A few decades ago, engaged couples wouldn’t even dream of having a wedding without a bouquet toss or a diamond ring but many modern couples are deciding to flip these old-fashioned traditions on their head. While traditions can be fun, cutting out or modifying traditions is a great way for a couple to put their personal stamp on their wedding day. Every couple has a personal preference of loving or hating wedding traditions, so just keep in mind that it’s your day and you have the freedom to pick which traditions feel special to you and which ones it’s time to let go!

Here are a few traditions that some of our clients have opted to give a modern twist to.

Not Seeing Each Other Until the Ceremony

Seeing your future spouse for the first time at the end of the aisle is a special moment for sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. Some couples might appreciate a more private moment that they can have during a first look before the ceremony. We have a whole post highlighting the pros and cons of a first look so be sure to check it out! This is one tradition that doesn’t need to be completely thrown out, but rather each couple should consider all of the options and decide what would fit them the best.

The Bride’s Family Pays

 This tradition originates from dowries that were paid from the bride’s family to the groom’s family in exchange for taking the care of their daughter off their hands. Since we don’t have to bribe the groom into getting married anymore (thank goodness!), I think it’s safe to say it’s time to do away with this tradition altogether. These days weddings are paid for in all sorts of ways–by the groom’s family, by both families or by the couple themselves through savings or a wedding loan. Endless support and love from both sides is much more important now than being nit-picky over who pays for what.

Father Walking the Bride Down the Aisle

There are many reasons why a bride might not want to participate in this tradition, but the good news is there are plenty of alternatives as well! You could have both parents, your mother, or another close relative like a brother or grandfather escort you to the altar. Or if you’re an empowered, independent woman, why not walk yourself down the aisle and have the spotlight all to yourself? Whatever your decision, it’s your day so feel confident that the choice you make is the right one for you.

Engagement Ring Has to be Diamond

While diamonds are still a pretty popular choice for bridal bling, many couples are now opting for other precious gems. Whether it’s for ethical, financial or aesthetic reasons, colorful stones like morganite, topaz or opal are great options for a non-traditional stone and look just as eye-catching as a diamond. Choosing a different stone for the ring could also be a beautiful way to represent your fiancée’s unique style and personality.

Bouquet Toss & Garter Toss

Many couples are deciding to spare their single friends the embarrassment of lining up to jostle for the chance to catch a piece of the bride’s ensemble. Plus, you get to avoid that awkward moment of your elderly relatives watching the groom dive under your dress to retrieve the garter. Instead, a fun new alternative tradition is to give away the bouquet during an anniversary dance. Invite all married couples onto the dance-floor and have your DJ start counting up by years, asking couples to step away once their anniversary is announced. At the end of the song, the longest married couple should remain and the bride can choose to give her bouquet to them to honor their long-standing love.

Matching Bridesmaid Dresses

Being a bridesmaid used to mean purchasing an identical dress that you didn’t really love and most likely never wearing it again. These days many brides are forgoing the formal matching look and instead letting their bridesmaids show off their personality with semi-matching dresses. Not only does this trend allow bridesmaids to pick a dress that flatters them the best, whether through the color or the style, it also means bridesmaids can pick a dress they would actually re-wear. We love how this tradition has evolved!

Whatever traditions you decide to include, Pure7 would love to help capture your unique day. Preserving the special details that make each couple one-of-a-kind is our priority. Contact info@pure7studios.com with questions or for booking information.