Think about a wedding you’ve been to where you had the most fun. What did you like about it? Chances are, it wasn’t anything extravagant that made it fun. Aside from good food and an open bar, it often comes down to the vibe - a relaxed atmosphere with a happy couple and a collective feeling of togetherness. Inspired by Larissa and Mike’s alfresco dinner in Downtown Winnipeg, we’ve rounded up a few tips to make your wedding fun too!

1 | Break tradition (if you want) and be yourselves

It's easy to feel like you need to check the boxes on all the traditions: white dress, not seeing one another before the ceremony, bouquet toss, girls are bridesmaids and guys are groomsmen, etc. If it makes you uncomfortable, feels like a hassle, or it just isn't a good fit: break tradition or put a personal spin on it. The world evolves and weddings are no exception. Everyone will have an opinion but you can't please everyone. They are there to celebrate you, after all.

Larissa and Mike were happy to stick with some Ukrainian and Korean wedding traditions, but unlike what we've come to expect from North American weddings, they spent the half hour prior to their ceremony greeting guests as they arrived and mingling. It set the tone for a casual and fun night ahead.

2 | Leave time to enjoy yourselves

Give yourself some breathing room to allow for unexpected moments and keep travel to a minimum. Plan ahead and dedicate time to hang one-on-one with your partner pre- or post-ceremony, as well as time to mingle with your guests uninterrupted.

Larissa and Mike were adamant about carving time to enjoy the company of one another and their guests. They took all the photos they wanted (including family photos!) earlier in the day and moved through the rest of the day without any rush.

3 | Keep the flow going

Offer a generous amount of food and beverage, and incorporate signage, entertainment, transportation arrangements and key moments to keep your guests from wondering what to do next or waiting for more.

Champagne was passed to conclude Larissa and Mike's ceremony and after a brief toast and group photo, everyone boarded the eye-catching Winnipeg Trolley to dinner on a downtown roof. It was truly a night to remember!

4 | Give them something to talk about

For just one night, this is everyone you love all in one place. Give them a shared experience that they can connect over and look back on, whether it's a shared dance on the packed dance floor, a meaningful take-away, or collective shots during dinner.

Mike, with the assistance of his groomsmen, lead a demonstration on how to drink soju, Korea's most popular spirit. Aside from the amazing food by Chef Ben and his team, it was definitely a highlight from dinner.

5 | Treat yourself (and in turn your guests)

Chances are your favourite things to eat and drink are others favourites too. From tacos and pizza to crème brûlée and specialty coffees, the options are endless.

The menu Chef Ben served paid homage to their Ukrainian and Korean backgrounds with flavours their families were familiar with, including kimchi made by Mike's family.

6 | Choose to be around fun people

Don't feel the need to invite everyone you (or your parents) have ever known. First and foremost, choose those who have shaped you in who you have become and who will willingly be there to support your marriage through good times and bad. Consider your seating plan and group guests together who have some things in common. Keep the friends you share good laughs with or who aren't afraid of the dance floor close and you'll be set to party.

All of Larissa and Mike's guests were seated al fresco at one long table that wrapped around the patio. The conversations and smiles never stopped as the sun went down. The with the adjacent dance floor, bar and lounge, the first dance naturally transitioned everyone into party mode.

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READY TO PLAN A MEANINGFUL WEDDING?

Maybe you have a Pinterest board full of ideas but they don’t all fit together, you're not quite sure which direction to take, and you want to turn them into a vision that's yours. Or, maybe you know how you want your day to feel, but could use some guidance on how to bring it to life.

With planning timelines, vendor connections, design boards, colour palettes and custom decor sourcing, we provide creative direction and support for all planning and design-related decisions.

Contact us and tell us about your wedding day vision!

6 Ways to Have a Fun Wedding