As I stood on the shoreline, waves crashing gently at my feet, I glanced over to see my husband, Lucas, kneeling with an engagement ring in hand. Overcome with emotion, I managed to choke out a tearful “Yes!” while nearby beachgoers erupted in cheers. That moment sparked the beginning of my dream wedding planning journey, filled with visions of love, family, and a celebration that captured our shared interests. I imagined an enchanting venue adorned with candlelight and lush flowers, where friends and family would dance the night away to our favorite tunes. My ideal gown was a classic ivory, and I had a vision for the centerpieces that danced in my mind.
Fast forward to our wedding day—while it was indeed beautiful, it wasn’t quite what I had envisioned. Little did I know back then, we were married 18 years ago, before social media transformed the wedding landscape. My options for bridal gowns were limited to what I could find in old issues of wedding magazines, and the era of digital photography had yet to dawn. My friends and I wore off-the-rack dresses from big bridal stores, and quirky food stations like mashed potato bars were nonexistent. If I only knew then about weddings where cocktails flowed from mason jars, I might have been the bride sprinting down the aisle just to reach the bar.
Recently, we attended a wedding for two close friends, and it was so delightfully hipster that it left me yearning for a redo. The beauty of their simple venue and decor was awe-inspiring. As we left, I turned to Lucas and declared, “I want a hipster wedding do-over!” And my desire goes beyond just the mason jars.
1. Barn Weddings Are the New Trend
Barn venues not only evoke a charming nostalgic feel, but they’re also perfect for lively dance parties. My own wedding took place in a hotel ballroom, which was far from rustic and completely devoid of shiplap. Sure, we had a fantastic DJ, but that parquet dance floor was just not the same.
2. Burlap Over Tulle
Back in the late ’90s, tulle was the decoration of choice for brides and planners alike. However, hipsters have turned their backs on tulle, opting instead for the rustic aesthetic of burlap. From table runners to mason jars filled with wildflowers, I could definitely use some burlap for my dream wedding do-over.
3. Custom Hashtags Are Essential
Since we tied the knot before social media became a thing, our photo memories were limited to those captured by our photographer and some disposable cameras on tables. Nowadays, couples can create playful hashtags by combining their last names. Although with our Irish surnames, the end result might sound like a fast-food promotion.
4. Chalkboards Are In
Forget classroom chalkboards; they’re making a stylish comeback at weddings. Whether it’s a cute kid holding a sign or a display next to artisanal cheeses, chalkboards add a charming touch. I’d love a beautifully designed board showcasing the names of our organic, free-range hors d’oeuvres.
5. Food That Wows
While our wedding menu was lovely, it lacked the comfort food flair that defines many hipster weddings today. Gone are the days of boring appetizers—now it’s about creative flavors and stunning presentations. After experiencing our friends’ menu, I’m reconsidering my choice of pigs in a blanket. And yes, I’m still dreaming about that mashed potato bar!
While my wedding day was indeed perfect and a true reflection of who we were at the time, attending modern weddings makes me appreciate just how far we’ve come. As Lucas and I swayed to our wedding song under those twinkling lights in that rustic barn, I felt grateful for our hipster friends who throw the most romantic celebrations. For more insights on home insemination and parenthood, be sure to check out our post on Cervical Insemination as well as March of Dimes, an excellent resource for both pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re looking for an at-home insemination syringe kit, visit Make a Mom, a reputable online retailer.
In summary, while I cherish our wedding memories, the allure of a trendy hipster wedding do-over is hard to resist!