Brides these days are opting to skip out on some wedding traditions. It’s not because they are in a hurry, they just choose to not take part in some traditions. It may just not be their thing. That’s totally fine because your day should be just that, YOUR day. The couple should do what they want and have it go as they want. Being different is what makes your day unique and memorable. Here are some things that are totally fine to skip...
Seeing Each Other Before the Ceremony
The superstition that it’s bad luck to see each other before the ceremony is well, just plain false. As a photographer I prefer the bride and groom to do a first look (the time where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony) for 3 reasons. The first being it’s so much more special when a couple does their first look. When it is just the bride, groom, and photographer there seems to be so much emotion. They don’t have everyone watching them, which helps. They have time to take it all in and enjoy seeing each in their wedding attire. The second reason is it’s way easier on me as a photographer, which in turn there will be a better turn out of images for the couple. It’s harder to get the bride and grooms reaction at the same time when you’re one person. I mean everyone is standing, you don’t want to get in the grooms view of his bride and vice versa, and you usually don’t have a ton of space. The third reason is I can get so many of the pictures, like all of the family, bridal party, and the couple, done before the ceremony versus trying to get them all between the ceremony and the reception which leaves the guests waiting and possibly getting impatient.
The Receiving Line
It simply takes too long and it usually feels rushed. You can’t really talk with your guests in a receiving line, you are expected to say thank you for coming then hug and move on. I think doing table visits before dinner is served and/or after dinner. You can actually talk with your guests and also you’re able to get pictures. I guess it depends on how many guests you have. Regardless, I think table visits are just more intimate and easier.
Wedding Favors
Have you ever seen how many wedding favors are left behind? And if you’re the bride and groom you know how much money you are throwing in the trash. You can still thank your guests for coming by saying thank you when you do the table visits. It's just as meaningful in my opinion versus candy in a cute little box. Some ideas for giving them something to take home would be a box to take leftover dinner or cake in. Or if you have a photo booth the pictures are a good little memento from the wedding.
Matching Bridesmaid Dresses
I think as long as there is some aspect of the bridesmaid dresses that match it will look good but having the dress style, color, and accessories matching perfectly is not needed. Not all of your bridesmaids will have the exact same body type so not one style of dress or color will flatter every bridesmaid in your bridal party. I think as long as you do something like have the same color but different dress styles or same dress style in different tones of a color. And heck, if you want to do different styles and different colors then go for it! I would say if you do different styles and different colors tie it all together by matching their flowers and/or accessories.
Walking Down the Aisle to Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus”
I see a lot of brides walking down the aisle to a song they picked out. This is the perfect way to show your guests how unique you are. Choose a song that is meaningful to you and your groom, a song that has significance in your relationship, or one that really speaks of your personality. Whatever you choose is fine, remember it’s your day!
Wearing a White Gown
I personally like white gowns. Whether they have lace, pearls, or rhinestones, I think white wedding gowns look elegant. I have also seen wedding gowns that were not white and they still looked gorgeous. Whatever style and color you feel the most comfortable in or flatters you better than buy that dress and wear it proudly on your wedding day.
These are just some of the wedding traditions that you can skip. What are some that you didn't do at your wedding or what are some you plan to skip for you wedding?
9 Comments
Kirsten
3/13/2018 01:17:49 pm
Sounds like you've got the same mindset as I do!
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3/13/2018 11:30:01 am
I think the wedding favors are a waste of money. My husband didn't see me til I walked down the aisle and I think it was more special doing it that way.
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Kirsten
3/13/2018 01:18:52 pm
Yeah, I'm not a fan of wedding favors.
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3/13/2018 11:48:00 am
I love, love, love this post on wedding traditions you can skip! My daughter Brooke is getting married this fall, so this is very timely advice. I'm sending a link to this page to her right now...
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Kirsten
3/13/2018 01:19:34 pm
Awesome! Glad I could help! Congrats!
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Allison Mattina
3/13/2018 04:37:35 pm
I am glad these being skipped are pretty common. I know that we skipped a few of these because we truly just didn't like them.
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3/13/2018 05:14:50 pm
My husband and I got married in ‘08 before Pinterest. I wish that I would have had all of the ideas available like the ladies do today; I was so clueless how to throw together a wedding (and we planned ours in less than a month)! The only one of the things on this list that I have to SOMEWHAT disagree with is the favors. I can see where they’re unnecessary and a waste of money, buuutttt to me it seems equal to receiving a gift and not sending a thank you card. Or inviting someone to your shower, but not the wedding. People have traveled or dedicated (most likely) a weekend day (weekends are sacred to me) to watch you get hitched the favors would be a nice guesture.
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