Wedding Traditions You Can Skip

By: Natalie Dedas, Sales & Events Coordinator

Sticking with the romantic wedding traditions is not everyone’s cup of tea. After all it is your day, and it’s nice to break the rules every now-and-then. Your not cursed for all eternity if you do not throw your bouquet to a bunch of ravenous single ladies while listening to “Single Ladies.” If skipping the old fashioned wedding traditions make you and your future husband happy, do it! Simplify your wedding by skipping out on some of the old school traditions to focus on the traditions that mean the most to you two.

• The Big White Dress– As the bride you’re expected to wear the big fluffy white dress with 20 pounds of ruffles. The white wedding dress is the tradition you should skip first! Wear whatever color you want. Depending on your complexion you may want to wear ivory or cream. If you want to be bold and go with color, be bold! Many brides seem to stick with an off-white and do accent colors with their accessories.
• The Veil– Even though we all want to be Princess Diana, the long traditional veil is not necessary. You may want a specific look to fit the feel of your wedding. Top off the most important dress you’ll ever wear with a fun headpiece. In many religions, the veil is symbolic. If you are not highly religious, you may not want to include the veil in your ensemble.
• You Can’t See Each Other Prior to the Ceremony–  Although this is the biggest wedding tradition of all wedding traditions, it is not one you have to do. Every couple is different. Many couples want to stick to a strict timeline and get everything done accordingly, others want to get the pictures and formalities out of the way to enjoy precious time with family and friends. You may want to opt for a first look. You will still get to see your groom’s amazing first reaction to how breathtaking you look! Let’s be honest- that’s the best part!
• Vows– Some have a way with words, other do not. Personally written vows are very touching and quite humorous at times, but if writing is not your strength do not feel the need to come up with your own. Sometimes it’s beneficial to stick with the simple standard wedding vows.
• Matching Bridal Party– You may feel the need to have matching nails, dress and hair for every member of your bridal party. Although our inner OCD screams yes, more and more brides are mixing it up a bit. Not every dress style will miraculously fit all of your bridesmaids. Allow your bridesmaids to wear different styles of a dress to help fit their body type. You can always have them styled in one matching color, or opt for a fun ombre option. Being mismatched is a style trend that’s here to stay!
• The Long Ceremony– You do not need to have a unity ceremony, readings, lengthy vows or a long mass. Exchange simple vows, make your ceremony short and sweet, direct and to the point.  Trust me, people will thank you. No one will be upset with you if you don’t have the traditional hour long mass.

Before the wedding craziness sets in sit down a discuss which wedding traditions are important and which wedding traditions might need a new twist.