Traditions Up for Debate

The words wedding and tradition go hand in hand… but not all brides are sold on being traditional. Here are a few traditions we have seen recently up for debate. We added some of our own thoughts…but what do you think? After all, you’re the bride… you make the rules.

1.      The man proposes – Unless you want to continue to drop hints to no avail just propose yourself.  No one said there was anything wrong with a “mangagement ring”.

2.      Ring must be diamond- Over 80 percent of married woman wear a diamond engagement ring... but that does not mean you have to!

3.      Only one maid of honor- Oh just have two… planning a wedding is enough work without having to referee a cat fight between your sister and your best friend.

4.      Registering – We find the only tradition regarding a registry that cannot be forgotten is that there should not be any mention of gifts on a wedding invitation.

5.      Bridal Showers- Traditionally bridal showers are an event just for women, but wedding traditions should be able to evolve with the trends of the modern world.  Be unconventional and host a Jack and Jill bridal shower so that guests of both genders can attend.

6.      Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties- What could be wrong about anything that ends in the word party?... but then again we all saw the Hangover.

7.      Bride’s parents foot the bill- In today’s tough economic times and the increasingly expensive prices for weddings it seems more adequate to have multiple people financially contribute to a wedding… perhaps even the bride and groom themselves.

8.      Gender-Specific attendants- Not sure what to do with your gay best friend? Bridesmen anyone? Shake it up…whose judging.

9.      Matching bridesmaid dresses- Thanks to Sex and the City (where all good trends are born) mixing things up for your bridesmaids in both color and silhouette is a trend we can’t help but encourage.

10.  A veil- While sporting a veil is almost as sacred a tradition as wearing white, some may rather showcase their hair and makeup they had professionally done.

11.  Flower girls/ring bearers- This can be an adorable way to include some younger family members or friends, but having to babysit on your special day is definitely not an ideal situation.

12.  Dad “gives you away”- If your father is a guest at your wedding, not having him walk you down the aisle may be the ultimate snub.  If he won’t be there, be creative!  We’ve seen it all from the bride’s siblings or children giving them away, or even walking down the aisle by yourself.

13.  Traditional vows- Reciting traditional vows can take a lot of stress off a soon to be married couple, but personalized vows can be a sweet alternative and a lot more memorable.

14.  Rice shower- While the origin of throwing rice at a newly married couple is intended to represent longevity and prosperity, being pelted with tiny bits of grain may not be how you always envisioned your wedding day.

15.  Receiving line- This could be quite a nuisance to orchestrate, but may be the only feasible way to share a moment with each and every guest invited to your wedding.

16.  First dance- As long as the song is not a cliché, the first dance is a tradition we would like to see stick around for many weddings to come.

17.  Bouquet toss- To toss or not to toss?  Some single women might look at this tradition as a blow to their ego, while others will not read so much into it and allow themselves to enjoy the thrill of competition.

18.  Garter toss- Let’s be honest, the garter toss can be down  right awkward.  Feel free to dump this odd tradition.

19.  Funny speeches- All in good fun or all too personal?  We don’t know if Nana needs to know about that one time in college when…..

20.  Feed each other cake- Cute until it ends up all over your face…You paid for that make up didn’t you?