Once you tell people you're engaged you suddenly have hundreds of wedding planners that want to get involved. Many people have ideas and suggestions and it can quickly get overwhelming. From "but that's how it's done" to "this will not make aunt Emma happy" you can hear so many things. Which is why sometimes it's good to stop for a second and remember why it is that you are getting married. It's because you love each other and want to commit to each other in a special and truly bonding way.
So who is your wedding for? You! And for you only.
That's why some people choose to elope. And although that is a beautiful way, it might be a little extreme for a lot of couples. So the next best thing is to plan your wedding day according to your wants and wishes. You love to sleep in? Plan your ceremony in the late afternoon! You're not religious at all? Have a celebrant make an individual ceremony catered to your needs with lots of tears, laughter and no religion at all. Or have him or her sprinkle just the right amount of theology into the sermon, according to your beliefs. You don't see the appeal in paying a fortune for a white dress? Just wear whatever you're comfortable in! Traditions are here to be broken. I once had a bride tell me "That's not at all me, but my mom said I have to do this." This makes me sad. I understand that you want to honor your parents and try to make people happy through your choices but this day comes once and once only. It might be difficult to say no but that's what you should do. Think about if it's worth not enjoying the day to the fullest because of something somebody else wants. You might get criticized at first but it will be worth it. And I assure you, not only will you be happier, but even guests with previous reservations won't be able to help it and thoroughly enjoy the whole day. Like you always imagined it to be.
These two decided to have a non-traditional wedding by entering a concubinage instead of a wedding because "it's unfair that we can get married while other people like LGBTQ-couples can't". Beautiful! Also, she tailored her dress out of her mothers old wedding dress herself.
You don't want to wear uncomfortable shoes? Then don't!
What do you do if you're both huge tennis-fans and you met through the sport? You become the first couple to get married on a tennis-court in the mountains! Easy as that.
You both don't like wearing jewelery or you're not allowed to because of your job? Why not find another solution? They got matching bracelets that each say "belong together".