Even the most traditional Southern weddings are becoming, well, slightly less traditional. Today, there are more creative ways than ever before for couples to design their dream modern wedding — while also incorporating a few classic Southern traditions to please the older generations in their families.
One of the best ways to do this is by incorporating non-traditional wedding activities into your big day. Even better, there are so many ways to do this!
For example, you can hold your rehearsal dinner around a fun, active event (whoever said dinner has to involve just eating and heading home, anyway?). This is a wonderful way to “break the ice” between guests who may not know each other well and ease into a fun, relaxed wedding weekend!
You can also incorporate a couple of non-traditional activities directly into your Southern destination wedding, whether it’s the ceremony or reception. After all, many couples opt to have a destination wedding because they want to spend quality time with their loved ones in a beautiful place that holds special significance to them.
Plus, everyone wants their wedding day to be one-of-a-kind! Coming up with truly unique wedding ideas that have a significant “wow” factor can be a difficult task, however. Let’s dive into some of our favorite ideas for non-traditional wedding activities, to help ensure that your big day is one you (and your guests!) will never ever forget.
Axe-throwing
You might be thinking ‘Really, axe-throwing?’ Yes, really! Wedding axe-throwing is a non-traditional but extremely fun activity you can incorporate into your wedding! Imagine some of your newlywed photos capturing the two of you throwing axes at a target in your wedding attire. Plus, there’s no doubt that your guests will love this very unique, hands-on activity. They can join in on the fun too, or simply watch and have a good laugh. Best of all, many companies offer mobile ‘pop-up’ axe-throwing to bring the fun directly to your event.
Stargazing
Stargazing is another non-traditional, dreamy activity you include in your destination wedding! Not only is it extremely romantic, but it’s educational and relaxing — things your guests will appreciate, too.
Incorporating stargazing in your wedding isn’t as simple as holding your reception at nighttime, though. You’ll need to pick a wedding date ideal for stargazing. This means a period of the year when cloud cover is least likely (like summer). Couples who want to stargaze during their wedding should do so on a night with a new moon. This means you should avoid days with a forecasted full moon, since the harsh light will wash out any stars.
Walking trails
If you’re looking for some outdoor lovers wedding ideas, consider including a group walk as an activity. A walking trail can be a truly beautiful and meaningful activity for you and for your guests to enjoy, whether it’s all together or a suggested activity for guests on their own time. If you want to bring all your guests along, pick walks that are fewer than a few miles long. For guests who aren’t athletic or are elderly, you’ll want something shorter and more practical.
Horseback riding
If you’ve dreamt of being married on horseback, good news — you can! Brides can ride up to the altar during their wedding ceremony for a grand entrance. Talk about a fairy tale wedding idea! Other ways to incorporate horseback riding into your Southern wedding include taking a trail ride as a group or taking group lessons, if several people are inexperienced riders.
Golfing
Alabama is known nationally for its golf, so why not plan golf in as part of your Southern destination wedding? An award-winning golf experience is something veteran golfers and beginner golfers alike will appreciate and enjoy!
Planning a non-traditional outdoor wedding
We can’t think of anything more spectacular or awe-inspiring than an outdoor wedding complemented by perfect weather — and a bunch of hands-on activities designed for you and your wedding guests to spend quality time together. An outdoor wedding can truly be a picture-perfect occasion, regardless of how traditional (or non!). Consider exchanging vows against the backdrop of gorgeous oaks and far-off mountains on a beautiful day as the sun sets, surrounded by friends and loved ones.
All the activities mentioned here would work beautifully for summer destination weddings. With warm weather and long days, everyone enjoys spending time outside, and there’s no better way to do it than being active and enjoying a favorite activity or learning something new!
A barn wedding
Many engaged couples choose Southern destination weddings because Southern weddings are extremely charming. The South has so many features that appeal to engaged couples, including a wide range of breathtaking landscapes, sparkling lakes, lush mature trees and colorful flowers, internationally-acclaimed music and gourmet dining venues, and a compelling collection of historical sites.
If you are planning a destination wedding in the South and considering Alabama, you’ll be glad to know that Pursell Farms has numerous lovely wedding locations to choose from, including a rustic red barn. Ideal for couples wanting to put their own stamp and incorporate non-traditional activities into their wedding day, Alabama barn weddings are a terrific option. The barn has multiple rooms and areas, acting almost like a blank canvas! This setting also allows your guests to relax and unwind together while also providing the best of both worlds for indoor and outdoor weddings.
Destination weddings are designed specifically to allow couples to celebrate their love alongside their closest family and friends, and that means spending lots of quality time together and connecting one-on-one. Choosing Pursell Farms for your Southern wedding and incorporating a few non-traditional activities into your big day are excellent ways to do just that.
When you get married at Pursell Farms, we work with you to create your dream wedding, whatever that may look like! Contact us today so we can start making your Southern destination wedding fantasy a reality!
