Wedding Day Traditions- What If I Don't Want Them?

Wedding day traditions have been deeply rooted in weddings for a while now, with no valid reasons as to why they should exist today.

Who says only the groom has to give a speech at the reception? Or why do we freak out if your partner chooses to see his bride before the wedding? Also, why must the bride wear something new, something borrowed and something blue? These wedding day traditions should be in the stone age and should be left there. Even the langue is outdated, we need some more inclusive wedding traditions that aren’t so gender specific.

 So, if you want to do things differently on your wedding day or perhaps have questions as to whether they are right for your wedding day. Here are wedding traditions you can ditch if you want to.

You don’t like them? Don’t do them!

Let's dive right in.

Wedding Day Traditions #1- Not Seeing Each Other Before The Ceremony Begins

Believe me, when I say this tradition is just plain superstitious and seeing each other before the ceremony begins will not bring bad luck.

I will suggest that you do a “first look” after getting ready. That romantic moment together just before the wedding starts will allow you to build intense emotions, and help you ease off the pre-wedding jitters, plus it also makes for some excellent pics!

Wedding Day Traditions #2- Your father must walk you down the aisle

When you think of wedding traditions, this is one of the first that comes to mind. Sadly, it has not aged well. In the past, women were considered to be their father's priced property. On the wedding day, the father of the bride will then give his daughter hands in marriage in exchange for a gift. It’s after this ritual that she then belongs to her husband.

Yeah, this tradition seems cool, and most ladies look forward to the moment when their fathers will walk them down the aisle. But then, rather than the usual tradition, why not have both parents walk you down the aisle or better yet, walk down solo! And instead of the regular line “who gives the bride away” try “who brings the bride today”. It’s your little way of switching things up, and trust me, it is not going to go unnoticed.

This is one that is close to my heart and one that I am passionate about NOT doing. I will walk down the aisle solo and continue to be the strong feminist I have been my whole life.

Wedding Day Traditions #3- A White Wedding Dress

Let’s face it, not every woman loves the traditional ivory-coloured gowns even though it looks bridal.  

Depending on your style, you can decide to opt for an unexpected colour like beige, green or even black.  

Even a short cocktail dress or a well-fitted pantsuit can be transformed into a bridal look with the correct stylist.

Wedding Day Traditions #4- Only The Groom Gives A Speech

(I don’t like the term “groom” because it’s not gender natural but for this example it’s relevant) It is pretty ridiculous to have only the groom speak at the wedding, especially if their partner is a more eloquent speaker.

No rule says that both of you can’t share a mic and speak on your wedding day or no rule that says you have to talk at all (for all those introverts out there)!  

If one of you is a more confident speaker then allow them the honour of delivering a speech and thanking everyone for coming.

Wedding Day Traditions #5- The Bouquet and Garter Toss

I’m glad I finally get to say this! Listen, it’s awkward to force all your single friends to line up and fight over a bouquet or a garter in the hopes of tying the knot next. 

To make matters even worse, there is the garter-getting process. Who decided it was okay to crawl under someone's dress and grab something with our teeth? Before all of our visitors, even grandma? Geez!

 Right now, about 80% of couples would rather not go with the garter-getting process... so it’s a tradition you may not want to go with.

Conclusively

Whatever you choose to do concerning wedding traditions is totally up to you. You can decide to loosen up and do something entirely different from the norm. Or when you choose to do any of those traditions, think of it as fun and not a chore. 

Decide what you want for yourself. Don’t just go with traditions because everyone thinks it's great. Stick with the ones you love, and have a blast!