I've been a wedding photographer for over 12 years. Here are 10 of the best ideas I've seen at weddings

You don't need to have cake at your wedding when there are so many unique options available.

Your wedding "cake" can be anything you want — what's the fun if you don't love what's for dessert?

I've seen couples serve chocolate-covered strawberries, ice cream, waffles, cookies, chocolate-dipped bananas, candy, and so on.

For my own wedding, we did a stack of cinnamon rolls in the shape of a cake.

Live music is so special, especially if it has a meaningful twist.

I recommend couples have live music at their wedding, especially if the performer is a close friend or the selected songs are meaningful.

I've seen couples hire a singer to perform their favorite song while they walked down the aisle and have talented friends belt out a song during the first dance. It's a great way to make the music feel more special and unique.

I've seen guests incorporated into the ceremony in some clever ways.

There are endless ways you can involve your friends and family in the ceremony, and I think it's a beautiful touch to show them that they're not just there to be witnesses — they're a part of your story on that special day.

Some fun ways of incorporating guests that I've seen include singing songs together, having select individuals read poems, or asking attendees to fill a basket with handwritten well-wishes.

I've watched the happiest couples get married at a venue that represents them.

If you love a big ballroom wedding venue, then please get married there. If you love hiking and that's a big part of who you are, then head to the top of a mountain and exchange your vows in the great outdoors.

I've seen couples get married under waterfalls, on the beach with water coming up to their ceremony arch, on the cliffsides of national parks, in backyards, at campgrounds, in temples, in churches, and other remarkable places.

The most important part is that the venue is what the couple wants.

Disposable cameras are a worthy investment.

For my wedding, I gave disposable cameras to certain guests and had them snap photos throughout the day.

It was the best decision because I got back photos that represented the guests' experience.

I'd also suggest you give the cameras to certain guests you trust so they won't all end up in the little kids' hands too much (even though I still loved the handful of images from my 6-year-old cousin's perspective).

It's a great way to give your guests something fun to do throughout the night, plus you get even more pictures of your day.

This story was originally published on June 21, 2022, and most recently updated on March 20, 2026.