Tips for a super casual wedding

Not everyone grows up dreaming of walking down a four mile aisle with four hundred sets of eyes on them hoping they don’t trip on a gown or slip on an aisle runner. (Not everyone wants extravagant like this iconic movie wedding.) And of course, we’re just being silly with that description but some people really do feel that way about it. Some people want a low key, laid back wedding. So here are some tips for a super casual wedding.

We’ve written about deciding between a small and a big wedding, but here we’re talking about more than just small. A laid back wedding could even be on the bigger side.

You know us. We’re pro-do-what-you-want and forget all the rest. Your wedding day should really be the ultimate for-the-two-of-you-only sort of day. Of course, others are there to participate and to support you and to witness this important ritual, no matter what it looks like. But your relationship is supposed to be the center.

So start with these kinds of questions: what is the core of our relationship? What is the personality of “us?” What would make us most happy? In celebrating our relationship and our wedding, what would make people say “that was 100% them!”

Tips for a super casual wedding

In 2023, almost 20% of couples chose to have a super casual wedding, and it seems that this could be a growing trend. For example, among Gen Z’s a laid back wedding is pretty common. (We’ve written about Gen Z wedding trends if you want to check that out for some ideas.)

Causal weddings are typically a bit smaller (again, not necessarily), and they have a definite laid back aesthetic. They also have a more relaxed vibe overall. And they often take place in much more intimate settings.

Now let’s take a closer look:

Tips for a super casual wedding venue

Start by looking at home. Check out the possibilities at both your parents’ homes if that’s possible. Or do you have an aunt or uncle who has a great cabin or house on the lake?

But also think about your favorite spots as a couple. Maybe there’s a neighborhood bar or restaurant that holds special meaning for you.

Think far outside the box here.

You could look at parks (and of course, Erie is a perfect place for a wedding like this when you consider the lake, the bay, all the beautiful areas with trees and creeks).

The library could be meaningful for you. A coffee shop. An amusement park. You get the idea.

One of the most helpful tips for a super casual wedding: Dig into what’s important in your life and you’re sure to find the perfect venue that tells a story about you as a couple.

Laid back wedding food

Instead of “adult” food ((ha)), there are so many fun options for your laid back wedding.

You could do a pizza bar. A taco truck. An outdoor grill extravaganza. A picnic complete with blankets and baskets.

Again, ask yourself what food speaks to you as a couple. What do you love? What do you think of when you think of fun food?

Other food tips for a super casual wedding: Consider eliminating the formal, multi tiered cake and replacing it with something simpler: cupcakes, cookies (cookie table!), small pies, bowls of candy, donuts, pastries of all kinds.

(This is starting to sound like a pretty memorable wedding, actually…)

Low key wedding attire

Next up: what to wear. You should be getting pretty used to us saying things like this by now: what’s your couple style?

You might want to look at your favorite activities, things to do as a couple. (That really is the key to all of this.)

Maybe you don’t want to get married in your yoga or skiing clothes ((again… kidding)), but there’s so many options here that could be really fun.

And when you decide on  your own attire, perhaps tell your guests to play along.

For example, you could have a single color dress code or a sparkle dress code. Or goth. Or fairy. (We’re kidding and not kidding, of course. There are so many different wedding ideas out there.)

No one has to wear white and no one has to wear a tie. No one even has to wear shoes ((wink)).

Random ideas

Detail sorts of tips for a super casual wedding:

• if you have a small guest list, you could handwrite your invitations. Or you could write a personalized note to each person you’re inviting.
• instead of having bridal parties, think of the entire guest list as your attendants. Give people things to read, candles to light, flowers to hold.
• if you’re having an outdoor wedding and the reception is going into the night, think about fire pits and twinkle lights, candles, and lanterns everywhere.
• you might make centerpieces right from the outdoors if your wedding is during a growing season. If you don’t know, ask your gardening friend (doesn’t everyone have one?) what might be available on the date you’ve picked.
• if you love your dogs and other people’s dogs, why not include them on the guest list? (And please let us photograph this!)
• use handwritten signage where needed, including little chalkboards.
• if you’re doing sneakers, there are so many ways you can have them made custom now.
• if there will be children at your reception, set up a movie and/or game area, complete with big pillows and popcorn to keep them entertained. (And some of the adults might like to join…)
• a bit of a side note: if you are outdoors, make sure to have bug spray and citronella candles everywhere.

The most important of our tips for a super casual wedding:

Like we say over and over here, your wedding is your wedding. Make it exactly what you want, exactly what a dream day means to you.

Above all, have fun and remember why you’re doing this to begin with.