Weddings are such a beautiful moment in any couple's lives. Well, the day of is super nice, but planning everything beforehand can definitely be a struggle. If you're getting married soon, congratulations! As your planning stage begins, we'd like to offer a couple of suggestions or ideas. Modern weddings are a lot more versatile than they used to be; you can essentially change things however you want! So to give you an idea of what to keep and what not to, here are 10 outdated wedding practices many couples now skip, and 10 timeless ones everyone loves keeping.
1. Garter Toss
In more traditional weddings, it's common practice for the groom to remove and toss the bride's garter, kind of like how women throw bouquets into the crowd. It's a pretty weird wedding ritual we have to admit, and many people are quite uncomfortable with this outdated act. That's why you'll find many couples opt out of including this practice in their wedding.
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2. Gender-Specific Roles
It's about time we change up the strict gender roles associated with weddings. Don't want a flower girl? What about a flower boy? Have a close female friend you want as one of your "groomsmen"? Go for it! In today's society, there's no rules as to how you want to plan your wedding, especially when it comes to gender rules.
3. Bride’s Parents Paying for the Wedding
Why paying for the wedding was left for the bride's side of the family, we're not sure. If anything, it's definitely outdated. In today's modern world, expenses are usually shared between the couple's families. There's no need for one side to pay more than the other, especially if it only has to do with gender.
4. Matching Bridesmaids’ Dresses
While wearing matching dresses might look cute in photos, there's nothing wrong with giving your bridesmaids some freedom too. It can be incredibly expensive and stressful trying to pick one look that everyone agrees on. Instead, choosing a colour palette and style to follow gives you enough cohesion without being too restrictive on them.
5. Separate Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
While bachelor and bachelorette parties are typically thrown separately, there's no reason why you can't just have one big fun get together! In the past, bachelor parties in particular have always been known for being "wild" and honestly, inappropriate. Why not just have some good ol' wholesome fun with everyone involved? It'll definitely make for a memorable night.
6. Formal Invitations Only
You probably have an image in your head of what wedding invitations usually look like; they're prim, proper, and super formal. But don't worry, we're in 2024 now and if that doesn't fit your vibe, turns out it doesn't for a lot of people. While some still choose to go down the traditional route, many have explored much more creative and playful ways to make their invitiations. From digital e-vites to personalized designs, it's a great way to put some personality into your card.
7. Rigid Ceremony Seating
When attending a more traditional wedding, you'll find you're assigned a seat from the moment you walk in. As you look around, you'll notice everyone is split up to sit on either the bride or groom's side, depending on who you know of course. Today, this rigid and formal seating plan isn't followed as much. Most couples prefer open seating, allowing people to mingle and move around; in other words, sit where you feel most comfortable!
8. Avoid White Wedding Dress Code
Some weddings like to follow very strict dress codes that have to be followed. If you get caught wearing white, don't be surprised if you get thrown out! While this is still followed in some cases, many of the more modern weddings choose to embrace a relaxed dress code. Wear whatever you want in whatever colour you want!
9. Throwing Rice
Here's an old tradition that you younger folk might not have even heard about before; throwing rice at the newlyweds as they exit the ceremony was once a surprising wedding practice that most people followed. But hear us out - rice may be small, but they're certainly hard little grains! We'd like to offer some more gentle, pretty alternatives like bubbles or flower petals.
10. Receiving Dowries
If you really want to talk old school, we have to mention the practice of exchanging dowries. It's where the bride's family must provide a gift (it better be a good one!) to the groom's side. While this might still be a common practice in certain areas of the world, we'd argue modern weddings have a much bigger focus on love rather than money.
1. Personalized Vows
If there's ever a moment to cry during a wedding, it's definitely during the exchanging of vows. Hearing the soon to be husband and wife share their love and commitment with one another is incredibly touching to see. It's what makes each ceremony feel intimate and personal, and it's the one part of the wedding that feels unique every time.
Photo by Tai's Captures on Unsplash
2. First Dance
The first dance between newlyweds is such a romantic and beautiful moment, we hope this practice never goes away. This whole night is all about them, so it's the perfect way to give the couple the spotlight. It's also a great opportunity to get some stunning photos in!
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3. Ring Exchange
Wedding rings have always been such a symbolic item when it comes to commitment, love, and dedication. It's so much more than just an expensive piece of jewelry. That's why the exchanging of rings is such a sweet practice; this is a great example of how sometimes, actions can speak louder than words.
4. Wedding Toasts
Who'd ever want to get rid of wedding toasts? They're the entertainment for the night! Giving close friends and family members the chance to reminisce and share beautiful memories with the crowd is such a special moment. We guarantee there will always be tears shed during this time.
5. Walking Down the Aisle
Seeing the bride walk down the aisle in her stunning dress is truly a spectacular moment. Everyone watches in awe as she slowly makes her way to her husband-to-be, who is also seeing her in the dress for the first time. It's such an intimate, memorable moment. Watching both their faces light up as they see each other will always put a smile on the audience's faces.
6. Traditional Cake Cutting
If you're not a fan of the ceremonial aspect of the traditional cake cutting practice, don't worry, we get it! Sometimes, it can feel like it's taking forever. Do we really need to watch the bride and groom feed each other? While that's something we agree can be skipped, we do appreciate the sweetness behind cutting the cake together. It's their first "joint task" as partners after all!
7. Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue
While not everyone may agree with us, we really love the sentimental purpose of incorporating this old tradition of having something old, new, borrowed, and blue. Not everyone has to follow this traditional wedding practice, but there's nothing wrong with following it too. We think it's beautiful.
8. Father-Daughter Dance
Just as the first dance between husband and wife is so beautiful to see, the father-daughter dance is equally as special and emotional. It's a touching moment for the two dancing, but it's also so beautiful for the audience watching. It's a sweet and tender moment that is definitely one of the highlights of the night.
Photo by Chip Vincent on Unsplash
9. Bouquet and Boutonniere
Don't underestimate the beauty of having matching floral elements on your wedding attire. Flowers will never go out of style! The bouquet and boutonniere element of the wedding look shouldn't be ignored - it allows the bride and groom to add a bit of flair to their outfits while still matching the overall decor of the ceremony.
10. Receiving Line or Greeting Guests
Listen, with so many people in attendance at most weddings, it's hard for the bride and groom to keep track of who they've talked to already. That's why having either a formal receiving line or the newlyweds walking around the tables is so important. It allows them to meet everyone who came out for their special day, sharing in one short but intimate moment that is so meaningful.
