50 Ways to Add Non-Traditional Elements to Your Austin Wedding

Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love and unity, but who says they must follow convention? With Austin's vibrant culture and creative spirit, it's the perfect backdrop for a wedding that breaks the mold. Whether you're an Austin bride or part of a non-traditional couple, here are 50 unique ideas to infuse your wedding with personal flair and unforgettable experiences. If you like this blog about, 50 Ways to Add Non-Traditional Elements to Your Austin Wedding, please let us know in the comments.

Hannah & Gannon, Blu Tree Studio 

Setting the Scene

1. Choose a Unique Venue:

• Think outside traditional halls. Consider a beautiful Austin Texas ranch wedding like, Lone Star Oaks. Our ceremony & reception features are so unique!

Hannah & Gannon, Elyse Bonner Photography

Joannie & Mike, Blu Tree Studio 

1. Incorporate Local Art:

• Display artwork from Austin artists or commission a live painter for the event.

1. Use Vibrant Colors:

• Ditch pastels and neutrals for bold and bright color schemes.

1. Non-Traditional Seating Arrangements:

• Opt for lounge seating or picnic-style arrangements.

1. Interactive Installations:

• Add photo booths, art installations, or interactive guest books.

Elyse Bonner Photography

Ceremony Ideas

1. Alternative Ceremony Scripts:

• Write your vows or include meaningful quotes and readings.

1. Unity Ceremony Alternatives:

• Consider planting a tree, mixing cocktails, or painting a canvas together.

1. Include Pets:

• Include your furry friends in the ceremony or have them as ring bearers.

1. Unconventional Officiants:

• Ask a friend or family member to officiate, personalizing the experience.

1. Non-Traditional Music:

• Walk down the aisle to your favorite rock or indie song.

Hannah & Gannon, Blu Tree Studio 

Attire and Accessories

1. Colorful Wedding Attire:

• Wear bold colors or even prints instead of classic white or black.

1. Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses:

• Allow each bridesmaid to choose their dress style or color.

Jessica & John, Elyse Bonner Photography 

1. Unique Footwear:

• Consider cowboy boots or colorful sneakers for the bride and groom.

1. Statement Jewelry:

• Go for bold, unconventional pieces that tell a story.

1. Themed Accessories:

• Incorporate local symbols such as cactus pins or guitar picks.

Wanderlust Peaks Photography

Reception Innovations

1. Family-Style Dining:

• Serve meals on long banquet tables for a communal dining experience.

1. Food Trucks:

• Hire a few Austin food trucks to serve various cuisines.

1. DIY Cocktail Bar:

• Set up a station for guests to mix their drinks.

1. Interactive Dessert Stations:

• Consider a s'mores bar or DIY sundae station.

1. Casual Dress Code for Guests:

• Encourage guests to wear fun, themed attire.

Blu Tree Studio

Entertainment and Activities

1. Live Band or Indie DJ:

• Hire a local band for a lively atmosphere or a DJ with an eclectic playlist.

1. Karaoke Afterparty:

• Host a karaoke session for guests to showcase their talents.

1. Silent Disco:

• Provide headphones and multiple music channels for a unique dance experience.

1. Outdoor Games:

• Set up lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga.

1. Fireworks or Light Show:

• End the night with a bang or a dazzling light display.

Shelby & Cade, Elyse Bonner Photography

Personal Touches

1. Personalized Invitations:

• Design invitations that reflect your personality or wedding theme.

1. Custom Signage:

• Use chalkboards or lightboxes for menu and directional signs.

1. Guest Book Alternatives:

• Use a jigsaw puzzle, globe, or vinyl records for guests to sign.

1. Photo Displays:

• Showcase a gallery wall of memories and milestones.

1. Memory Tables:

• Honor loved ones with a table dedicated to their photos and mementos.

Wanderlust Peaks Photography

Themed Elements

1. Cultural Traditions:

• Incorporate cultural elements or customs meaningful to you and your partner.

1. Vintage Theme:

• Use vintage furniture, decor, and accessories for a nostalgic feel.

1. Travel Theme:

• Use maps, globes, and travel-inspired decor for wanderlust vibes.

1. Eco-Friendly Wedding:

• Choose sustainable vendors and products, including biodegradable confetti.

1. Seasonal Favorites:

• Incorporate seasonal elements and decor inspired by Austin's natural beauty.

Elyse Bonner Photography

Gifts and Favors

1. Local Austin Products:

• Give guests mini bottles of local hot sauce or honey.

1. Personalized Favors:

• Offer items with your names or wedding date, like shot glasses or coasters.

1. Charity Donations:

• Make donations in guests' names instead of traditional favors.

1. Experience Gifts:

• Provide passes to local events or attractions.

1. Plantable Gifts:

• Offer guests small potted plants or seed packets.

Wanderlust Peaks Photography 

Technology and Social Media

1. Wedding Hashtag:

• Create a unique hashtag for guests to use when posting photos.

1. Live Streaming:

• Stream the ceremony for friends and family who can't attend in person.

1. Custom Snapchat Filter:

• Design a filter for guests to use during the event.

1. Drone Photography:

• Capture aerial shots of your ceremony and reception.

1. Real-Time Social Media Updates:

• Share live updates and stories on Instagram or Facebook.

