Unveiling the Extraordinary: A Guide to Austin Alternative Weddings
Setting the Scene
“As the sun dips below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow upon the garden, a hush falls over the gathering. The air is thick with anticipation, the scent of dahlias and roses, and flickering candelabras casting an enchanting spell. Welcome to a realm where tradition bows to individuality, and love takes center stage in its most unconventional form.
Tonight, under the muted light of dusk, an assembly of guests adorned in sleek ebony attire gathers. The garden, a canvas of dark blossoms and mysterious allure, sets the stage for a celebration that defies the ordinary. As whispers of anticipation waft through the air, the pianist begin their haunting serenade, the G note igniting the night – the iconic prelude to My Chemical Romance's "Black Parade."
In this moment, a couple steps forward hand in hand, breaking from the norms of ceremonial entrances. They are trailblazers of love, walking each other down the aisle, unbound by tradition's constraints. Their attire mirroring the mystique of a moonlit evening. Adorned with spikes and skulls meticulously places throughout.
Here, in this twilight garden of enchantment, the narrative of an alternative wedding begins to unfold. It's a symphony of shadows and light, where the unconventional meets the extraordinary, and the couple's journey towards forever is paved with notes of rebellion and melodies that resonate with the beating hearts of the gathered.
As the Black Parade melody continues to weave its spell, the atmosphere pulsates with a sense of defiance. These are not just vows exchanged; they are declarations of individuality, love unchained, and a celebration that transcends the ordinary. This, dear reader, is the tapestry of an alternative wedding – a canvas painted with dark hues, unconventional rhythms, and the promise of a love story that refuses to be confined by convention.”
Join us as we journey through the key elements that define such extraordinary celebrations, and discover why, in the heart of the unconventional, lies the essence of a love story that beckons to be told differently.
So what defines an alternative wedding?
It is anything outside out the societal norm and traditions that are “expected” at your average wedding. Having alternative elements to your wedding is a way to celebrate individuality and depart from conventional norms. Alternative weddings don’t have one particular look or theme, that’s what makes them so unique.
How might an alternative wedding look different ?
Verbiage: Some couples may choose to drop the word wedding altogether so that they may celebrate at their Love Party with less stress and pressure. You may also see invitations that are less formal and more friendly in their verbiage.
Wedding titles and parties: Not everyone identifies with “bride” and “groom” and having a wedding title that fits you is important. Non-binary folks may choose to be called a different title that is not gendered. This extends to wedding parties as well. Gender norms have no place in queer and alternative weddings so things like “maid of honor” may not apply. Work with your planner to see what feels more comfortable for you and your wedding party guests. Make sure your planner makes these titles known to vendors to provide expectations of what to address you and your guests as.
Music that resonates: Most DJ’s and musicians can accommodate any style to allow you to celebrate your love while hearing some of the songs that helped define who you are and what your relationship is together. If you are wanting something specific make sure to speak with your music team about this in your consultations to guarantee that is something they can do. If not ask if they could provide someone who may be able to better accommodate or work with a planner to find the perfect entertainment vendor for you and your vision.
Dramatic themes and colors: It’s easy to think that alternative weddings have to be dark colors, gothic, or halloween themed but what about your rock n’ roll weddings? What about your girly-pop, Madison Chamberlain wearing, glitter disco diva weddings? And we can not forget medieval weddings. Truly alternative weddings at their core are packed with personality and individuality.
Entertainment: Oh how I LOVE alternative entertainment! From drag performances to live sketch artists I am obsessed with the idea of bringing in local artists to add a little bit of, spice, to your wedding. The opportunities are endless when you want to bring in some alternative entertainment for your cocktail hour or reception. It’s all about creating memorable and unexpected moments for you and your guests. Work with your planner on what venues offer allowance for entertainment you would want. If it includes fire it may limit your options. The other thing to consider is day-of event insurance, make sure the entertainment is listed and covered.
Layout: Gone are the days where the families must sit on separate sides of an isle. Let’s see more double isle weddings where both parties walk out at once. Give me a wedding in the round! (theatre kids know what I’m talking about 😉 ). You could even have the ceremony in front of the seated tables where guests will stay for the reception. As you tour venues with your planner ask what options could be available.
Timeline: There is no one set timeline for a wedding. I’ll say it again for the aunts in the back, THERE IS NO SET TIMELINE FOR WEDDINGS! Do you want a morning ceremony so you could do a brunch reception, then we are up and at ‘em. Do you want to have a private ceremony on a separate day and celebrate with your loved ones at a reception, we’re ready to go when ever and wherever. Don’t let time limit your ideas of a wedding day that makes you excited to celebrate in unique and intimate ways.
Why choose us as your alternative wedding planner?
Having a planner who understands nuances involved with an alternative wedding is important. Imagine having a clear vision of what you want your day to look like and you planner says, “well traditionally this is how it is done so I think we should just do that”. EEEWWW! That just won’t fly. We are planning with intention over tradition in this house. We want you to feel encouraged to tell us about all the specifics of what you want and allow us to help you make them all happen. Nothing makes my planner heart more excited than when I hear, “I don’t know how we can do it but I would like to have…”. You may not be sure how to make it happen but I am sure we can find the perfect vendor to bring it to life. Our head planner, Celeste, is an old school theatre major and believes there is no theme or dream that can’t be adapted to a wedding.
Closing the Scene
“As the final chords of the alternative anthem reverberate through the air, the garden is ablaze with the vibrant glow of flickering candles and the roaring flames of a mesmerizing fire breather. The night, having unfolded like a poetic rebellion against the expected, reaches its crescendo. It's not just an ending; it's a symphony's grand finale, echoing the spirit of the alternative wedding that has left an indelible mark on hearts.
The fire breather, a phoenix in human form, dances amidst the flames, breathing life into the night's final act. Their daring performance symbolizes the passion and intensity of the love celebrated under the shadowy canopy of gothic blooms.
Rock 'n' roll notes linger in the air, weaving through the laughter and joy that fills the space. The dance floor, a canvas of liberated movement, becomes a testament to the freedom that defines an alternative celebration.
As the celebration nears its end, alternative party favors emerge, each one a token of the night's eccentricity. Tiny coffins, adorned with intricate details, become vessels of delight, cradling shots that toast to the journey ahead. Guests, clutching these unconventional keepsakes, take home a piece of the night's rebellion, a reminder that love is not bound by tradition but flourishes in the embrace of authenticity.
The couple, now united as partners in the dance of life, takes a final stroll through the garden. Hand in hand, they gaze at the remnants of an extraordinary celebration – a testament to their love's refusal to conform. The stars above witness the conclusion of a tale written in shadows and melodies, a tale that unfolded against the backdrop of gothic flora and the collective heartbeat of unconventional souls.
In this twilight hour, as the garden bids farewell to the revelry, the echoes of an alternative wedding linger, etching themselves into the collective memory. The curtain falls on a night that dared to be different, leaving in its wake a legacy of love that thrives beyond the boundaries of the expected.”
Let’s work together!
Are you feeling like we are the planners for you? Let’s talk. There is no idea to big or “weird” for us here at SYP Events. Submit a form on the contact page to get started. We can’t wait to be your alternative wedding planner!
