Wedding Traditions - Which to Embrace, Which To Do Without?
When it comes to weddings, there are a lot of expectations, and traditions, but ultimately you get to decide which ones to embrace, and which ones you believe need to be left in the past. Let’s explore some of the traditions surrounding weddings, as well as the modern interpretations of them. After all, you want to make sure your big day is truly reflective of you and your partner and the values you share as a couple… not simply an ode to the past! It’s good to explore some of these wedding traditions as a couple, to see how you both feel and what your expectations are for your big day!
Wearing A White Wedding Dress
Traditional white wedding dresses are beautiful, but they’re not everyone's cup of tea. So, if you want to wear a sapphire lace gown, or a sparkly pink pantsuit, who says that you can’t? We personally feel that you should wear whatever will make you feel like a million bucks and reflect the magnificence that is you!
Having A Bridal Party
Apparently, Roman law used to state that ten witnesses needed to be present at a wedding. Which is where the idea of a bridal party is said to have originated, but If you're concerned about hurting feelings by choosing one friend over another, or you really just don't want a bridal party, then feel free to skip it! The choice is ultimately yours. And, if you’ve always wanted a bridal party - maybe even a large one - they don't necessarily have to wear matching outfits. You’re free to do whatever is best for you and your sweetheart!
Subtle And Understated Is Best
Many brides are advised to avoid statement jewelry and bright red lips, under the guise of ‘less is more’, but maybe you’re more of a maximalist than a minimalist. If that’s the case, embrace it! Wear that bold necklace, rock those chandelier earrings, don that five alarm shade of red for your lips and nails. The most important thing about your wardrobe for the day is that it truly feels like you! Subtle and subdued, go for it! Over the top, embrace it!
Bouquet And Garter Toss
If the thought of single friends trying to find love by lining up to catch the bouquet or garter makes you uncomfortable, feel free to skip it! You could istead, offer up your wedding bouquet (or one custom made for this purpose) to the couple in the room who has been married the longest. You could even gift the bouquet to your parents or in-laws, recognizing all they’ve done to get the two of you to this special day. And, if you think that bouquet and garter tosses are awesome, then embrace it fully! The choice is yours!
Traditional Gift Registries
Many modern couples no longer feel the need to ask for "traditional" gifts like casserole dishes and fine china. Many couples live together before the wedding, and if they don’t already live together, then often they’ll end up having two of everything when they merge their households! That truly makes for a lot of ‘stuff’! Alternative gifts can include charitable registries where couples can denote a specific cause (or causes) they support, or perhaps the gift of experiences for the newlyweds, or maybe simply a beautiful card with cash that can be used towards their wedding, or to start their new life together. But, if you have your heart set on a 12 place setting of gorgeous bone china, then do it! It is your wedding after all!