Wedding 101

8 Wedding Traditions You Can Totally Skip

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Wedding traditions exist for a reason: they often help provide structure for and give meaning to the big day bash. But these days, many couples are bidding adieu to those old-school options and welcoming in the new with more personalized touches. Here are the 8 wedding traditions you can definitely go without to make your day more of a reflection of you and your partner. wedding traditions Photo by juan pablo rodriguez on Unsplash  
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1The veil.

The long, white veil is as traditionally bridal as you can get. The tradition goes as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans—they believed a veil would protect the bride against evil spirits. Don’t want to wear the traditional headpiece? Don’t! Try a fashionable alternative, like a floral halo or a glittery headband, instead.

2The matching bridal party. 

This is another tradition based in superstition. During Roman times, everyone invited to a wedding was supposed to wear matching outfits to throw off any evil spirits attempting to curse the couple. But these days, mismatched bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire are a stylish way to make a statement. Plus your bridal party will be happier in something they’re comfortable in!

3The bridal party.

In addition to switching things up with the bridal party’s attire, more couples are reconsidering the bridal party thing altogether. Have a big family or a large group of friends? Feeling like the idea of bridesmaids and groomsmen just isn’t you? Instead of forcing this tradition, consider other ways to honor the special people in your life by having them do a reading during your ceremony or mentioning them in a speech.

4Raunchy bachelor and bachelorette parties. 

Of course you want to celebrate your last days of singledom with your closest friends. We can’t blame you. But that doesn’t mean you have to party like they did in the “Hangover.” Consider other options that better fit your personality, like renting a lake cabin for a low-key weekend or hitting up a champagne bar for classy cocktails. You can still add a little touch of debauchery with a lingerie shower for the ladies or a roast of the person of honor.

5The bouquet and garter toss. 

While this tradition is typically done in good fun, chances are your single friends don’t want to call attention to their singleness. And things often just get super awkward during this portion of the night. Your single friends don’t really want to fight over a bouquet and grandma probably doesn’t need to see your beau with his head up your dress!

6The receiving line. 

The traditional reason for the receiving line is good etiquette. It gives you, your spouse, and your parents the chance to greet and thank each guest in attendance personally. But it’s a very time-consuming process, especially if you have 150 people (or more!) on your guest list. If you opt out of this tradition, you should still take the time to talk to each of your guests. Visit each table at some point during the night with your new spouse and then get back to the dance floor.

7The first dance. 

The first dance is the traditional way to kick off the reception. It’s a way to introduce the newly married couple to their guests and get the party started. But if the idea of having all eyes on you makes you anxious (or you have two left feet), don’t force yourself to do a first dance. You can still celebrate your newlywed status with a champagne toast or group dance party.

8The anniversary cake. 

We’ll be the first to admit that the idea of eating cake that’s been sitting in our freezer for a year isn’t that appetizing. While we like the romantic notion of reliving a part of your wedding night, this tradition just seems a little…gross. Instead, ask your cake baker if they’ll make you a fresh cake for your first anniversary so you can actually enjoy it! —By Claire Aven

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