Looking for unique ceremony ideas to make yours even more memorable? You’ll find them here!

Your wedding is a huge part of your lifelong adventure as a couple. Don’t let your ceremony be anything but extraordinary! Today we’re showing you fun, practical, and totally creative ceremony ideas to make yours memorable. With twenty-one unique ideas, there’s sure to be one you haven’t seen yet including ceremony seating, backdrops, bridesmaid bouquet alternatives, a fun program, and more. Read on to be inspired!

21 Unique Ceremony Ideas

1. Change up the seating.

No two ceremonies are the same, so why should the seating be? This ceremony featured guests arranged in a more circular shape.

We love these unique pallet ottomans for a beach wedding. Here’s one example of pallet seating used in a ceremony.

Try a fun idea of eclectic seating for a backyard bash.

2. Carry a bouquet that will last forever.

Unlike fresh flowers, a fabric bouquet won’t wilt, fade, or die. An alternative wedding bouquet, like fabric, lasts forever. Since it’s handmade, it can be customized to your specific color palette. This fabric bouquet is one of our favorites and is handmade by All for Love, L.O.V.E.. It’s a definite keeper.

If that bouquet isn’t available any more (sad face, I don’t see it in the shop), here’s another suggestion or ALL OF THESE!

3. Perform a ‘knot-tying’ ceremony.

A knot-tying ceremony is similar to the unity ceremony but involves a fisherman’s knot. The couple ties the knot together to form a very strong knot; the knot only gets tighter with pressure and cannot come undone which represents the couple’s strength. Perfect for a nautical wedding! You can get a knot-tying ceremony kit here.

– Buy here

4. Offer hankies or tissues to guests.

For tears of joy, giving hankies to guests is one of our favorite ceremony ideas. You can get really cute handkerchiefs in bulk here.

Here’s some tissues you can offer to guests. Set them in a basket next to your programs so guests can take them as they arrive.

5. Write your own vows…

… and turn ’em into one of these. Or write them in these sweet vow books, spotted at Design Life Studio.

6. Have bridesmaids carry something other than flowers.

A clutch purse is way more functional for carrying down the aisle instead of flowers. Money well spent!

Or, have bridesmaids carry lanterns instead. (At night, they offer additional lighting!)

7. Have your bridesmaid sign the bottoms of your shoes before you walk down the aisle.

Tradition states that the name still remaining after the night is through will be the next to walk down the aisle. Use these markers — they work great.

Or, add these “I Do” decals to the bottom of your shoes. If you’re having a church wedding and you kneel, the words will be shown off. :)

8. Display your ceremony events on a chalkboard (instead of a program).

9. Have your guest book available at the ceremony.

If your ceremony takes place near your reception, have your guest book display out and ready for signatures. If guests are early, they can get a head start on signing your book. You’ll ensure more guests have a chance to see it and sign it before your reception.

10. Pick out an awesome ceremony backdrop.

A cool backdrop or arch adds a personalized touch to your ceremony. And don’t be afraid tie in punchy pops of color (see more here).

11. Plan a grand entrance… outdoors!

This ‘entrance’ is the perfect combination of handmade monograms + vintage doors.

12. Infuse your decor with unexpected decor — like garland.

This looks beautiful on the backs of chairs. By Moda Deco.

Or a unique sign at the front of the aisle way. By KellyDuffyDesigns.

13. Play a nontraditional song down the aisle.

Love The Beatles? James Taylor? That amazing song played at the end of this movie? Do it. You don’t have to play Canon in D.

13. Offer ceremony fans instead of traditional programs.

Program fans: the thank-goodness-they-thought-of-this option for guests sitting out in the hot summer sun. Programs by Beau-coup.

14. Skip the veil and wear an alternative instead.

This soft chiffon headpiece is one excellent alternative. By Tessa Kim

You can also see lots of bridal veil alternatives here.

15. Choose an offbeat boutonniere.

Not a flower-loving groom? Skip the traditional flower and opt for a boutonniere alternative. A starfish becomes a perfect thematic touch for a beach wedding, as seen in the example below.

16. Plan a ceremony with a view.

Consider getting married somewhere with stunning beach or mountain views.

17. Wear shoes that personify your style.

Choose comfortable wedding shoes that add a little style down the aisle! For example, TOMS wedding shoes are a huge trend for brides who loooove comfort.

18. Remind guests to pick a seat… not a side.

Or try this new take: “sit wherever your heart desires”. Sign by Flora South Designs.

19. Select a non-traditional wedding ring ‘pillow’.

We love ring pillow alternatives! One of our favorites: this “to the moon and back” pillow by Fern and Pine Co.

20. Have guests wave flags instead of tossing rice or seed.

These fun hooray flags are by LarkspurAndLinen.

Or try any of these fun ceremony toss ideas — there’s so many creative ways to do a ceremony send-off!

21. Pick out the coolest wedding programs.

Why pick a boring program? This infographic program is one of the biggest trends and is wayyyy more fun! By PuffPaperCo.

Need more ideas? Choose one of these programs! You’ll love ’em (and guests will, too).

What are the most unique ceremony ideas you’ve ever seen?

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

Updated 2019 to reflect the latest unique wedding ceremony ideas. :)