What modern wedding traditions are couples ditching?

Weddings are not the same as when our parents walked down the aisle. There are a few modern wedding traditions that couples are ditching.

Weddings are looking a little different to what we’re used to! We are here for it! Leaving behind some traditions allows couples to feel more empowered and allows couples to create days that feel authentically theirs.

We’re talking about no more garter tosses, reimagining dessert, and dresses in shades beyond ivory and white.

The garter and bouquet toss

Once considered a cheeky highlight of the night, many couples are now finding the garter toss to not just be outdated, but borderline a little awkward. Bouquet tosses are also on the way out, as the pressure of the tradition is losing its shine as well.

Instead, people are swapping in fun alternatives like anniversary dances, couple trivia games, or a shared dance floor moment.

Here comes the bride, all dressed in every colour!

Whilst wedding dresses are still primarily white gowns, we are seeing some colour seeping through. Brides are rocking champagne, blush, black, blue, even florals. Some are going for metallics, jumpsuits, two-pieces, or mini party dresses.

The vibe is no longer “tradition says white” but “what makes me feel amazing?”

Veils are optional

Veils used to be a standard. Some think of it as romantic, others see it as a vanity. For some, ditching the classic veil is becoming their choice, feeling like too much fuss or symbolism.

Modern brides are opting for pearl headbands, chic bows, low and sleek buns, or going accessory free.

No veil, no drama.

Matching wedding party numbers

Long gone are the days of perfect symmetry. Bridal parties will choose their people based on connection, not balance. You might see one bridesmaid and five groomsmen, mix-gender wedding sides, or simply no wedding party at all.

The wedding cake is now the wedding dessert

A towering white cake, covered in fondant, with a fruit cake for the base is definitely a thing of the past. Those opting for cakes are choosing sponges and popular flavours. Others are ditching the cake entirely and choosing dessert.

Couples are embracing:

• travelling tiramisu
• pavlovas
• doughnut towers
• brownie stacks
• cupcakes
• gelato carts
• grazing-style dessert tables

It’s about taste at the end of the day!

Walking down the aisle traditionally

More couples are mixing this part up. No longer is it just dad giving away the bride, but rather walking with both parents, walking alone, or walking with another significant person in their life.

Not seeing each other before the ceremony

There is now a popular rise in the first look. Before waiting until the aisle, some couples are opting for a private moment as their first look. It calms nerves, creates a beautiful private moment, and lets couples enjoy their time together with the whole party.

Matching bridesmaid dresses

Uniform dresses that somehow suit no one? No more! Uniform dresses are now optional, and bridesmaids are choosing styles and colours that suit them best. It’s a chic solution to the ugly bridesmaid dresses dilemma of the past.

The traditional registry

China sets and silverware are out. Couples are wanting something a little different: cash funds, experiences, experiences, and a “help us with our first home” fund.

Men delivering all the speeches

A tradition we are glad to see the back of! Wedding speeches used to be solely delivered by men. The groom, the father of the bride, the best man. But now, we’re seeing a variety of speech givers. Mothers, fathers, friends, siblings, and the couple themselves are all willing to take the mic.

Cutting the cake

Even if there is a cake, many couples skip the ceremonial knife moment. Instead, dessert just… appears. And guests cheerfully accept this.

Your wedding, your rules

The beauty of modern weddings is that they’re no longer about ticking boxes on a checklist. They’re about celebrating love in a way that reflects who you are.

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