ceremony, then you can play around a bit with the traditional wedding format. There are some lovely elements you can add in to the ceremony like a ring warming or a traditional Celtic handfasting (think Game of Thrones without the bloodshed). Your celebrant will be able to advise you on the different options available to make the ceremony unique to you.

The Food

The food is a great place to make your mark, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. If beef and salmon isn’t your thing, why not replace the traditional three courses with a family-style meal or BBQ? You can keep things relaxed by hiring a few food trucks to cater. Or why not base the menu around your favourite cuisine – anyone for sushi?

The Cake

Not really a cake person? When it comes to desert anything goes. Cheese cakes - that’s a giant wheel of cheese fashioned into the shape of a cake - are perfect for foodies. Or if you want to keep things sweet, doughnuts, pancakes or waffle stations are fun and unexpected options.

The First Dance

The first dance is one of the most romantic moments of the day. Amp up the romance and create a stunning photo op with a confetti drop. Very Instagram friendly. And who says first dances have to be slow? Choose something up-tempo to get everyone up dancing from the get-go.

The Party

A fool proof way to keep your dancefloor full is by adding a DJ request line to your RSVPs so everyone gets a chance to dance to a song they love. And putting a party essentials gift basket in the bathrooms is a thoughtful gesture to keep your guests comfortable – you can add items like flip flops, deodorant, plasters and mints.

The Kids Are Alright

If you’re inviting little ones, keep them entertained through the speeches by creating kid-friendly gift bags. Add crayons, a colouring book and a little toy. If you’ve got a lot of children attending, consider hiring a babysitter for the evening and pop a few beanbags and blankets around in case they need a nap. After all that organising, you might need one too!

Doing It On A Budget?

There are some simple ways to trim your wedding budget, without losing any of the magic.

For example getting married off season in quieter months when you can get much cheaper deals on venues as well as vendors.

Some couples set up a hashtag and post this clearly in the reception venue asking your guests to share their candid snaps of the evening on your favourite social platform or app. That way, you can capture those moments you’ll want to remember.

Happily enough, nowadays there are a lot of options for buying second-hand dresses that have only been worn once from online resources to charity shops. Or you could opt for a sleek number from an affordable ready-wear brand. All it takes is a little digging and you can save a huge chunk of cash without sacrificing any style points. It’s also worth thinking about old family heirlooms that can be incorporated into your wedding outfit.

Almost everyone on your guest list is likely to have access to a computer so why not send out e-vites instead of invitations in the post? Using e-vites or even a personalised website helps you to save money on invitation design, printing, postage and return stamps/ envelopes for RSVPs.

Planning Your Big Day? 

To make sure it’s everything you’ve dreamed of, AIB offer loans from €1,000 with a loan decision in just three hours*. You can apply online for a personal loan through AIB Internet Banking and the AIB Mobile App. You can also book a branch appointment or phone 0818 724 725 if you’d like to speak to someone in person.

Click here, to find out more about planning ahead for your big day.

*3 hour loan decision applies to fully completed new personal loan applications processed within 3 hours 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri excl. bank holidays. Loans from €1,000-€30,000. Excludes applications: to restructure or clear existing AIB credit facilities; received through Branch and referred to a lender for review, from customers in financial difficulty; for Student and First loans; applications through Business Centres; or where total borrowings exceed €100,000 (excluding Home Loan debt up to €600,000).

Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. Security may be required.

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