Modern wedding ceremony

Modern wedding ceremony

When it comes to planning a modern wedding ceremony, the possibilities are truly endless. Your ceremony is the way you communicate to your family and friends what your marriage means to you both, so don’t be afraid to get creative and add a touch of your unique personality. The little details in your ceremony can make it more meaningful, fun and memorable for everyone in attendance. From music to decor and readings, there are lots of opportunities to create a one-of-a-kind wedding ceremony that speaks to you as a couple.

Playing non-traditional music is a great way to spice up your wedding ceremony. Whether you opt for a string quartet or a full band, it’s a perfect opportunity to incorporate your favorite musical genre into your wedding day. Your guests will be sure to enjoy this unexpected touch and it will make for incredible photos.

Many traditional wedding ceremonies include a reading or two from the bible, classic literature or religious texts. While these readings are beautiful, you can also personalize your ceremony by using a different text that is more reflective of you and your partner’s relationship. For example, if you and your partner are both big readers, you could have your partner read your favourite book at your ceremony, or you could have a friend or family member share a reading from their own favourite book.

Aside from changing up your readings, you can spruce up your ceremony by switching out traditional elements. For instance, you can have a friend sing a meaningful song in lieu of a passage reading or ask a few of your sponsors to give their marriage wisdom. Alternatively, you can have your guests plant and water plants during your ceremony as a way to symbolise the joining of your families.

You can also make the transition from an non-ordinary female to bride by introducing them with a special kiss. This is a great opportunity to get some romantic pictures and show your loved ones how much you love them.

Instead of a guest book, you can ask your officiant or someone else to hand out small bottles of bubbles and then instruct your guests to blow them all at the same time. You can even have them do a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown and you’ll have some incredible photos to remember your day!

The best way to make your wedding ceremony feel completely personalized to you and your partner is to work with an officiant who is happy to customize the script for you. At Young Hip & Married, we take the time to meet with you and your partner, interview your friends and family and then write your ceremony so it is as unique and special as you are. To find out more, click here.

Modern wedding venues

When it comes to wedding planning, picking the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It will determine not only logistical details such as the guest count and date, but also the overall vibe and aesthetic of your big day. If you’re a modern bride who loves clean lines and a sleek, minimalist style, don’t worry: There are plenty of eye-catching venues designed for couples who say less is more. From breweries to art museums, these unique spaces serve up plenty of visual drama for your big day without sacrificing the simplicity you love.

Formerly a warehouse and storage space, this industrial-chic spot underwent major renovations in 2015. It offers the flexibility of an open-plan reception area with 15-foot ceilings that allows couples complete creative control over the decor. Plus, the property is home to an onsite brewery and distillery that serves a variety of locally-brewed alcoholic beverages.

Exchange your vows on the outdoor Ceremony Lawn framed by a stunning grove of cedar trees or inside the barn for an indoor reception with sweeping views of the wooded grounds. This enchanting modern wedding venue is fully customizable and has the capacity for up to 250 seated guests or 350 people for a standing event.

You’ll find all sorts of creative uses for reclaimed materials and unique architectural elements at this swoon-worthy space located in the heart of downtown. The open-plan layout features a beautiful high ceiling, brick walls, and enormous windows, which all work together to create a modern and glam backdrop for your big day. The professional staff will help you plan a one-of-a-kind, customized wedding package that will ensure your vision is brought to life.

Breweries and distilleries offer a uniquely intoxicating backdrop for modern weddings. The industrial-chic aesthetic makes these spots perfect for couples who want their big day to be as visually interesting as it is inebriating. The best part? Your guests will be able to try all the delicious craft beer and spirits on tap at your after-hours bar!

This magnificent arts center is a dreamy wedding venue for Philadelphia brides. Its many event spaces, including a rooftop garden and the Commonwealth Plaza that seats 200 for your ceremony and reception, feature hand-gilded walls and luxurious chandeliers. And with its glass vaulted ceiling, the Kimmel Center is a magical choice for an evening under the stars.

This modern-meets-rustic barn is a gorgeous option for couples who’d like to have a country wedding in the city. You can get married on the expansive Wedding Lawn surrounded by calming meadows and forest, or you can say “I do” inside a white-washed barn (which looks especially stunning all lit up with string lights). The best part? You’ll have first-hand access to all the tasty hops and spirits that Funky Buddha Brewery produces right on site!

Modern wedding dresses

With funky elopements and intimate backyard ceremonies on the rise, brides aren’t afraid to break wedding traditions and get creative with their attire. That means that modern dresses can feel just as bridal as the classics — especially when they’re designed to show off your individual style. Whether you prefer simple, minimalist silhouettes elevated by luscious fabrications or edgy, off-the-shoulder looks with a hint of drama, we’ve rounded up the most chic and affordable options to make your big day (and honeymoon) a stylish success.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES

When it comes to designing bridal gowns, Karen Williams understands that modern-day brides are looking for 3 things: uniqueness, their personal style, and that magical, bridal feeling. With every dress, she aims to balance all three and ensures each gown is distinct and stunning.

The result is a collection that’s filled with sleek sheath gowns, flowing ballgowns, and everything in between. Her new 2023 bridal collection is a masterclass in how to take traditional forms and embellish them with contemporary touches that are fresh, chic, and totally on-point.

From the moment you step into her atelier, you’ll know what we mean when we say she designs gowns that feel like they were made just for you. That’s because the Vancouver-based designer takes a bespoke approach to each piece, working with each client to design a dress that reflects their taste, personality, and vision. And while each gown in the collection is completely different from the next, each one feels utterly timeless and luxurious – thanks to delicate, feminine details like hand-beading and European lace.

