Wedding traditions are steeped in history. Some have been in place since Roman time! But, as the years have passed, so have some of practice of these traditions. Many brides and couples have decided to break from the norm and expected and how who they are as a couple and individuals through their wedding.
Walking Down the Aisle
Traditionally, the bride is to be given away by her father. However, there may be circumstances where that’s just not possible, or wanted. Now brides can pick and choose. Some stick to family members, including their mother, a sibling, grandparent or even their child. Others choose to simply escort themselves. Or, if you are really adventurous, your fur baby!
Wedding Vows
No longer is it necessary to go with the traditional vows. Many couples take the time and effort to write their own. They may be heartfelt, and some may even be humorous. Sometimes poems are used, whether written by the bride and groom or chosen by a favorite writer. If you are not one who likes to do all the talking, you can sit down with your officiate and let he or she know what’s important to you.
Bridesmaids Attire
Gone are the days of all the bridesmaids’ dresses matching. Brides can now give their squad the option of wearing different styles and colors. Or, bridesmaids can simply be given guidelines to choose their own attire. A comfortable bridesmaid makes for a happier day.
The Wedding Veil
In the past, the bridal veil, complete with blusher, was a must. Today, a veil is totally optional. This really depends on the bride’s personal taste and the formality of the big day.
Something Old, Something New…
We’ve all heard the saying: Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Some brides stick to tradition and follow all these “rules,” while others only opt for a few. It seems having “something blue” speaks to most brides, as it represents love, purity and fidelity. Of course the blue garter under your wedding gown is the obvious choice, but it’s not the only one. Get creative and have fun!
Throwing Rice
Tossing rice was meant as a sign of prosperity and fertility. The practice is to symbolize showering the couple with good luck. However, the practice has become less popular, with rice being replaced by alternatives like sparklers, confetti, streamers and more.