Weddings are steeped in tradition, but a lot of those customs have lost their meaning over the years. Many of them relate to a conventional view of marriage and do not really represent today’s diverse couples. That is why many newlyweds nowadays choose to abandon traditions or adapt them to suit their style.
If you are looking to have a celebration that truly reflects who you are as a couple, not just sticking to outdated practices, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we have discussed which wedding traditions to skip or modify!
5 Overrated Wedding Traditions To Skip
When you think about a classic wedding, a lot of traditional elements probably come to mind.
But what if those traditions do not really fit you? Should you stick to the old-school way just because that is how it is typically done?
Definitely not!
Your wedding should reflect you and your partner, and many traditional customs do not allow for much personal flair.
So, here are 5 wedding traditions to skip, along with some fresh alternatives to consider.
1. Wearing a White Dress
You know, historically, white has always been seen as a symbol of purity, which is why it became the go-to colour for wedding dresses. It was Queen Victoria who really kicked off this trend when she wore a white dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. Before that, brides wore their fanciest dress, no matter what colour it was.
These days, though, many brides are opting for shades like champagne, ivory, oyster, and blush instead of that bright white. And if you are open to coloured dresses, you might want to look beyond the typical wedding dress shops to discover some really stunning options.
If you are on a budget and looking for a colourful alternative, consider browsing prom dresses or even bridesmaid dresses for a more relaxed vibe. And remember, it does not have to be a traditional dress at all! Wedding separates, suits, and jumpsuits are really in right now. What matters most is that you feel beautiful and comfortable on your big day, whether that means rocking an orange suit or a dip-dyed black dress!
2. Having a First Dance
Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of having their first dance while friends and family watch. Honestly, you would not usually do that in any other social situation, so there is no pressure to do it at your wedding.
This old wedding tradition goes way back to the grand balls of the past, where the guest of honour would kick things off with a first dance. In the case of weddings, that would be the bride and groom. Nowadays, if couples decide to have a first dance, they often enjoy a moment alone before inviting everyone else to join in.
Ballroom dancing is not as big as it was back in the 17th century. But many couples still enjoy sharing a slow dance on their special day. It can be a lovely moment amidst the wedding hustle, especially when you choose a song that is meaningful to both of you. But guess what? This can also be one of the wedding traditions to skip!
Feel free to skip it or adapt it to your style – whether that means dancing with guests right away or going for something more fun and personal.
3. Formal Ceremony
Getting married is definitely a big deal. But that does not mean your ceremony has to be traditional or overly formal if that is not your vibe. Personalising your vows and the entire wedding ceremony can make it feel much more special.
For instance, you can consider having a celebrant lead the ceremony to really capture your personality as a couple. Or you can opt for exchanging vows privately instead of doing it in front of all of your guests. Nowadays, couples decide to do what seems most comfortable to them, and many choose to abandon tradition.
Remember, it is your day, and you get to pick how you celebrate it. Your family and friends will understand!
4. Bouquet Tossing
Tossing the bouquet is an overrated wedding tradition that really is not worth keeping for a couple of key reasons. First, you have invested a significant amount in creating a beautiful bouquet – why would you want to toss it away when you could have it preserved as a cherished keepsake?
Plus, consider the feelings of your single guests. Participating in this ritual can be awkward and embarrassing for them. Instead of subjecting your loved ones to that uncomfortable moment, why not forgo the bouquet toss altogether? It is a win-win situation that keeps the focus on celebrating love rather than creating unnecessary stress for your guests.
5. Having a Traditional Wedding Cake
Wedding cakes are one of those traditions that can be really fun, mainly because everyone loves cake. Traditionally, they were these fancy, tiered fruit cakes covered in white icing. This was not just for decoration. Back in the Victorian era, a white-iced cake was a sign of purity and wealth. Since white icing and sugar were pretty pricey back then, having a big, beautifully decorated cake showed you had the means to afford it.
These days, fruit cake is not as popular as it used to be, and many couples prefer sponge cakes instead. But when it comes to alternatives, the sky’s the limit! You could skip the tiers and go for a single tall cake, mix different flavours across the tiers, or even serve cupcakes.
If you want to get really creative, you could abandon the sweet treats altogether and opt for cheese platters, pies, cookies, or even doughnuts. There are no strict rules anymore, so have fun with it and enjoy some delicious food on your big day!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should you skip wedding traditions?
Not sticking to traditional wedding practices can really help couples put their own spin on their big day. It makes the celebration more inclusive and lets them steer clear of any outdated customs that might not fit their values or what they want. Plus, it opens the door for some truly special and memorable moments that really showcase their relationship and personal style.
2. Can skipping wedding traditions save you money?
When it comes to weddings, some traditions – like having a big bridal party or going all out on decorations – can really drive up the costs. By skipping some of these, couples can save a great deal of money and put those funds toward other parts of their big day or even their future together.
These were some of the most popular wedding traditions to skip. Your wedding day should portray you and your partner, not traditions that do not mean anything to you. As you can see, you can always make modifications or just go without some customs. You will feel more relaxed, and your union will truly feel yours!
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