Let me start this by saying… there is absolutely nothing wrong with wedding traditions! Whether it be within your ceremony, reception, or a fundamental part of your event, there are no mandatory practices or good luck charms you must have for a perfect wedding. Sometimes, wedding traditions are kept simply because they are traditions rather than what you actually want to do, or not do for that matter!
Wedding trends are always shifting and taking on new meanings, but the most important thing to remember is that it really is all about you and your partner. Whatever pressure you may feel from society, family, or just the customs you know, leave it right here. Following through with traditions is completely optional. You also have the option of jazzing them up a bit to make it your own if you don’t want to ditch traditions all together. Who knows, you may just set a trend! So plan what you want to do, not do, and how you want it to go according to YOUR preferences. Your unique love story, personalities, and lives should shape your wedding, not what others have done in the past.
If you know me, you know that I am all about weddings tailored to tell YOUR journey together. I also love the classics of old that could make me cry every time! If some age-old traditions are part of what tells your story, embrace them! The point is, whatever you do, just do so with intention rather than obligation.
As someone who has been around the block with weddings a few times, here it is: If it doesn’t fit you, ditch it! What I really want to focus on here is redefining and inspiring experiences for the traditional reception. The reception is a time when you celebrate based on who you both are and it’s the perfect time to get creative, breaking away from the wedding events everyone has seen time and again.
Formal Receptions
Let's get one thing straight right off the bat. Receptions don’t need to be formal. Weddings don’t need to be formal. Determine what formalities you want to take or not take based on your wedding style guide.
Keeping hidden from your guests
Hosting a wedding with guests is all about celebrating your union with the people closest to you, so why not embrace the time with them that you’ve so meticulously planned!
If you’re the bride, consider that your big reveal is done in the blink of an eye, meanwhile, precious time with precious people has passed while you were tucked away. Use the time before your ceremony, as guests arrive, to greet them and make them feel super special on such a special occasion. Your guests will feel honored and grateful for having some time with you and your partner; after all, that is why they are there!
Set up a photo booth and take some memorable snapshots with and of your guests! A great time for this is either before your ceremony (pair it with that cocktail hour!), between your ceremony and reception time (what a creative way to get wedding party and family photos too!), or during your reception time. Photo booths create so much fun and laughter for everyone while also enabling you to have fun with your guests.
As I suggested above, sip on some pre-ceremony refreshments while you and your partner welcome each guest as they arrive. Your wedding attire would be admired up close rather than from afar and you will give the cherished gift of affection to your guests.
2. Bouquet and Garter Toss
Not everyone wants to be singled out as a single, especially in this day and age when we are celebrating who we are, as we are. Try some of these ideas instead!
Take apart your bouquet and present flowers to your friends and loved ones.
A really creative option would even be to have a rooted bouquet that is elegantly wrapped and later planted in your garden or elsewhere! Having your bouquet of annuals bloom for your anniversary would be so meaningful!
Celebrate couples by hosting a anniversary dance and present your bouquet to the last, longest married couple standing. What a way to honor love standing the test of time!
Who says you need to do anything with it! Keep a vase on standby and let it serve as a table centerpiece.
3. Cake cutting
Cake is yummy… but it isn’t everyone’s thing; especially if it isn’t yours, you could have something entirely different.
Stack of cheese wheels and crackers, a big ole stack of waffles, mini treats, ice cream bar or any delectable of your liking is sure to be memorable.
How about a pinata? Talk about fun! Give it a swing and let your guests get involved too! Fill it with favors or treats your guests can enjoy, tailor it to your liking!
Plant a tree. You can do this in place of cake cutting or during your ceremony. If your venue doesn’t allow, you can plant seeds or saplings in a beautiful pot. Customize it even further by painting or making a pot with your partner prior to your wedding.
Have you always wanted a tattoo? Maybe you’re unsure about it… why not try it now! But really, just try it out with an airbrushed tattoo to express your love to each other.
4. Toasts
Not everyone is keen on toasts and speeches. These can take time and not every couple wants that attention.
Have some bubbly champagne or bubbly infused water during the ceremony and encourage your guests to raise their glasses as you exit down the aisle or toast to your vows. This is a really sweet way to have a close-knit, more intimate ceremony too; a symbol of all your friends and family there to support you in your journey of marriage.
You and your partner can instead raise a glass to your guests, particularly your close friends and family who have been there through the beginning of your relationship. This is a wonderful way to acknowledge and honor them.
Cocktail Hour Timing
There is no rule for when in your timeline this should occur. You can get your party started early!
Set up some pre-ceremony refreshments which would be great for a summer, outdoor wedding! Stick to some snacks, lemonade, iced tea, infused water if you don’t want guests getting hammered too early.
5. The Shower of Rice
There are better options than rice.
Toss something else! Eco-friendly confetti, lavender buds, flower petals (another use for your bouquet?)
A really creative option is paper airplanes with your guest’s well wishes or marriage advice written inside. Put a display up at the entrance of your venue or at your reception for this wedding-exit activity!
Don’t throw anything. Rather, blow bubbles, fire up some sparklers, wave ribbon wands, or flags!
6. Staying in your wedding dress
Who says you need to stay in your dress?? Pick a really fun dress or outfit you can comfortably party away in and makes you feel confident.
Do away with your veil at your reception and opt for a chic headband, flower crown, tiara, barrettes, hair pins...you get the picture. Or, do away with a hair piece and rock your locks (what a rebel, you!).
A jumpsuit is a super chic and easy piece to rock and accessorize how you want.
Leather jackets, metallic shoes, statement pieces can be a fun option to really express your personality and jazz up your party mood!
7. First Dances
Not every couple is a fan of the spotlight, or really relishes dancing for that matter. There is no need to choreograph a show-stopping dance sequence if that isn’t your thing.
Have a comedian or DJ give a little show instead!
A karaoke station would be a fun alternative for your guests to enjoy!
Exchange the first dance for a “Last Dance” instead before you getaway. It would even be fun to “dance” your way out of the party while your guests line up with sparklers or whatever you chose. That could make some great photography!
8. Waiting Till the Ceremony
I'm going to add a twist in here I really think you should consider! While these wedding traditions are definitely due for some more modern, trendy, and ultimately more “you” experiences. I will always recommend a First Look for any couple, and here is why I highly recommend you consider this intimate experience and how you can make it special for you and your partner!
