Say YES to Alternative Wedding Decor
When people say you’re a ‘creative person’, they automatically assume you’re a wordsmith, right? But, let’s be honest: I’m not. I’m much better at tablescapes and picking out plates than writing clever blog posts. So, bear with me, because this might end up being the worst piece of writing you’ve ever read. But I’ll do my best to make it worth your while!
The wedding industry is massive (as it should be - no one supplier or style fits all, which is why I’m all for supporting other wedding stylists). But here’s the thing: we all have to write blogs, and for someone who’s obsessed with details like plates and florals, it’s hard. So, again, sorry if you keep reading this and think, “What even is this post?”
But let’s get to it. This post was inspired by a cheeky Instagram we shared - ‘Sorry Grandma, but we’re turning this up to 11’ - which got loads of love. So, I thought, “Why not expand on this and get into why you should 'Say YES to Alternative Wedding Decor?'”
Photo by Dearest Love Photography
Tradition? We Don’t Know Her
For years, weddings have been the same: white linens, stiff centrepieces, and a bouquet toss no one actually wants to catch. I mean, who actually loves dancing to “Come On Eileen” ?
Here’s the my view... Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people.
Back in the day, Grandma’s Grandma probably did care about matching napkins and bows because that’s what was expected of her. But this isn’t the 1950s, so if you’re not into traditional wedding vibes, that’s ok. Your wedding doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s rules or rituals.
Trust me, no one’s going to remember how perfect your napkin folds were. What they will remember is how they felt at your wedding - authentic, fun, and completely you.
If tradition doesn’t fit your vibe, chuck it out. Don’t be afraid to break the rules. Your wedding is the one day you can make it 100% yours. Go loud. Go proud. Go unique.
A Vibe That Screams You
There’s nothing wrong with scrolling Instagram or saving Pinterest ideas - honestly, that’s half the fun of wedding planning. But here’s the key: use it as a jumping-off point, not a rulebook. Your wedding vibe shouldn’t feel like it was designed for someone else. It should feel like the two of you walked into the room, shook hands with every table centrepiece, and said, “Yep, this is 100% us.”
Now, don’t get me wrong - being inspired is amazing. I’m not here to knock your Pinterest board (seriously, keep pinning those killer ideas!). But there’s a fine line between inspiration and feeling like you have to copy something because it’s what’s “in.” Your wedding shouldn’t feel like a carbon copy of someone else’s - it should feel like you.
Start with what makes you tick:
Do you both love old-school rock ‘n’ roll; music? Let that shape the vibe - think vinyl table settings, moody candles, and maybe a neon sign that says ‘Til Death Do Us Part’.
Obsessed with colour? Forget about muted palettes - go bold with jewel tones, or the trending pink and orange, clashing patterns, or ribbons.
The key is to focus on what brings you joy and what tells your story. The right aesthetic can set the perfect tone for your day and leave an impression that lasts long after your guests head home. People will remember how your decor made them feel - how they stepped into a world that felt uniquely yours. They’ll remember how they laughed when they saw that your cake topper was a T-Rex bride and groom or how much fun they had on a dance floor decked out with disco balls.
From Pins to Power
Pinterest is the gateway drug to amazing ideas, but it’s also the rabbit hole where you can lose yourself in the pressure to make everything “perfect.” So take what inspires you and put your spin on it. Think of it as a mood board, not a mandate.
Crushing on boho? Go full maximalist with fringe, bold rugs, and oversized dried floral arrangements - maybe a cowboy hat?
Feeling a little more Emo? Go full on with the black and bold colours - express your love for music or your killer dress sense with a nod to your converse with a checkerboard table runner.
Ultimately, the best vibe is one that feels authentic to you. If you’d never use a sage green in your house, don’t let appear on your wedding table. Trust your gut - it’s your wedding, your rules, and your vibe.
Nostalgia Is Cute, But Your Vision Is Cooler
Let’s talk about family. Oh, family. You know the ones - who have all the “helpful” “advice” on what your wedding should look like. Maybe your mother-in-law insists you must have a 3 tiered cake (because that’s what her mother had), or someone tries to talk you into satin ribbons because “it’s what every bride does.”
Look, nostalgia is sweet, but your wedding day isn’t about trying to recreate what your family did 30 years ago. It’s about creating a celebration that’s 100% you. This is your day, your vibe, your rules. Even if they have offered to help with paying for the wedding.
Of course, we get it. Family is important, and you might want to honour some traditions - and that’s A-OKAY. You don’t have to say yes just to keep the peace.
Balancing Family Expectations with Your Dreams
It’s totally possible to introduce family wishes without throwing your vision out the window. The key is balance and communication; finding that compromise.
Your wedding is your chance to make it your day. So while you can acknowledge your family’s traditions, you don’t need to follow every rule. It’s okay to say, “Thanks, but we’re doing it our way.”
When it comes to discussing tricky wedding topics with family, the setting is everything. Plan to have a calm, neutral conversation over lunch in a public space - think café, restaurant, or even a park bench. This way, there’s no room for raised voices or dramatic walkouts. Bring a member of your wedding party or your future spouse along for support, but keep the vibe positive and open - no “ganging up” on anyone. The goal is to have a productive, respectful conversation, not a showdown. Choose your location wisely, and keep it all about collaboration, not confrontation.
Your Wedding, Your Way
At the end of the day, your wedding day is yours. It’s not about pleasing anyone else.
Whether that's family, friends, or even Instagram influencers. It’s about creating a day that reflects you and celebrates your vibe as a couple.
Don’t stress over tradition or compare yourself to other weddings. There’s no universal rulebook, no “right” way to do things. So many couples get caught up in the pressure of doing things a certain way because it’s what’s expected or because they’ve seen it at other weddings. And honestly, that’s exhausting. It’s easy to think you need to replicate someone else’s big day, but here’s the truth: Your wedding should be as individual as you are.
If you want to ditch the traditional, go for it.
If you want to turn up the volume and make the day as loud and bold as your personalities, then that’s what matters.
Whether it’s neon signs, a fun twist on the ceremony, or a party that’s more “rock concert” this is your moment to do things your way.
Remember: there’s no right way, only your way. Don’t let comparison or outdated traditions make you feel like you have to conform to someone else’s idea of what a wedding should be. Instead, trust yourself and trust each other. Your wedding is meant to be a reflection of who you are. If it feels true to you, then it will be perfect - no one else’s approval needed.
So here’s to embracing the weirdness, celebrating your love, and throwing out the rulebook. You’re creating something that’s 100% you, and that’s what will make your wedding unforgettable.
A Quick Thanks and A Little Reality Check
Alright, before you close this tab and get back to Pinterest (I know you’re about to!), let me just say: Thanks for sticking with me through this. I’m not a writer, I’m a wedding stylist who’s far better at playing with tables than I am at stringing words together. So, if this blog was a bit of a rollercoaster, thanks for riding it out with me!
But seriously, if you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you.
It means a lot to have you here, reading about how your wedding should be exactly what you want, not what anyone else expects. So, from one wedding-obsessed weirdo to another - thank you!
Now go on, get planning, and make sure your wedding is as loud, proud, and 100% you as it can possibly be.
Stef x
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