Traditional Wedding Traditions: Which Ones to Keep, Skip, or Modernize
Weddings are full of traditions—some timeless, some outdated, and some that might not feel you. While these customs can add meaning and structure to your day, it’s important to remember that you get to decide which ones to keep, which ones to skip, and how to make them your own.
Getting Ready
Something Old, New, Borrowed, & Blue
The Tradition: Brides carry these four items for good luck and prosperity.
Keep It: It’s a sentimental and sweet tradition.
Skip It: If it feels unnecessary, don’t stress about finding all four.
Modern Twist: Have a family heirloom sewn into your dress, wear blue shoes, or borrow jewelry from a loved one.
Veil & Bridal Attire
The Tradition: Brides wear a veil to symbolize modesty and purity, and traditionally, a white gown.
Keep It: If you love the elegance and tradition, a veil can add a timeless, romantic touch.
Skip It: Many modern brides opt for no veil or a more casual look.
Modern Twist: Try a cape, flower crown, hairpiece, or a colorful wedding dress instead of traditional white.
The Ceremony
Dad Walking the Bride Down the Aisle
The Tradition: The father of the bride “gives her away.”
Keep It: If this is meaningful to you and your family, it can be a beautiful moment.
Skip It: If you want to enter solo, with both parents, or with a non-traditional escort, do what feels right for you.
Modern Twist: Walk in together as a couple, have a grandparent or sibling escort you, or simply make the entrance on your own.
Standing Bridal Parties
The Tradition: Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand by the couple during the ceremony.
Keep It: If you love the idea of your closest friends physically standing by your side, it’s a beautiful moment.
Skip It: If you want a more intimate or streamlined ceremony, let them sit!
Modern Twist: Have your wedding party seated in the front row so they’re still close, or mix up traditional roles (like having a “bridesman” or “groomswoman”).
No First Look
The Tradition: The couple waits until the ceremony to see each other for the first time.
Keep It: If you love the anticipation and emotional build-up, this might be a must.
Skip It: If you want a private, intimate moment to soak it all in together, a first look can ease nerves.
Modern Twist: Do a “first touch” where you hold hands around a door, read vows privately, or do a first look with parents or bridesmaids instead.
After the Ceremony
Receiving Line
The Tradition: Couples greet each guest in a formal receiving line after the ceremony.
Keep It: A way to ensure you personally thank each guest.
Skip It: It can take up valuable reception time.
Modern Twist: Visit each table during dinner, or host a casual cocktail hour to mingle instead.
The Reception
First Dances
The Tradition: The couple shares their first dance, followed by parent dances.
Keep It: A romantic, special moment to soak it all in together.
Skip It: If dancing in front of a crowd makes you uncomfortable, don’t feel pressured.
Modern Twist: Have a private first dance after guests leave, dance with your whole wedding party, or invite all couples to join after a short moment together.
Toasts
The Tradition: The best man, maid of honor, and sometimes parents give speeches at the reception.
Keep It: Meaningful toasts add a personal touch to your celebration.
Skip It: If long speeches aren’t your thing, keep them short or eliminate them entirely.
Modern Twist: Have speeches at the rehearsal dinner for a more relaxed feel, or let multiple people say a few words instead of one long toast.
Cake Cutting
The Tradition: The couple cuts the cake together, symbolizing their first shared task in marriage.
Keep It: If you love tradition and want those classic photos, keep it on your timeline.
Skip It: If cake isn’t your thing, there’s no need to force it.
Modern Twist: Cut a different dessert, like donuts or a croquembouche, or serve mini cakes or cupcakes for guests.
Bouquet Toss
The Tradition: The bride tosses her bouquet to a group of single women, with the belief that whoever catches it will be the next to marry.
Keep It: If you love the fun, lighthearted energy it brings, go for it!
Skip It: If it feels outdated or puts your single guests on the spot, no pressure to include it.
Modern Twist: Give the bouquet to a couple married the longest, a newly engaged friend, or someone special to you.
Garter Toss
The Tradition: The groom removes the bride’s garter and tosses it to single men, similar to the bouquet toss.
Keep It: If you and your guests love playful, lively moments, go for it.
Skip It: Many couples feel it’s awkward or unnecessary.
Modern Twist: Skip the removal part but toss the garter as a fun nod to tradition—or replace it with something like a football, lottery tickets, or a small gift for an unsuspecting guest.
Wedding Favors
The Tradition: Couples give guests small gifts to thank them for attending.
Keep It: A thoughtful way to express gratitude.
Skip It: If it’s not in the budget or often gets left behind, consider skipping.
Modern Twist: Offer practical or edible favors like local honey, mini bottles of champagne, or a donation to charity in guests’ names.
The Grand Exit
Exit Toss (Rice, Bubbles, Sparklers, Etc.)
The Tradition: Guests toss rice as the couple exits, symbolizing prosperity and fertility.
Keep It: A fun, celebratory moment for great photos.
Skip It: Some venues restrict confetti, rice, or sparklers.
Modern Twist: Try a petal toss, ribbon wands, eco-friendly confetti, or a nighttime sparkler send-off.
Honeymoon Right After the Wedding
The Tradition: Couples leave for their honeymoon immediately after the reception.
Keep It: A great way to unwind after the wedding chaos.
Skip It: Some couples prefer to wait and take a trip later.
Modern Twist: Plan a "mini-moon" right after the wedding and save the big trip for later.
Making Traditions Your Own
The best part about wedding planning? It’s your day. Keep the traditions that feel meaningful, skip the ones that don’t, and don’t be afraid to reimagine them in a way that fits your love story.
As a photographer, I love capturing both the timeless moments and the new traditions that make a wedding unique. Whether you’re embracing the classics or making them your own, I’ll be there to document it all in a way that feels real, natural, and you.
