 | At one point in time (in the not so long ago past) weddings were as predictable as clockwork. A white dress, a black tux, a standard ceremony and the vows. Rice throwing, cans clanking and tied to your car. All topped off with a white-icing cake and a traditional song.
Times have changed! Weddings now range from very traditional and orthodox ceremonies to getting hitched while base jumping or snowboarding. Because there is now so much possibility in how you can plan and personalize your wedding, it makes it difficult to know when to break from traditions and when to stick to what people know. Here are a few things to consider when deciding how traditional you would like to be in your wedding planning. |
Who plans the wedding? In the past the bride has usually been the one who mails out the invitations, chooses the theme, picks the vendors and generally plays wedding planner. But this is also changing, as grooms now are pitching in and sharing the wedding planning load with their brides.
What will you wear? White dresses and black tuxedos are still fairly popular, but many engaged couples are now choosing a different path in what they will wear on their big day. Some are going with regular suits and ties and more modern wedding dresses with less lace and cleaner lines. Yet others are going more casual, especially for outdoor and destination weddings. And even others are opting for themed weddings. What’s right for you? That’s completely up to what you and your spouse-to-be prefer.
The reception is your time to celebrate and share your joy with family and friends, so it should be as much an expression of you as a couple as you can make it. Don’t feel bound to old traditions if they don’t fit you. For example, if you feel awkward tossing a bouquet or garter or you have only a few unmarried guests, then drop these from the activities. If you want to include more people than just the best man and maid-of-honor in giving a toast, then by all means ask them. Remember, it’s your party, and everyone will take your lead.