10 Wedding Traditions You No Longer Have to Follow on Your Big Day
Traditions. It is in human nature to follow them, right?
Regardless of whether you realize it or not, we all follow some traditions. Starting from the way we celebrate Christmas, food preparation methods, down to our weddings, we, the people, simply love repeating history. And, there is nothing wrong with that.
Today, however, things are changing rapidly, and new trends arise every day, especially when it comes to weddings. This century is the perfect time for establishing new practices, that a hundred years from now, might be considered traditions as well.
While there are many couples who embrace being unique on their big day, there are also the ones that are afraid to stray from traditions due to the opinions of their guests. To this, we say- Let go and stop worrying so much! After all, it is your special day and you, as a couple, should be the people who enjoy it the most!
This article is dedicated to all of you who are afraid of what people (will) think. We like to encourage you to march to the beat of your own drum, even just for one day. So, here are 10 wedding traditions you can break free from or put a twist to, and have the wedding you have always imagined.
Tradition #1: The Parents Cover the Wedding Cost
This wedding tradition is one of the oldest traditions that dates back when the brides were stay-at-home wives and moms and did not have a job, therefore had no money to cover the wedding costs. Instead, the parents of the bride, sometimes together with the parents of the groom covered the costs for the ceremony.
Nowadays, most of the couples are working, which enables them to pay for the wedding expenses from their own pockets. In case you and your partner can afford to have a wedding and do not want to involve your parents in the costs' coverage, do so. We promise they will be proud to see you and your future husband doing things on your own.
Tradition #2: The Wedding Dress Must Be White
If you know anything about this tradition, then you already know why the brides wore white in the past. As mentioned, things have changed and today we are freer to do whatever we want, leaving out the reason for wearing white behind.
This being said means that you can totally skip wearing white on your wedding day if you feel like doing so. In case you do not want to go all out, you can put a twist to this tradition and wear ivory or grey dress with white details, or a white dress with bright colored jewelry and/or accessories. Other brave colors for a bridal gown are pastel dress in pink, lavender, or blue, as well as champagne and black.
Tradition #3: You Must Have a Diamond Wedding Ring
Speaking of bridal jewelry, a wedding ring is a must.
Choosing wedding jewelry can be a difficult task, depending on your own likes and preferences. As the bride, you can choose to accessorize yourself as much as you want with various bridal hair accessories such as a crown, hair combs and tiaras. You can also choose to wear a wedding belt, as well as different kinds of wedding necklace and earring sets. However, you can also decide to wear none other accessories other than the wedding ring.
The huge stigma surrounding this significant piece of jewelry is that it has to be a diamond ring. Although having a diamond engagement ring is not only beautiful but also a classic, it definitely is not the only option.
These days, the jewelers have extended their selections including a number of different stones and settings such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds giving the jewelry lovers many more alternatives. Regardless of whether your taste is extravagant or minimalist, the whole point of having a wedding ring is to have a keepsake that reflects you and your husband's personalities, so make sure you find the perfect ring.
Tradition #4: The Bride and the Groom Are Not Allowed See Each Other Before the Ceremony
Based on several different superstitions, this tradition was formed a long time ago. Some cultures believed that if the groom sees the bride before the wedding reception it would bring bad luck to the marriages. Other countries, where the marriage was an arrangement between families forbid the groom from seeing the bride before the ceremony because he might change his mind and choose not to marry the bride.
Since neither of these practices no longer makes sense, couples more often than not, decide on breaking this tradition. In fact, most of the weddings that happen nowadays involve pictures taken before the wedding reception, which means the couples do see each other before the wedding even begins.
In case you want to make memorable photos with your spouse before the day gets chaotic, do not feel bad about abandoning this tradition.
Tradition #5: The Bridesmaids Must Wear Matching Dresses
When we are talking about bridesmaid's dresses, bridesmaid hairstyles, accessories, and bridesmaid shoes, it all comes down to the bride's individual preference. Every bride cares about different things. Hence, there are brides that do want their bridesmaids to be noticeable as such by wearing the same/similar colors. Other brides focus on the design rather than the color. And lastly, there are brides that do not really care about any of these things, but instead, aim for their bridesmaids to feel comfortable and confident in the dresses.
Either of these scenarios is completely fine, which means that if you want to give your bridesmaids the freedom to choose their own dresses, accessories, and shoes, do not feel stressed about it.
Tradition #6: The Guests Must Be Divided in Two Sides
One thing we want you to remember is that you and your future husband have the complete freedom to design the wedding theme and the setup of the ceremony as you wish. Which guests are from whose side should not matter on your wedding day. What matters is that all those people are here to celebrate the beginning of your marriage, so if you have the chance to bring them closer together, make sure to do that. By rejecting the idea of a groom and bride side seating arrangement, you will allow your guests to feel like a whole. They will be grateful.
Tradition #7: Your Father Should Walk You down the Aisle
Undoubtedly, this is one of the most beautiful wedding traditions that exist. To the fathers, it is a lifelong dream, and to the bride is among the most memorable moments of her special day.
So, do not get us wrong on this. We are not inspiring you to abandon the thought of your father walking you down the aisle, but to consider not involving him only. If you wish, your mom and siblings can also hold your hand in hand as well.
Alternatively, you can walk down alone. It is the 21st century and there is no shame in giving yourself away!
Tradition #8: The Wedding Cake Has to Be White
No, it does not.
Your wedding cake can be whatever you choose it to be. You can create it in a way that perfectly matches your wedding theme or in a way that it stands out.
If you are not a big fan of cakes, you do not have to have one. Go with something you love, for example, donuts or cookies, and do not worry about what your guests will think. For all we know, not serving a cake may become the very reason why some people will remember your wedding until the rest of their lives.
Tradition #9: Bouquet and Garter Tosses Are Mandatory
In case you do not want a bouquet and garter toss at your wedding, there are a few simple but amazing twists that you can do to this wedding tradition.
Instead of tossing your bouquet you can take it apart and give single flowers to the people you love. The garter toss can be skipped completely as it is one of the many wedding traditions that are slowly but surely dying.
Tradition #10: Having a Receiving Line
Even though wedding receiving lines are a good way of giving the guests a chance to personally greet and congratulate you on the marriage and give you the opportunity to thank each guest for coming, having one is not necessary. Especially for large weddings, it is a time-consuming process that can be easily avoided.
If you do not feel comfortable standing for hours greeting your guests, while the other guests wait for the wedding to begin, skip the tradition and try to talk to as many guests as possible during the celebration. At some point, make an effort to visit each table and thank the guests for their gifts and wishes, and get back to the dance floor where the magic of your wedding happens.