Category Archive

handfasting

Handfasting is a lovely tradition to include in your unique wedding ceremony. Get inspiration from other couples who’ve “tied the knot” and then learn how to make your own handfasting cords. You may also be interested in our archive of Pagan weddings.

grand canyon 01 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Anya & Dillon’s Grand Canyon bluegrass beer boat bash

Cowboy boots, an eleventh hour (and serendipitous) bluegrass band, dust-flying dancing, and sky-high views as far as the eye can see — this wedding takes the cake for partying down. Speaking of cake, do you remember the bad-ass Grand Canyon cake we featured? That was only the beginning. Oh, and don’t forget to yell “GORKA” when the time is right.

sdfersf alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Amanda & Alex’s silly DIY barbecue wedding

A hardcore band nerd married a bookworm who doesn’t know how to play a kazoo properly, but damned if they didn’t totally celebrate their shared loves of science fiction, games, music, and all things ridiculous. With a modest budget, they had a wedding that had something for everyone: board games, frisbee, a photo booth, dancing, booze, and lots and lots of BBQ.

Silliman Dunnagan Shewanders Photography 100shewanderscarriealynn4157 low alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Pinwheels, sunshine, and a flash mob dance at this San Diego wedding

Carrie and Alynn created one of those idyllic days where everything seems to glow with love (and a fabulous blue sky day in San Diego never hurts!). From the pinwheel-lined path and bluegrass rendition of “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perry, the ceremony is one sweet moment after another. They celebrated their respective faiths, Christianity and Buddhism, and included a handfasting with ribbons tied by their mothers.

dfsdd alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Karen & Frank’s elven fairytale wedding

A little D&D, a little Lord of the Rings, and a whole lot of fairytale flourishes make this wedding a dream for any fantasy lover. We’ve also got sword arches, a sweet and teary first look, an element ceremony, a choreographed first dance, and a challenging custom-made dress (that was TOTALLY worth it!). Get out your Lembas bread and settle in for this one.

dsdssd alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Kristen & Jet’s zombie-infused Elvira-loving NYC Hallowedding

This one is going to be right on the money for you couples planning Halloween weddings right now. We’ve got two ladies celebrating their favorite holiday, a black ribbon veil, amazing black pumpkin bouquet, and of course, Central Park in New York City! Plus, they had The Reverend D (rad Offbeat Bride vendor) officiate dressed as ELVIRA! And there may have been a wedding crashing zombie in attendance as well.

edfgdgrf alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Bethany & Joe’s geeky winter church wedding

It’s Christmas in May around here! This pair doubled down on ornaments and jingle bells in the bouquets and boutonnieres, to super cute effect. Add in the bride’s mini top hat, the bridesmaids’ retro twirly skirts, some geeky necklaces and toasting flutes, and the groom’s self-described “poodle hair,” and you’ve got fancy fun all over this joint.