As times change, so do wedding traditions. While some couples may choose to follow certain traditions, others may want to break away from them and create their own unique wedding experience. In this blog post, we'll discuss wedding traditions we’ve seen couples keep which ones to keep and they’ve ditched.
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1. Keep: The White Dress
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress dates back to the 1800s when Queen Victoria wore a white gown on her wedding day. Since then, the white dress has become a classic staple in Western wedding culture. While it's not necessary to wear a white dress, it's a tradition that most brides choose to keep.
2. Kinda Ditch: The Garter Toss
The garter toss is a tradition where the groom removes the bride's garter and tosses it to the single men in attendance. This tradition can be uncomfortable and awkward for some couples, and it's becoming less common at weddings. If you're not comfortable with the garter toss, it's perfectly okay to skip it.
3. Keep: The First Dance
The first dance is a special moment for the newlyweds to share on their wedding day. It's a tradition that's been around for many years and is still a beloved part of most wedding receptions. If you're not sure what song to choose for your first dance, consider one that holds special meaning to you and your partner.
4. Kinda Ditch: The Bouquet
The bouquet toss is a tradition where the bride throws her bouquet to the single women at the wedding, while the garter toss is for the groom to remove the bride's garter and toss it to the single men. Some couples choose to skip these traditions because they can be awkward and uncomfortable for some guests. If you decide to ditch these traditions, you can still find other fun ways to involve your guests in the celebration.
5. Keep: The Cake Cutting
The cake cutting is a sweet moment between the newlyweds, and it's a tradition that most couples choose to keep. It's a great photo opportunity and a chance to share a sweet treat with your guests.
6. Ditch: The Dollar Dance
The dollar dance is a tradition where guests pay to dance with the bride or groom. This tradition can be seen as tacky and outdated, and many couples are choosing to skip it altogether. Instead, consider other fun ways to involve your guests in the celebration.
7. Keep: The Wedding Vows
Writing your own wedding vows is a special way to personalize your ceremony and express your love and commitment to each other. It's a tradition that's becoming more popular among couples, and it's definitely one to keep.
8. Ditch: The Wedding Party Gender Roles
Traditionally, the bride's side of the wedding party consists of female members, while the groom's side consists of male members. However, this tradition is being broken as couples choose to have mixed-gender wedding parties. If you have close friends or family members of a different gender who you want to include in your wedding party, don't be afraid to break this tradition.
9. Keep: The Toasts
The wedding toasts are a special moment for the couple and their loved ones to share their congratulations and well wishes. It's a tradition that most couples choose to keep, and it's a great way to involve your guests in the celebration.
10. Ditch: The Bride's Family Pays for the Wedding
Traditionally, the bride's family is responsible for paying for the wedding. However, with the changing times and modern attitudes, many couples are choosing to split the cost of the wedding or pay for it themselves. If you and your partner are paying for the wedding, don't feel obligated to follow this tradition.
H’ART.SPEAX is a boho, industrial, modern wedding portrait and film team. In addition to wedding day photos and video, our Let’s Get You Married series offers resources for couples with an aesthetic similar to our own!