REFORMATION

Unlike other online wedding dress retailers, Reformation offers ready-to-wear styles that you can try on at home in your own size and then purchase for your special day. That means no alterations fees, no awkward in-person fittings, and less stress for the to-be-weds out there. Plus, the site’s sustainable approach to e-commerce is a major win for brides on a budget!

SHEATH GOWNS

Sheath silhouettes are a go-to for modern brides because they offer sophisticated, elegant simplicity. This David Fielden sheath wedding dress is the perfect example of how to elevate a simple silhouette with unexpected details that add a sense of intrigue. From the asymmetrical hemline to the lace embroidery, this is a gown that’s sure to turn heads.

MINI DRESSES

Mini wedding dresses are holding steady as the most popular silhouette of the season, with a range of designers playing with color as a background to their embellishments. From pastel blue tulle to blush blossoms, the result is dreamy and romantic. NET-A-PORTER’s selection includes designs from both established labels and emerging names, including Clio Peppiatt’s bias cuts and Erdem’s signature whimsical mood.

If you’re looking for a more sultry option, look no further than Ukrainian brand WONA. The label’s sexy silhouettes are crafted with expert craftsmanship and couture fabrics, and they’re also available in long-sleeved styles that come with matching boleros, shawls, or removable sleeves so you can choose the style that suits you best.

Modern wedding invitations

Modern wedding invitations pair elegance with clean lines and subtle pops of color. This on-trend design style can be anything from tropical to edgy—or a combination of both. With near-countless options to choose from and an easy-to-use online builder, it’s easy to find a unique and sophisticated suite that suits you.

If you’re going for a more formal vibe, opt for modern wedding invitations that feature hand-lettered script and elegant fonts. You can also find a variety of shapes and textures that add interest to the text, including curved lines, arched shapes, and textured patterns. If you’re a bride with a bohemian spirit, try an invitation featuring a floral motif or a modern marble pattern. And if you’re getting married on a beach, consider an invite with a seashell or palm tree design.

For a fun modern wedding, lean into your favorite activities and hobbies as a couple. You can find invitations that feature your favorite sports teams, a photo of you and your honey skiing or even a custom map of where you plan to get married. If you love to travel, lean into your passion for adventure by inviting guests with a passport-themed invitation or one that features a beautiful image of a mountain range or sandy beach.

There are several modern wedding invitation styles to match any color palette, including a palette of black and white or grayscale. You can also choose a more vibrant palette with hues like blush and rust orange, which are popular for autumn weddings or any theme that celebrates the changing of seasons. If you’re looking for a shimmering accent, you can find a number of metallic options that add a glisten to your invites—from gold and silver to a more muted bronze or rose gold.

Some modern wedding invitation designs include free-flowing lines of watercolor for a delicate and artistic flair. You’ll also find designs that use the medium in unexpected ways: graphic single brush strokes, soft splotches of complementary colors, and layered geometric patterns. These are the perfect choice for a wedding with a botanical or cactus theme, a desert or beach celebration, or any other theme that brings to mind natural beauty and wild romance.

If you and your sweetheart prefer a less-is-more approach, you’ll also find modern wedding invitations that are sleek, simple, and sophisticated. These minimalist styles offer an elegant, typography-forward look with just enough detail to capture your guests’ attention. If you’d like to keep it minimal, yet still have a touch of sparkle, there are invitations with glitter and a frosted finish that are perfect for you and your beau.

Once you’ve nailed down your modern wedding invitation design, don’t forget the accompanying enclosure cards. It’s important to include an RSVP card, which is essential for obtaining a final headcount so you can reserve your date and secure your venue. You’ll also want to include a response deadline, so your guests can get their replies in by the time you need them.

Modern wedding rings

As weddings continue to march on in record numbers—wedding site The Knot estimates 2.6 million weddings this year and counting)—there are more options than ever when it comes to selecting the right rings. From different metals to stone accents, there are more design styles and finishes than can be counted on two hands. But choosing just one ring that will be worn for the rest of your life can be daunting.

Luckily, there are plenty of modern designs that are a sleek and simple alternative to traditional bands—and they look great with any style of engagement ring. For men who want a more bold aesthetic, there are also black titanium and diamond bands that add some heft and flair. And for those who want to play with color and texture, there are decorative bands, twisted shapes, and other unique designs.

When shopping for a modern wedding band, it’s important to consider how it will fit with the engagement ring of your significant other. If you want to show off your ring stack, try pairing it with a band that has a similar style or finish, such as an eternity band with a diamond-paved band or a simple white gold band that adds some sparkle. If you’re looking for a band that matches your partner’s engagement ring, check out a round-cut or cushion-cut eternity band with matching side stones.

Other types of modern bands include diamond eternity bands that feature a row or cluster of gems that symbolize infinity and match the size and shape of your engagement ring. Or shop a three-stone band that features a center gemstone in an oval or princess cut surrounded by smaller diamonds for added brilliance and romance. If you want to play with color, shop rings that utilize a range of hues from rose to yellow gold, two-tone and three-tone rings, and even palladium for an unexpected pop of color.

If you’re in the market for a more textured, rugged-looking band, check out the collections from designers like Sofia Kaman and Megan Thorne, who imbue contemporary designs with antique- or vintage vibes. For example, Kaman’s Evangeline band has a modern knife edge softened by undulating indented trios of diamonds, and her Twig collection uses wood and antler to channel nature’s rugged strength.

Other modern bands offer a variety of surface textures and patterns, including beveled designs, inlay, hammered or brushed polished-edge, sandblasted finish, and carved design. And don’t forget to consider your lifestyle when picking out a wedding band, because some designs will be more durable or practical for everyday wear than others. If you work with your hands or are prone to hurting your ring, for instance, choose a band with a closed style that goes all the way around your finger instead of an open one that’s more likely to get caught on things.

Wedding preparation list