• As a wedding photographer, I've seen really special, clever ideas at receptions and ceremonies.
• I love it when couples do first-look photos with different people and pass out disposable cameras.
• Unconventional desserts and suggested dress codes can also be very cool at weddings.

As a wedding photographer with more than 12 years in the business, I've witnessed hundreds of celebrations.

Somehow, I'm still regularly amazed by the new ideas and creativity that make each event so unique.

Here are some of the best ideas I've seen at weddings.

Couples won't regret having a private moment immediately following the ceremony.

Wedding days can be so busy that there's often no time for couples to take in the fact that they just got married.

Because of this, one of the best things I've seen a couple do is sit down in a private area in their venue together immediately after saying "I do" and celebrating down the aisle.

They just took a few minutes to reflect and soak it in before taking on the rest of the evening.

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.

Having a suggested dress code can make for stunning photos.

This one's for the couple who wants the ultimate aesthetically pleasing wedding photos.

I've seen couples put a suggested dress code with specific colors on their invitations or on wedding websites. This can be the perfect way to create the most color-coordinated wedding pictures ever.

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.

Cell-phone-free ceremonies are always a win for photographers.

There is nothing worse than when a beautiful ceremony photo is ruined by someone with a phone in their hand.

I highly recommend that the couple have the officiant announce beforehand that no cellphones are to be used or taken out during the ceremony.

Some couples will hang up signs that say a similar message, too.

A lot of people don't realize this is a problem, so a gentle reminder is always a great idea.

Video can level up the traditional guest book.

A fun guest book idea I've seen is to leave out a self-service recording device or hire a videographer to film your guests sharing kind messages and well-wishes.

Video messages can be rewatched forever. And, believe me, put guests in front of a video recording and they will say the most beautiful, funny, and memorable things.

I love it when couples do multiple first-look photos with family and friends.

Typically, a first look is when the couple sees each other for the first time in their wedding attire. I've also seen couples do first looks with other people, and it results in the most beautiful photos.

These can be done with friends, siblings, grandparents — anyone special to the couple. I especially enjoy when my couples do solo first looks with their parents and the wedding party.

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.

Read the original article on Business Insider