Wedding Traditions You Can Break

There are a lot of traditions when it comes to weddings.  There are also a lot of misconceptions about weddings.  Here is a list of common wedding misconceptions and what is acceptable today.

1. The Bride’s Parents Pay For The Wedding While this was the case once upon a time, things have changed today.  Depending on the couple, their age, and whether it is their first wedding among many other factors, there are no rules about who pays for the wedding.  One thing is true, if you pay, you get a say.  If you really have your mind set on a beach wedding and your future mother-in-law insists on a church wedding, you may wish to trim your guest list to stay on your budget instead of asking for help paying for the wedding.  Some brides even get creative and use crowd-funding to help pay for their wedding.  IF you are creative and convincing, this could be an option.
2. Brides Must Wear A Long, White Gown At one time, a bride wearing a white gown was a symbol of purity.  Today, brides wear whatever style or color gown they wish.  Wear whatever makes you comfortable.  If you opt for a traditional wedding gown, consider changing into a cocktail dress for the reception for more comfort.
3. The First-Time The Couple Sees Each Other On Their Wedding Day Should Be At The Ceremony It was once considered bad luck to see each other on the day of your wedding before the ceremony.  This is no longer the case.  Some couples decide to share this moment in private prior to the ceremony for a photographer to capture.  This is referred to as a First Look.  To read more about First Looks, check out this post by Photography By Jo.
4. Ceremony Seating Is Based On Groom’s Side/Bride’s Side It used to be the case that guests of the bride sat on the left and guests of the groom sat on the right.  Today, guests can site anywhere they please.  What if one side has a huge family and the other side has a tiny family.  Unite the families and let them site where they please.
5. You Have To Walk Down The Aisle To The Wedding March This is your wedding, you can walk down the aisle to whatever you want.  Some brides choose to walk down the aisle to their favorite song, others prefer a song that has important significance to the couple.  Be creative, walk down the aisle that something that reflects your personality.
6. You Have To Leave For Your Honeymoon Immediately After The Reception You can go on your honeymoon whenever you please.  While the thought of getting into a limo after your reception and being whisked away to the airport for your honeymoon sounds romantic, let’s face it.  You are going to be exhausted.  You may choose to start your honeymoon the next day or even days or weeks later.  A lot of times, work schedules can also have an impact on when you take your honeymoon.  Regardless of when you take your honeymoon, it will still be very special.
7. Your Registry Should Consist Solely Of Housewares For Your New Home You can put whatever you want on your registry.  You can even ask people to help fund your honeymoon.  If you don’t need a lot of housewares, then why put them on the list.  You can put anything you would like or even ask for cash.  Use your imagination.
8. Brides Must Wear A Veil This was a longstanding tradition many years ago.  This was considered the big reveal.  The first time the groom saw his bride in all her beauty.  Brides are opting for a much different look today.  Whether it is a tiara, or nothing at all.  This is totally up to you.
9. Throwing Rice At The Bridal Couple Even though most venues don’t allow this today because it is believed to be harmful to birds, this is an ancient tradition that was thought to bestow fertility blessings on the bridal couple.  Today, there are many ways to celebrate the “grand exit.”  Some brides use bubbles, butterflies or even sparklers.  Whatever you choose, make sure to check with your venue first.
10. Bouquet Toss And Removing The Garter These were once staple traditions of most weddings.  This can be an awkward moment for some guests.  There is nothing that says you have to do these events at your wedding.  The choice is entirely up to you.