Persephone & Ann Lisa, Blu Tree Studio

Farewell and Thank You

1. Creative Send-Offs:

• Use sparklers, balloons, or glow sticks for your grand exit.

1. Thank You Video:

• Send a personalized video message to thank guests after the wedding.

1. Post-Wedding Brunch:

• Host a casual brunch the next day to continue the celebration.

1. Photo Booth Prints:

• Send guests home with printed photos from the event.

1. Personalized Thank You Cards:

• Write heartfelt notes to thank each guest personally.

These non-traditional elements will surely set your Austin wedding apart. Remember, the most important thing is to stay true to yourselves as a couple. Celebrate your love in a way that reflects who you are and what you believe in.

Ready to start planning? Connect with local vendors and tap into Austin's vibrant creative scene to bring your vision to life! If you are searching for the perfect Texas Hill Country Wedding Venue with a lovely chapel, we would like to invite you to a tour at Lone Star Oaks. Please visit our wedding gallery for more wedding inspiration. To schedule a tour visit our contact us form.

Elyse Bonner Photography

You can support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country.

20 Quotes of Love to Inspire Your Austin Texas Wedding Vows

Wanderlust Peaks Photography

Congratulations on your engagement! As you prepare for the journey of marriage with your beloved partner, it's essential to remember to express your love and appreciation for them. One beautiful way to do this is by sharing heartfelt quotes about love. In this blog post, we have compiled 20 heartwarming quotes that you can tell your fiance to make them feel loved and cherished. These quotes will help you express your feelings in a meaningful and romantic way, strengthening the bond between you and your future spouse.

Wanderlust Peaks Photography

1. "You are my sunshine on a cloudy day, my rock when I feel weak, and my anchor in a stormy sea. I love you now and forever."

2. "In you, I have found my soulmate, my partner in crime, and my best friend. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

3. "Every moment spent with you is like a beautiful dream come true. Your love fills my heart with joy and happiness."

4. "My love for you knows no bounds; it is infinite like the stars in the sky and deep like the ocean. You are my everything."

5. "With you by my side, I feel invincible. Your love gives me strength, courage, and hope for a brighter tomorrow."

6. "You are the missing piece in the puzzle of my life; without you, I am incomplete. Thank you for completing me with your love."

Elyse Bonner Photography 

7. "Your love is like a warm embrace that comforts me in times of need and lifts me up when I'm feeling down. I am grateful for your unconditional love."

8. "I never knew what true love was until I met you. You have shown me the meaning of love, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

9. "Being with you feels like coming home after a long journey - safe, secure, and filled with warmth and love."

10. "I promise to always stand by your side through thick and thin, to support you in all your dreams and endeavors because that's what true love is all about."

Blu Tree Studio 

11."Your smile lights up my world brighter than any star in the sky or any ray of sunshine on a rainy day."

12."When I look into your eyes, I see a reflection of our shared dreams, hopes, fears - all intertwined in our journey together as partners.

Elyse Bonner Photography 

13."I fall more in love with you every single day because each day brings new reasons to adore everything about who you are as a person.

Wanderlust Peak Photography 

14."Your laughter is music to my ears; it fills me with joy knowing that we can share moments together where nothing else matters but our happiness.

15."I am thankful for every moment we spend together because each second reminds me why I fell head over heels in love with who you are as an individual.

Blu Tree Studio

16."Our relationship has taught me what it means to truly give oneself fully without reservation or hesitation - thank you for showing me how beautiful loving someone unconditionally can be.

Elyse Bonner Photography 

17."The way you understand me without words speaks volumes about our connection -it's as if we were destined to find each other through fate itself.

18."I cherish every memory we create together because they remind me that our bond grows stronger each passing day.

19."There's no one else whom I would rather share this journey called life with than YOU- thank-you being mine

Elyse Bonner Photography 

20. "I cannot imagine a future without us walking hand-in-hand towards whatever adventures await because having YOU by MY SIDE makes everything better."

Blu Tree Studio 

Remember that expressing your feelings through words is just as important as showing them through actions when it comes to relationships. These 20 heartwarming quotes are just some examples of how deeply impactful words can be when shared with your fiancé or soon-to-be spouse! So take these quotes as inspiration or create ones unique from yourself- either way- let them know how much they mean not only today but also always!

If you're in search of the ideal Texas Hill Country Wedding Venue featuring a charming chapel, outdoor ceremony spaces, and an opulent indoor reception area, please consider visiting Lone Star Oaks for a tour. Please visit our wedding gallery for more wedding inspiration. To schedule a tour visit our contact us form.

Elyse Bonner Photography 

Blu Tree Studio 

Blu Tree Studio 

When you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy. It's true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

WithinSodo, Catawba Falls Events, Love Grove Estate, The Barn at Poplar Springs Farm, Legacy Farms TN, Sunnyside Farm, The Bella Sera, Bell Tower Falls, The Burch on 27th, The Greenhouse at Arrows Farm, Hawthorn Hills Ranch, Harris Glen, Butler's Courtyard, The Hidden Abby, The 1860 Schulhaus, The Ironwood Barn at Von Erich Ranch, Lake Front Acres, Heartland Farms Event Center, Hanover Reserve, Carolina Country Weddings