So, you’ve found your person, your lobster, The One and you want to make it official. We all know what happens next; a quick scroll through social media and you’re bombarded with the so-called formula for the ‘perfect’ wedding.

Proposal on a beach? Check.
Hen weekend with blow up dolls and a sash? Check.
A big white dress that costs more than a week’s holiday? Check.
The first look, the first dance, the first “how have I spent that much?” moment…

But what if that’s not you? What if you’ve never dreamt of floating down the aisle in a big white wedding dress? What if following outdated patriarchal traditions isn’t how you want to start married life? Historically, marriage was less about romance and more about making a transaction where a woman was passed from her father to her husband; it plays into some very suspect ideas about gender and equality.

Maybe your family dynamics are complicated. Maybe the budget isn’t there. Maybe you’re ethically opposed to a wedding that leaves more waste than Glastonbury. Or you might be rubbish at planning; after all, a wedding requires you to be a project manager, logistics expert and diplomat (hello guest list…). And for lots of people the thought of being the centre of attention is their absolute worst nightmare.

Whatever your reasons, there are ways you can celebrate without having a traditional wedding, so here are some ideas.

Come Away with Me

Say the word ‘elopement’ and we immediately think of running away and getting married in secret; there’s something personal and intimate about going off, just the two of you. Literature and popular culture are riddled with elopement stories; from Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice, to Damon and Debbie in Brookside.

But it doesn’t have to be dramatic, you don’t actually have to climb out of your bedroom window and run away to Gretna at midnight. An elopement can just be about the two of you doing your thing; you might have a few select friends and family with you, or you might just grab some witnesses off the street (it works on the telly), you might even fancy an adventure elopement and head off to the mountains, but whether you choose to have a handfasting ceremony in a forest wearing jeans and flip flops, or zip off to Vegas in matching sparkly jumpsuits to be married by Elvis, it’s a chance to do whatever you feel reflects you best, as a couple.

Surprise, Surprise!

A surprise wedding can be a great – and exciting – alternative to the traditional big bash. It still requires a certain amount of planning on your part but is a great compromise between going all out, and eloping. You invite close friends and family to a party, a meal, a weekend away and then BOOM, they’re at your wedding!

Have an idea of how many guests you want, and how formal/informal you want it to be, as well as how you want to do the big reveal. You could have a playlist full of songs with the word ‘surprise’ in it, or wedding themed songs – having Billy Idol’s White Wedding on a loop should do it. You also need to be able to keep a secret. But the surprise and joy on everyone’s faces when you finally tell them why they’re there will definitely be worth it.

All the Small Things

A micro-wedding has all the good bits of a wedding, without the stress (no guest list = no drama). Just head off to your local registry office then go somewhere for a meal with your closest family and friends; it’s a chance to think about who you really want with you. The fewer people you invite, the more time you get to spend with them; so many people feel overwhelmed at their own wedding as they either don’t get to speak to all of their guests, or they’re so busy ‘doing the rounds’ they don’t get to speak to their partner.
A micro-wedding means you can pick and choose the parts of the wedding you like; want to go dancing? Go dancing! Fancy a bit of karaoke? Grab that mic. Want to eat pizza? Do it.

Home is Where the Heart Is

If going out isn’t your thing, or if you’re worried about accessibility, then you can get married at home. You can officially apply for a license, but you’d have to agree to your house being a registered wedding venue, so unless you’re happy with the prospect of letting anyone getting married in your house, it’s best to go to the registry office to make it legal, then have a celebrant come to your house for a more personal ceremony.

You can use your back garden; you don’t need to have acres of land, just work with what you’ve got because remember – fairy lights make anything look better. Stick a few tea lights in jam jars, add a firepit and you’ve got yourself an atmospheric, intimate wedding that lets you stay in your comfort zone. It’s a cheaper, more sustainable option and is great for including children and pets as they’re on their home turf. Your relationship is unique, it’s built on your joint ideas and interests and values, so why shouldn’t your special day be the same?

The people who matter will love sharing your special day with you, however you choose to celebrate it; weddings are expensive affairs for guests too, so they might just be grateful! In years to come it’s the feelings that people remember, the love and hope in the room; they really won’t care that you didn’t spend six months crocheting handmade wedding favours that were carried in by unicorns. If you want matching tattoos instead of rings, go for it because for one day, it actually is all about you.

Whatever you plan for your wedding celebration, life happens and perfection is rarely achieved, no matter how organised you are. That’s why wedding insurance is becoming a must-have for some couples. Companies like The Insurance Emporium offer policies for UK weddings that cover cancellation, rearrangement, financial failure of suppliers and more. There are nine policies to choose from with coverage from £5,000 to £50,000 for events big or small, it can help brides and grooms to focus on the planning of their big day knowing they’re covered.

Good things happen in the Insurance Emporium. Take a look at their website to find out more or give them a ring for a free no-strings quote by calling their friendly team on 03300 243 121.

Please note: The Insurance Emporium’s policies do not cover cold feet!

_{The Insurance Emporium offers a variety of cover levels, so please check the policy cover suits your needs before purchasing. Excesses may apply. For your protection, please ensure you read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and policy wording, for information on policy exclusions and limitations.}

_{Lifestyle Policy Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium ® is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no: 294940) which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no: 202748.}