Lifestyle Weddings 9 Ways to Make Your Wedding the Opposite of Basic By Dobrina Zhekova Dobrina Zhekova Dobrina Zhekova is a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C. who covers all things luxury travel, fashion, tech, and shopping. Her writing has appeared in InStyle, Vogue, Departures, Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Sunset, and more. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on July 11, 2016 @ 12:45PM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Milou and Olin Photography Fact—no one wants their wedding to be a repeat of last weekend's celebration. To help you amp up the authenticity factor of your big day, we teamed up with Carats & Cake and asked their top talent to share creative ideas on how to take your wedding beyond the ordinary. Thinking outside the box just got a whole lot easier. #youarewelcome 8 Must-Take Photos at a Summer Wedding 01 of 09 Put A Creative Spin on a Classic First Mate Photo “Instead of lining the aisle with petals, consider using full flower heads. Mix different flowers types and shades, interspersed with loose petals to create a spin on a timeless classic.” — Krissy Price, Owner, Pollen Floral Design 02 of 09 Entertain with Food Natalie Watson Photography “The ceremony and reception should be a reflection of the couple. If the groom loves beer, create a custom beer tasting during the cocktail hour for each guest. If you are foodies, opt for a 6-course tapas style 'tasting' menu paired with signature wine and cocktails instead of the traditional 3-4 course plated meal.” — Melissa Porter, Managing Partner, Asheville Event Co. 03 of 09 Get Creative with Accommodations Courtesy of Shelter Supply Co. "No hotels for your guests to stay? Set up a luxury campground on your property for all of your guests to stay. Welcome your guest to the wedding with a relaxed 'camp' dinner under the stars.” — Brett Cameron, Owner, La Maison Fete 04 of 09 Get Creative with Menu Displays Jacqui Cole Photography "Think of creative ways to include your wedding menu at the guest place settings beyond a simple printed menu. For one wedding, we letter-pressed the menu on white bakery bags packed with freshly made bread to create visual interest for the guests when they were seated." — Tracie Domino, Founder & Creative Director, Tracie Domino Events 05 of 09 Play With Your Escort Cards and Table Numbers Adam Barnes Photography "For one of our clients who loved music, their table names were composers and to take it one step further, we found miniature busts of each musical genius. For another couple who were teachers, we made guests work for their table assignments, to figure out their table number guests had to solve a simple mathematical equation.” — Laura Ritchie, Principal Designer, Grit & Grace 06 of 09 Make Your Dessert Display A Design Piece Jen Kroll "Weddings are not always the place you think of inventive food displays but when it comes to dessert, give this final course its moment in the spotlight! A client’s love of fine pastries, paired with their overall French country design and strong Southern roots created the perfect opportunity for us to create the dessert display of the summer. A patisserie designed with the couples calligraphy and striped detail, that was woven throughout the entire wedding, made this dessert bar a hit long after the guests finished their coffee!" — Alicia Caldecott, Owner, A Day in May Event Planning & Design 07 of 09 Go Beyond the Monogram Ira Lippke Studios “Take something you need at a wedding and put a spin on it. Everyone slaps a monogram or phrase on a cocktail napkin so instead make a game out of them. We have done some fun trivia cocktail napkins for guests to engage with each other and learn some fun facts about our brides and grooms. They are a huge hit!” — Maya Katz, Partner, Alimay Events 08 of 09 One Up the Traditional Photo Booth Ira Lippke Studios “My new favorite thing is the Polaroid guest book. When guests arrive at the wedding there is always time to kill before the ceremony. Set up a station with Polaroid cameras and film and let the guests take pictures. Place a black page book with metallic pens so the guests can leave sweet messages for the happy couple!” — Ellen Kostman, Founder & Planner, Sidekick Events 09 of 09 Use Florals in Unique Ways Milou and Olin Photography “Have your bridesmaids carry a floral adorned objet d'art instead of a traditional bouquet. Adding florals to fans, lanterns or even a fabulous clutch can be an amazing way to personalize your wedding and give a unique gift to your girls. This decor can also be easily repurposed at your reception for additional decor.” — Kate Whelan, Owner & Senior Event Consultant, Kate Whelan Events