How on earth are you supposed to decide which wedding traditions to skip, and which to use?! There seems to be hundreds of wedding traditions and customs these days, and added to the family traditions, that great idea your future mother in law had and the weird thing your friends want, it’s a surprise that brides get any input into their big day. Here’s a handy list of the wedding traditions to skip that are definitely on the decline, so you can skip them with no guilt.
Everyone knows the rhyme, and before you start planning your outfit, it feels dead easy to stick to. But your bridal outfit is one of the most important outfits you’ll ever pick. Whether you’re going traditional in a big white dress, opting for a tailored tux or wearing a brightly colored prom dress, your outfit should be completely you in every way. So if you can’t fit the rules in, don’t worry. If you found your dream outfit in a vintage shop, don’t rush out to find something new to wear. And if you’d rather wear a gorgeous necklace from your fiancé than an old pearl necklace from your family, that’s fine too. Honestly, this is one of those wedding traditions to skip if it’s too much trouble!
Yep, get rid of this part too. If you love history, the story behind this is simple. The rhyme comes from around the time Queen Victoria was on the throne, and originated as: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” The something old, new and borrowed are self explanatory. Blue was chosen because it’s the Virgin Mary’s color, and a symbol of purity. The sixpence was for the groom to prove he had wealth, and was financially secure. Chances are, none of these are relevant for you anymore. If you’d like to wear them anyway, go ahead, but don’t shuffle round in a scratchy blue garter for the sake of it. It’s really not necessary!
There’s no denying that white weddings are traditional, but they certainly aren’t the standard anymore. It started with white being swapped for cream and ivory, and now people marry in every color under the sun. Jessica Biel married JT in a stunning pink dress, and Dita Von Teese chose a dramatic Cadbury purple corseted dress for her wedding. It’s not just modern celebs either – Marilyn Monroe wore a fur-collared brown suit. Check out a few wedding dress shops and you are sure to find gowns in a wide variety of gorgeous colors.
Staying in a hotel the night before your wedding can be amazing. Sipping champagne with friends, having a laugh, enjoying the great food…but sleeping in your sister's spare room and fighting over the bathroom mirror to get ready is somewhat less wedding-like. And if you’d rather spend your last night as an unmarried couple together, that’s fine. Just kick him out before you get ready in the morning. Spending the night cuddled up talking about your wedding can make great memories!
Have you seen those couples who spend months learning elaborate dances for their weddings? Whether it’s a classic ballroom dance or some very modern choreography, the world is full of people who love showing off their talent, or being the centre of attention. If you don’t, don’t feel you have to put on a show. Either have a quiet dance just rocking together, or invite all your guests to enjoy the great tune with you. Or skip the first dance altogether!
I love wedding cakes – they come in so many colors and designs, and I’m constantly amazed at how intricate icing details can be. But if you prefer other desserts, or even don’t have a sweet tooth at all, don’t be afraid to mix it up. A recent wedding had a dessert stand rather than a cake, with everything from iced cupcakes to profiteroles and cheesecakes, and another had a great retro-themed sweet shop. A cake pop cake (how impressive is this one?!) or even sandwiches or waffles with plenty of fillings will all be loved just as much.
This is definitely one of the most popular wedding traditions to skip. Weddings are expensive. Your budget needs to cover a whole variety of things, and most venues will have strict number limits. So the guest lists aren’t quite as easy as you might think…Should you invite colleagues? The aunt from abroad you haven’t seen in 10 years? Are children allowed? Who's coming to the wedding, and who's coming to the evening do? There’s enough to think about without doubling your numbers unnecessarily. The only person who needs a guest is the one who travels a long way and won’t know anyone – everyone else will be fine.
Deciding which wedding traditions to skip can feel tough, but it’s a liberating process! Being free from silly rhymes and expectations can alleviate a lot of stress, and help you create your dream wedding much easier. After all, it’s supposed to be enjoyable! Do you have a great wedding planning tip? I’d love to hear it!