Throwing the perfect hipster wedding doesn’t have to mean dancing down the aisle to Animal Collective. In fact, it probably shouldn’t. But before we get into that, a quick note on the marriage proposal: creative is best. Write it in pumpkins. Or give her a beautiful hand-drawn illustration. Alright, now on to our best advice for the main event.
1. Dress
Image via Refinery 29
Forget Vera Wang or Monique Lhuillier for a moment. Many would argue that the bride (and by extension, her dress) are the centerpiece of this day. So shouldn’t your outfit choice reflect your real personal style? Just think, if you ditch the cupcake dress and pick something you’ll want to wear long after your wedding, the crazy price tag doesn’t seem quite so ridiculous. Also: in many cases, pieces by emerging designers are going to be more affordable anyway. We’d suggest any of the super romantic bohemian numbers above — from left to right they are by Thakoon, Vena Cava, Lover, and Lanvin respectively. And Urban Outfitters plans to launch a bridal line by Valentine’s Day of next year.
Could care less about finding a dress? Throw on something comfortable and low key, stick some flowers in your hair, and head down to City Hall.
2. Invites
From top: Designs by B Dunlap, Rudi de Wet, RIFLE, M + E, and Erin Jang
It is our belief that a wedding invitation is a pretty accurate indication of the event that follows — so you definitely want to avoid picking something that’s boring. Our favorite designs function like mini works of art, while reflecting something that’s unique about the couple.
3. Location
Image via LA Weekly
Let’s face it: While it would make an amazing story, most of us probably don’t want to get hitched at Leslie Hall’s Gem Sweater Museum. (But if you do, note that an illegal fireworks display is included in the price.) Or a 99 Cents Only Store in Hollywood. Or Oregon’s Voodoo Doughnut shop, for that matter. Sure it might seem funny and ironic to get married at a Taco Bell at the time, but what will your kids think? That’s why when it comes to non-traditional locations, we want to stress that the best spot to pick would probably not be described as “strange.” A simple ceremony in a park or at a beach or even in your own backyard trumps that kind of shock factor any day.
4. Cake
Images via 1000 Layer Cake
Image via Luxirare
Ditch the traditional wedding cake, and think outside of the box. Do wedding donuts, pie pops, or even better, cookies with to-go bags. If you live in the city, why not have a gourmet ice cream truck cater the desserts? Ice cream sandwiches with names inspired by modern architects like Frank Behry, Mintimalism, and Richard Meyer Lemon Ginger sound so much more appealing than regular old cake.
5. Videographer
This is really important, because many of your friends who had to move back in with parents probably won’t be able to afford a plane ticket to your wedding. Or a gift, for that matter. When they’re watching a video of it, you want them to feel like they really missed out on something special, preferably while enjoying some good tunes. This adorable couple from La Grange, GA chose “Sleepyhead” by Passion Pit.
Alternately, a cute stop-motion video set to a retro track is pretty amazing, too.
Bonus points for any of the following:
A wedding party that doubles as a kazoo band; Image via Green Wedding Shoes
Handwritten wedding vows; Image via Once Wed
A carousel that plays Ginuwine’s “Pony”; Image via Once Wed
Underwater wedding pics; Image via A Cup of Jo
A kick-ass getaway car; Image via 1000 Layer Cake