How to Have a Quirky Wedding When You're Not 'Quirky'

By Jenny at Wedding Elements UK

What exactly is a quirky wedding? Bright colours? A celebrant dressed as a wizard? An alpaca as the ring bearer? The internet would certainly have you believe so. But what if that’s not your style? Does that mean you’re excluded from having a quirky wedding? Absolutely not.

Because here’s the thing—quirky isn’t about ticking off a checklist of ‘alternative’ elements. It’s about celebrating what makes you you, in whatever way that looks. A quirky wedding doesn’t require a neon jumpsuit or a venue made entirely of reclaimed wood (unless that’s what you love). It just means throwing out the ‘shoulds’ and focusing on what actually makes you and your partner happy.

So, if you want a wedding that’s personal, fun, and totally unique to you—without feeling like you need to audition for a whimsical lifestyle blog—here’s how to do it.

Image by Sonder Lust Photography

Focus on What You Love

Forget about what a wedding is ‘supposed’ to be and start with what actually makes you happy. Good food? Plenty of drinks? A relaxed, joyful atmosphere? Start there.

If tradition doesn’t appeal, shake things up. Want to have a celebrant-led ceremony and do the legal bit later? Go for it. Fancy serving dinner at a time that suits you, rather than following a rigid timeline? Do it. Prefer a fun activity like Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo instead of a speeches? Brilliant idea.

Your wedding should be a celebration of you as a couple, not a performance of what you think a wedding should look like.

Traditions Are Optional

Wedding traditions are great—if you actually like them. But let’s be honest, some are a bit outdated. Do you really need to toss a bouquet just because that’s what people do? Does cutting a cake in front of an audience sound fun to you? If yes, fantastic. If not, feel free to skip it.

Instead, make your own traditions. Maybe you want an ice cream truck instead of a cake, or to kick off the evening with a group quiz rather than a first dance. Anything goes if it feels right for you.

Pinterest Is a Guide, Not a Rulebook

We all love a bit of wedding inspiration, but scrolling through endless Pinterest boards can quickly become overwhelming. One minute you’re looking at simple ideas, the next you’re convinced you need to handcraft 200 personalised name tags out of pressed flowers.

The truth? Nobody will remember if your centrepieces were elaborate floral masterpieces or simple candles. But they will remember how much fun they had. So if DIY décor isn’t your thing, or you’d rather spend your time choosing the perfect playlist instead of folding napkins into swans, that’s absolutely fine.

Image by Kezia Tan Photography

Serve Food You Actually Want to Eat

Why is wedding food so often overcomplicated? Tiny portions of things you can’t pronounce may look fancy, but will they leave people feeling full and happy? If a formal sit-down meal doesn’t suit your vibe, change it up.

Street food trucks, big sharing platters, or a really great Sunday roast are all fantastic alternatives. And when it comes to dessert, if the idea of a traditional wedding cake doesn’t excite you, go for something more fun—like an ice cream truck or a doughnut wall. Your guests will thank you.

Entertainment Doesn’t Have to Mean Dancing

Some people love dancing. Others spend the whole evening trying to avoid it. If a big dance floor isn’t your thing, think about other ways to keep people entertained.

Games, quizzes, cocktail-making stations, casino tables—there are so many fun alternatives. And trust us, nothing gets people laughing quite like a round of Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo with slightly tipsy guests singing along.

Listen to Advice, but Trust Your Gut

The moment you start planning a wedding, everyone will have an opinion. Some advice will be helpful, but a lot of it won’t.

You don’t have to invite people you barely know just to keep someone else happy. You don’t need to follow someone else’s idea of what’s ‘appropriate.’ And you definitely don’t need to worry about whether your choices fit into a particular wedding category.

Take suggestions with a smile, but ultimately, do what feels right for you.

Let Go of Perfection

Something will go wrong on the day. A speech will be too long. The playlist might shuffle to an unexpected song. The weather will do whatever it wants. But none of it will matter.

The best weddings are the ones where people are laughing, eating, and enjoying the moment. No one will care if the confetti was the wrong shade or if a place setting was slightly crooked. What they will remember is how much love and joy filled the room.

Make your quirky wedding a Celebration, Not a Performance

The best weddings don’t feel like a show; they feel like a really good party. The kind where everyone feels comfortable, has a great time, and leaves saying, ‘That was so them.’

So, whether your wedding is in a grand venue or a cosy backyard, whether you’re embracing traditions or making up your own, the most important thing is that it feels like you.

Because at the end of the day, the quirkiest, most memorable weddings are the ones where people feel welcome, happy, and free to be themselves. And that’s what truly makes a wedding special.

For all your unique wedding inspiration why not check out our upcoming Quirky Wedding Fayres and get inspired to create 'your day, your way!'