Planning a wedding is something that you’re only going to do once in a lifetime. So the pressure to make everything perfect is high. We get it. There’s a lot to do and there just never seems like enough time in the day to start knocking off things on the wedding to-dos. A lot of items on that checklist are wedding traditions. We all know a lot of them and fairly well. But we say, if it doesn’t feel right maybe opt for an alternative or skipping it altogether.
Wedding Dress
The white dress. Our literal symbol for a bride. This is something that was cemented into culture by the 20th century. You can read more about it here. But just because “it’s tradition” doesn’t mean you have to continue to hold that torch. It’s your wedding day outfit! You want to be able to look back on photos and love them and what you’re wearing. Luckily, there are so many options out there. You can have a pale blue dress, blush dress, a black dress(!) and maybe not even a dress at all. For some of our favorite non-traditional bride outfits, check out our Pinterest board.
Bouquet Toss
Did you know that traditionally, guests would try to rip a piece of the bride’s dress or bouquet off because she was considered to be good luck? The bride would actually toss the bouquet and leave the area to try and keep this from happening. Clearly, this doesn’t apply anymore. But the tradition has stuck around, it can be fun! It can also not be. Maybe you only have a couple single friends that attend the wedding…now that can be awkward.
Maybe choose to keep the bouquet and have it preserved. Or opt for a new tradition where you present the bouquet to a loved one or a couple that you both admire. Whatever you choose, make it perfect for you.
Not Seeing Your SO Until the Altar
This is one of those traditions that is so deeply personal and you should definitely talk about with not only your significant other but your photographer as well! The tradition is that you shouldn’t see your significant other until you’re walking down the aisle or it’s bad luck. You can for sure believe it and stay true to that. Make sure you’re photographer knows and your wedding party is aware that photos will be taken after the ceremony then prior to the reception.
Otherwise, you can buck tradition and have some one-on-one time with you and your partner and the photographer capturing your pre-ceremony bliss. Believe us, it’s a moving train once you say ‘I Do’. There is a lot of inspiration out there for pre-ceremony photos. From writing letters to each outer, holding hands without seeing one another, to a reveal shoot. The options are endless and it’s totally up to you.