Small Non-traditional Wedding Ideas?

You could do something that's closer to like a backyard BBQ with lawn games for people? You can still have a ceremony but the reception could be more laid back which could help take some of the focus off of you as people just hang out.

Dancing is certainly not required for weddings and plenty of parties happen without it. There's no need to replace it with anything unless you want to do some other particular activity. Eating, drinking, and mingling works well for guests at parties.

As for planning a "non-traditional" wedding, set aside any and ALL traditions that you know about and just focus on what you DO want to include. Have some brainstorming sessions with your future spouse and discuss what you like and don't like about other weddings you have been to. Remember that the only actually required things are a license, officiant, and couple. Everything else is technically extra, so only add the the things that are most meaningful.

As far as budget, remember the biggest way to keep costs down is to have a small guest list.

We had a micro-wedding in Las Vegas of about 25 people, but the only more "traditional" thing we did was the actual ceremony. Afterwards, we just went to a restaurant with our guests for dinner, drinks & dessert. No dancing, toasts, or any silly traditions like garter or bouquet tosses either. We spent about 4k on everything: hotel, gas (we drove from AZ), ceremony & reception dinner, bar, attire, etc... Not sure how big or small you're planning on, but I think you have a good budget to work with! Just pick out which things you would like to include and plan on those things!

We went a more simple route by just doing the restaurant, but if you wanted to do more mingling or spend more time with guests, I like the idea Jessi posted about a backyard BBQ! I think that would be great option if you have the means to do so! It's affordable and simple, you really just need the space!

I can tell you're going to have a great event. Do things you enjoy! Maybe a small ceremony that only focuses really on you saying how much you love and commit to each other (obviously, you've demonstrated that for years, so this is just a nice time to say it all!). Then for the reception, think about what you enjoy. Dancing is always a blast but if it's not for you, no worries. Maybe a board games table? A bonfire with smores if you are outdoors? A totally non-traditional idea would be a Sunday brunch in the park; if you keep it small enough, you wouldn't even need to reserve a picnic site or anything. It can be as low key as you want, as long as you and your partner are able to express your commitment to each other and celebrate with the important people in your life! Good luck.

I love that idea and have been considering that route. I have a pretty big backyard but the ground is kind of unlevel, plus I would need to rent some sort of restroom lol. Thank you!

This is very reassuring! Thank you so much!

I love hearing that you had zero dancing! LOL. Sounds like you had a great wedding. We're trying to keep our wedding as small as possible, but just our IMMEDIATE family is about 50 people (quite a few are kids though). Thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you so much for the ideas and kind words! This is so helpful!

I'm just throwing it out there.

Have you considered a cake and punch reception?

They were, at one time, very popular. You pick a non-meal time, have your ceremony, and afterward everyone enjoys light refreshments.

They are often done on budgets much tighter than yours.

A cake and punch reception is generally understood to be relaxed and brief. No one would expect you to dance, no one would expect speeches, no one would expect a 3+ hour long shindig, etc. You could have lawn games for those who do want to stick around and nosh (like close family), but most people would come, celebrate, toast to your continued happiness, have a pastry or some cake, then leave. It takes the pressure off of you to have the typical wedding trappings, while still giving you the opportunity to share in your day with your loved ones.

I second this idea! A friend of mine had a non-traditional wedding that she described as "a block party where two people happened to get married". I don't know if they actually did it in the street as a block party (the wedding was two years before I'd even met her), or if it was a backyard wedding, but I know she and her husband chucked a lot of traditions. Instead of vows, they each wrote a list of the top 10 reasons they wanted to marry each other. Instead of a first dance, they did a tandem bike ride through a nearby park. Their menu was pizza, wings, and cupcakes. It wouldn't have personally been my thing, but knowing my friend, I wouldn't expect anything else from her.