The exciting thing about planning a wedding these days is that you can deviate as much as you like from tradition and everyone loves the creativity! But which things should stay and which should go? Sometimes it can be hard to tell. A few generations ago, when your grandmother was getting married, there was very little deviation from tradition. And there are still some things worth keeping. At Griffin’s Weddings, we understand the confusion that can come with knowing which wedding practices to keep and which to avoid. Here are just a few tips on the matter (and of course, feel free to consult your mom and grandmother as well!).
Do Wear a White Dress / Don’t Do a Garter Toss
Wearing white for your wedding is still done and still a beautiful picture to behold. It’s okay to deviate to a candlelight or champagne hue as an alternative, but no matter how much things have changed since your grandmother got married, there’s still only one person wearing white at a wedding! Everyone loves the show-stopping beauty of a wedding gown, so stick to tradition with this one and there won’t be a dry eye at your ceremony. However, certain practices from long ago we’re glad to see go, like the garter toss. For starters, women don’t even wear garters anymore, so it’s just silly to have the groom remove the garter to throw to his single men. Now is the time to skip this dated practice and allow the guys to enjoy a toast together instead.
Do Toss the Bouquet /Don’t Throw Rice
Even though the guys’ counterpart is obsolete, the tossing of the bouquet is still a fun and exciting element of every reception. Be sure to have a special “throw-away” bouquet ready so you can preserve your own bouquet! Then gather all your single ladies and be sure to snap lots of pictures. Not only is this one of the best photo ops of all the girls, it lightens the mood and loosens everyone up a bit. However, be sure to avoid having your guests throw rice as you and your partner leave the reception. By now we all know the damaging effects of rice on birds and other nearby wildlife. Instead, invite guests to blow bubbles or light sparklers to send you off in style! These practices are becoming so popular, soon they’ll be the new tradition.
Do Have a Rehearsal Dinner /Don’t Let Dad Pay
A rehearsal dinner is a great way to bring all the key people in your wedding together before the big event. Bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents and siblings may not have met each other before the wedding week, so give them time to meet and get to know each other in a more casual setting before the big day. However, these days most brides have established themselves with an income and an independent lifestyle. Unless you’re still living under your father’s care and provision, it’s time for today’s modern woman (and man) to pay for their wedding themselves. This isn’t a bad thing, though- paying the bill means getting to make every decision yourself!
Do Cut the Cake Together /Don’t Have a 3-Tiered White Cake
Cake cutting is always a favorite mini-event at wedding receptions. The bride and groom are ready to celebrate and most of the formalities are over by now. Cutting the cake is a symbolic shared experience that everyone loves to photograph and brings the whole room together. However, which cake you cut is totally up to you. There is no longer an expectation that your wedding cake be three stories high with little people on top. Feel free to get creative with donut cakes, cupcake stands, or even deviate from cake altogether with muffins, macarons, or a DIY dessert bar! Just be sure that you and your partner take the first bite and that everyone knows it when you do.
Choosing which traditions to keep and which ones to drop can be a little confusing. At Griffin’s Weddings, we suggest first talking to the parents and grandparents on both sides- they may have specific family traditions that they expect. Then come to us with your ideas, concerns and questions. We’re here to help you make the most of your big day, traditional or not!