We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
When are you right to ignore wedding traditions is a question we get asked all of the time. Usually it’s elder relatives that pluck these ideas and superstitions out of nowhere and it can be quite stressful keeping everyone happy. The good news is that there is no wedding traditions rule book that you have to follow, the laws only apply to the legal part of getting married not who takes you down the aisle or gives you away. Equally, I would say there is nothing strictly wrong with any of these traditions in the sense its entirely your decision on what you decide to do. The article was designed to help people struggling with the expectation of doing things they perhaps aren’t so comfortable with. I want to emphasise again that this list is not about putting down wedding traditions, it is completely your choice.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.
Related Posts:
- How to plan a wedding; the ultimate guide
- The must have Wedding Planner (and it is FREE)
- FREE wedding budget checklist and guide
Here are some wedding traditions and ideas that are fairly outdated and could be discarded altogether.
If you’re having sleepless nights over your plus-ones, you’re not alone. We’ve come up with solutions to the top table gripes, money nightmares and bridesmaid battles, so you can get back to worrying about colour schemes and cake sampling.
Wedding Traditions you don’t need anymore
1. Tossing the Bouquet
The idea that all your single friends compete to catch your bouquet in order to prove who will marry next is more likely to have them seeking out the bar, pronto! There is something a little bit cringy about this tradition and it is one that your not going to miss. Plus your going to be ruining a perfectly good and expensive bouquet of flowers.
2. The Traditional Wedding Garter
The idea of trying to keep a piece frilly elastic on your leg in place is just one wedding tradition too far. It’s so unnecessary – ditch it!
Grab my Exclusive Wedding Planning Guide and Workbook to help you with all your wedding planning issues.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.
3. You don’t have to invite people who asked you to their wedding
First of all, you need to remember that this is your day and no one else’s. In an ideal world, everyone would be kept happy but it’s a wedding after all. If you’re worrying about whether to invite your old friend from university or your gym instructor whose wedding you reluctantly went to last summer, it’s a no-brainer.
4. Don’t be afraid to say no to children
They may look like butter wouldn’t melt in the photos but if numbers are tight and you’d prefer to give the slot to a friend who will tell you how amazing you look, rather than scream their way through your dad’s emotional speech, then don’t be afraid to put a ban on children.
5. You can organise your own hen night
We know that it’s tradition for your chief bridesmaid to do this job, but if the thought of a complete surprise terrifies you then you could take matters into your own hands. Do whatever suits you.
6. It’s okay if your bridesmaid has a bump
You’re thrilled that your best friend has announced her pregnancy but part of you goes into panic mode. This doesn’t have to be the case, your bridesmaid will still be able to play her part in your wedding just the same!
7. The Traditional First Dance
For some, the idea of romantically moving around the dance floor is what nightmares are made of. If that sounds like you then make things easy and don’t succumb to peer pressure, just don’t do a first dance. Your day is meant to be enjoyable not full of anxiety. Alternatively for those that want the first dance but don’t want yo be doing a solo turn on the floor, ask your friends and close relatives in advance to join you when the first dance is announced. That way you get your first dance but not so much on show.
8. Your parents can still afford to pay the bills
Gone are the days when your parents were expected to foot the bill of your entire wedding. Of course, if they want to then who are we to argue! But now lots of couples choose to fund their day themselves or with smaller contributions from each set of parents.
9. Don’t stress over the top table
Family life can be complicated. Divorced parents and nightmare mother-in-laws can make the top table plans not run so smoothly. If that’s the case then there’s no rule to say that you have to have one. A good idea we’ve seen recently is for the bride and groom to have their own table so no one gets into a fight about who sits next to you both. Problem averted!
10. The Honeymoon straight after the wedding
Don’t feel compelled to have your honeymoon straight after your wedding. In fact it is a great idea to have that holiday of a life time some time later. It’s often a huge comedown after the wedding and this gives you something to look forward to.
11. It’s fine not to have Bridesmaids
Another time honoured tradition that is over rated. If you want bridesmaids fine but don’t rack your brains as to who you can ask if it doesn’t suit your situation.
12. The Best Man doesnt have to be male
As tradition goes this role was giving to a male friend or close relative and the job is basically to support the groom in the run up to the wedding and throughout the ceremony and with the added job of a speech if your doing speeches. However, if your best friend is female or a sister it really doesn’t matter, its the person you choose that is the most important aspect here.
13. The white wedding dress
There are lots of options when it comes to the kind of wedding dress you can wear. Whilst ivory and white are still considered traditional bridal wear colours. Floral, Champagne, blush and Ombre Wedding dresses are also very popular with modern brides.
Related Posts:
Wedding Planning Guide and Workbook (PDF)
