The fun of planning a modern wedding is being able to choose exactly what you and your partner want to include. What defines you? What traditions do you hope to keep and which ones do you plan to exclude? A few generations ago, when your grandparents were getting married, your grandmother likely had far fewer choices than you do now, so much of her wedding probably looked like a lot of other weddings. While there’s something to be said for keeping with tradition, there are some that really should be put to rest. Here, the wedding experts at Marco Island Weddings give you some tips on which traditions should be kept by today’s modern bride and which ones can be dismissed.
Do Wear a White Dress / Don’t Do a Garter Toss
A white dress is still an iconic element to any wedding, though in today’s world it’s okay if that white dress is more of a champagne or candlelight hue. In general, there’s only going to be one person at a wedding in a white dress, so the attention-grabbing aspect of this choice is worthwhile. Often, choosing your mom’s or grandmother’s wedding dress is a tribute to their beautiful style and keeps a lovely tradition alive, as well. However, do not feel compelled to maintain the garter tossing piece of the wedding reception. These days are over. Women don’t even wear garters, nor is the practice a gender-equitable one, so feel free to toss that tradition like they used to toss garters!
Do Toss the Bouquet /Don’t Throw Rice
However, tossing a bouquet has not quite gone out of fashion yet. Be sure to secure a “throw-away” bouquet for tossing so you can preserve your real bridal bouquet. But definitely feel free to gather all the single ladies for a festive activity during the reception that leads to a great photo op of you and all your girls together! But when it comes to everyone giving you and your partner a big send-off, go ahead and skip the rice. We’ve known for a while now that it harms birds and other wildlife, so opt for bubbles or sparklers as a great way for guests to send you on your way in style.
Do Have a Rehearsal Dinner /Don’t Let Dad Pay
Celebrating pre-wedding with a rehearsal dinner is a great way to introduce all of your key players to each other. Invite bridesmaids and groomsmen, parents, and siblings from both sides so everyone can meet and greet before the big day. A successful rehearsal dinner means everyone will be more relaxed and connected for the big day. However, it’s no longer a general practice to have the father of the bride pay for the wedding. These days, many women are earning their own income and already independent long before they get married. Unless you’re still living under your father’s care and provision, skip this dying tradition and pay your own way.
Do Cut the Cake Together /Don’t Have a 3-Tiered White Cake
The cutting of the cake is like a mini-event at every wedding reception. You’ll definitely want the photos of you and your partner in action, laughing and enjoying each other naturally, unposed. Plus guests love getting delicious cake as dessert at a wedding! But don’t feel obligated to provide a several-story-tall sugar monstrosity with plastic people on top in order to have a great cake-cutting photo. You can get creative with your type of dessert, from a donut cake to cupcake stands or even a complete DIY dessert bar. Just be sure you and your partner get the first bite and everyone knows it!
Deciding what to keep and what to skip when it comes to wedding traditions can be tricky. At Marco Island Weddings, we suggest talking to your mothers and grandmothers first- they may have specific family traditions you should include that you aren’t even aware of. Then, come talk to us and tell us what you’re hoping for, excited about and looking to exclude. We’ll walk you through the ins and outs of planning a more modern wedding while still including the traditions you want to keep.