Gone are the days of couples using only banquet halls and hotels to host wedding receptions. As traditions are pushed to the wayside, a couple’s imagination is the only limit on what can and will work for a wedding. This way of thinking has led to new and creative ways for couples to personalize their wedding and put an innovative spin on different traditions.

Married couples often say that their wedding was over in a blink of an eye. After months of planning, this can be slightly disappointing, so more couples are making a whole weekend out of their wedding. By doing so, the newlyweds are able to spend more time visiting with their guests and thanking them for participating in such a meaningful event.

In addition to wanting more time with guests, couples want to make sure they are experience every moment of their wedding.

This is why Sarah True, of True Events in Madison, has seen about 90 percent of her clients participate in something called a first look. A first look is when a couple decides to see each other prior to the wedding ceremony. While it may be considered very non-traditional, it is something that many couples say was one of the best decisions that they made. A first look allows the couple to share a very private, meaningful moment alone, without hundreds of eyes on them. In addition, by seeing each other prior to the ceremony, couples are able to take portrait photos prior to the ceremony and then enjoy every second of their cocktail hour.

Another non-traditional type of wedding trend True says she is seeing more often is very eclectic weddings. True helped to plan a destination wedding on the coast of Maine that she describes as “eclectic, rustic, and chic.”  At first glance the reception seemed very simple, as it was held at a Lions Club and used picnic tables for seating arrangements. Yet, the bridal party and guests were dressed for a black tie event and ate lobster off of gorgeous china. These unconventional pairings of simple and elegant really help set the wedding apart and ended up being one of True’s favorite weddings.

Julie Buckley of Magenta Special Events in Branford has plenty of tradition-shirking suggestions.

“Move away from the traditional three-course dinner,” she says. “Go for creative interactive food stations, which also get people up, mingling, and moving around. Food trucks are a neat idea if it works with your venue, even if it’s just an ice cream truck later in the day, or churros and chocolate to go. Late-night snacks are fun to add if it’s a late-night affair, such as gourmet popcorn or ‘milk and cookies’—shake shooters and Oreos.”

Buckley suggests a unique venue for the biggest impact. “Instead of a banquet hall or facility, think outside the box and look at venues where you can have more flexibility and get creative with your menu, seating, and décor to make it a memorable day,” she says. “Think of rustic barns, wineries, camps, museums, or local inns.”

Another wedding trend that is growing in popularity is for a couple to plan a destination wedding and then host a party back at home to celebrate the nuptials with friends who were unable to travel to the ceremony.

Tracy Gardziel from Guilford went this route in 1992. She and her husband decided to buy a house instead of having an elaborate wedding. A few months after they were married, they rented out Martin Bishop Field in Guilford for their wedding reception. The couple organized a volleyball and softball game, had balloon and egg tosses, and organized a few other lawn games. Gardziel says, “If I were to do it all over again, I would not change anything.”

True said she has also seen the same trends occurring. She says that a lot of couples understand that destination weddings can be very expensive for guests, so post-parties are a way to make sure that everyone is included in the wedding festivities.

These non-traditional types of weddings offer an additional benefit: They are often very cost-effective. These creative events lend themselves to brides who want to feel part of the process and can create some of the decorations themselves. By forgoing tradition, many couples feel that they end up with an event that better represents them and their needs.