Should You Follow Wedding Traditions?

Whether you’ve been to loads of weddings or just seen them in films, chances are you can name at least five traditions. From the bride being ‘given away’, to the cutting of the cake and the first dance, here we look at some of those special moments to help you decide whether you want them as part of your own day or fancy some quirky alternatives.

Rethinking Traditional Roles

At most weddings the bridal party usually consists of a fairly standard set of roles - think maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids etc. But what if you can’t decide on your maid of honour? Or you and your partner share the same best friends and both want them on ‘your side’? Maybe you want flower girls but aren’t having children at the wedding? Then mix things up! Why not ask you best buddies to dress in your colour scheme and be by your side throughout the day just without the official titles and roles? Gender doesn’t have to make a difference either – here are some gender-neutral terms you can use instead; wedding party, wedding crew, wedding squad, person of honour, best person, entourage (my personal favourite), inner circle….. Also age shouldn’t matter either, why not make your grandma the flower girl!!

Vows To Wow

While all licensed wedding venues require you to say some specific, legally recognised words during the ceremony, usually you can include some of your own vows as well. If you’re having a non-religious ceremony and using an independent celebrant or humanist celebrant you’ll have scope to script your very own vows and these can be as traditional or quirky as you like!

The Big Arrival

The tradition of the bride being ‘given away’ by her father dates back to a time when a woman was moving from ownership of her father to her groom. Nowadays, while the meaning behind it might be long gone, for many, it is simply a cherished moment between the bride and her dad. But of course it doesn’t have to be your dad (or indeed the bride). Nowadays how you as a couple make your grand entrance to the ceremony is entirely up to you. If your mum has played a more significant role in your life you may want her by your side as you walk down the aisle. And what is there to say that you can’t both walk down the aisle, or even enter together? Think about what will make you feel happy and comfortable as you start your big day rather than what is ‘expected’.

The Confetti Throw… Or Bubble Blow?

Undoubtedly the throwing of confetti is often all about creating a great photo moment. It actually dates back to pagan times and is said to bring the couple prosperity and fertility. If you want to skip some of the ‘typical’ wedding moments and create some fun moments everyone will remember then how about swapping confetti for bubbles? Or, even a coloured smoke bomb for some really atmospheric shots!

The Order Of The Speeches

So it goes Father of the Bride, Groom then Best Man, right? Nope, not any more! People have long since started to change it around when it comes to speeches. You may be having a same-sex wedding and want both your dads to make a speech. The groom’s mum might want to say a few special words, or the bride(s) herself. Our only advice is to make a plan of which order everyone will speak and what time speeches are happening. Loads of couples choose to do this before the wedding breakfast – it’s especially useful for those who aren’t fond of public speaking as they can relax as soon as their part is over (and before the booze starts flowing). 

Time To Cut The Cake…

The cutting of the cake represents the first task of the newly wed couple and is said to bring good luck. If you like the symbolism behind it but fancy something more relevant to you as a couple then why not think up something else! We love the idea of pouring a champagne tower (ask your bar or caterers to set up the glasses though to avoid spillages) or what about a Tiramisu tower - yum! Wedding piñatas are also a growing trend – it’s a fun way to bring your wedding party together and you could even combine it as your wedding favour and fill it with fortune cookies, packets of seeds or cute stationary!  

The First Dance

The dance floor is traditionally ‘opened’ by the guests of honour, the bride and groom. But if the thought of all eyes being on you sends you into a cold sweat, then give it a swerve! There are loads of fun ways to get the party started – you could invite the whole wedding entourage to join you (group dance routine optional), or ask all couples onto the dance floor for a romantic start to things. If you know your partner isn’t keen on the idea you could even ask your friends to do a flash mob as a fun surprise instead!

The Bouquet Toss

Did you know that the bouquet toss actually replaced the tossing of the bride’s garter in order to make the tradition a little more civilised! It’s said to bring good luck to whoever catches it. Brides often choose to avoid this activity as not to either cause a scrum between single friends, highlight the singletons or simply to protect their beautiful bouquet! We love the idea of gifting the bouquet to the couple who have been married the longest. Or how about gifting all your female guests with a single stem that matches your bridal bouquet!  

Big white wedding

If you really want to mix things up, then ask all your guests to wear white. Go on… google image it, looks pretty cool doesn’t it!

We have been involved in the planning of many weddings and get to hear loads of brilliant ways couples are choosing to make their day unique to them. There is nothing we love more than a wedding chat, so get in touch with us today and let us help you plan your special day!

 PHOTO CREDIT @kimwilliamsweddings