When planning a wedding you usually have a ton of people telling you what you need to do. All these traditions that have seen and heard over the years gets programmed into your head and you feel that your wedding must be the same. Since the years have passed more and more people have been trying to add their own new traditions or twist to some of the old ones. There are still traditions that are in the wedding ceremony and reception, but if you are curious about some of the traditions you might not want follow here is a list of 10 traditions that can be changed or excluded for your wedding.
- You can’t see the bride/groom before walking down the aisle.
The tradition of waiting to see your sweetheart until they walk down the aisle is dying down since “First Look” pictures are the newest trend. These pictures are meant to capture the moment the couple sees each other. It is a more personal moment for photos and you can also use this time to take pictures with family and friends in order to have more time to mingle during cocktail hour or take more photos.
- Tossing of the bouquet/garter.
You really don’t have to do either of these traditions anymore. You can just toss the bouquet or keep it and save it as a memory. Also fewer brides are okay with the groom reaching up their skirt to grab the garter and toss it to a group of guys. You don’t have to do that as well.
- Passing out favors.
If you are thinking of getting favors for your guest think real hard about what you want to give them. Most of them end up in the trash if they aren’t food or alcohol. If you want to give something with your monogram try a little bottle of wine or something interesting with a thank you label. You do not have to feel pressured of providing a favor to your guest; you can also donate to charity as another option.
- Have your wedding on a weekend.
While most weddings are on the weekends, a lot of celebrities are showing that weddings during the week are becoming more acceptable. Some couples want to have their weddings at a specific location and those locations only have availabilities during the week. The day of the week may impact your guest list so keep that in mind when wanting to pick a weekday wedding.
- You must invite children to the wedding.
If you feel that you might offend anyone by not having children at your wedding, don’t worry about it that hard. Weddings are events for adults that include a long day of driving, alcohol, and late nights. It wouldn’t be a fun place for kids to be and with enough notice guest can find babysitters for the kids that one night.
- Have to provide the guest with transportation the entire day.
Transportation is a great gesture but it is not mandatory. Couples need to make the decision of providing transportation months in advance, before sending the invitations. That requires guessing how many guests are going to come and chances are most guest will use their own transportation in the end anyways. It is really the couples call but if you want to save the money and use it for other aspects then go for it.
- Having someone walk you down the aisle.
Now you can take the trip down the aisle alone if you really wanted to. This of course is if you feel that you don’t have someone that you feel needs to “give you away.” Also the bride also needs to remember that the aisle is usually narrow and if you decide to wear a ball gown you might only be able to fit one person down the aisle.
- Having the same amount of bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Your bridal party should always consist of the closest people to you. If you have 2 people that is fine and if your husband has more that is fine too! You can do as you wish with your wedding party there are no set rules.
- Hiring friends to be officiant/planner/DJ/etc.
Hiring friends to help with the wedding is not always the best option. There are states that don’t allow friends to be officiants and that causes couples to have to get married in advance and sometimes friends mess up on the wedding day causing problems. Hire a professional and let your friends just be guest at your wedding.
- Having your reception run a specific way.
During the reception there are certain aspects like, the cake cutting and parent dances that have to be organized but you do not have to do them in any specific order. You can set the schedule of events however you would like them to be. Remember it is your day so schedule whatever you want, however you want.
Sources:
Leave a Reply