Independence Day marks a milestone for America. It’s tradition for us to celebrate with barbecues and lighting fireworks on the 4th of July — some couples will even host a festive Americana themed wedding. Just like our American traditions, some wedding traditions are a “must-have”, but seem outdated. Find out which old traditions you should swap-out for these brand new traditions.
WEDDING RING TRADITION
Old Tradition: The diamond ring and wedding band is one of the oldest American traditions. They were meant to symbolize a life-long promise of love and commitment.
New Tradition: Couples are flocking to tattoo parlors for matching wedding band tattoos, or other tattoos to symbolize their unity. This is a great way to never lose your wedding ring and show your everlasting love!
Not into having ink until “Death do you part?” Another alternative to the traditional diamond ring, is a natural stone ring. Certain natural stones are known to hold great energy, healing powers, and are very symbolic.
WEDDING DRESS MUST-BE WHITE?
Old Tradition: For centuries, brides were expected to wear white as they walked down the aisle. White was worn to symbolize innocence, purity, and light.
New Tradition: Today’s wedding dress can be seen in a variety of colors, from hints of hues to bright, tropical colors. So don’t be afraid to make your dress match your personal style! Wedding Advice: What does your wedding gown color mean?
ENJOY THE CEREMONY
Old Tradition: Letting wedding guests take photos during the ceremony.
New Tradition: An unplugged wedding! We get it — mom wants that perfect photo to post on Facebook right away. Ask your guests to put away the phones/cameras… at least during the ceremony. More and more couples are practicing this notion, because they realize their wedding photographer (which they are paying for) will get better photos without friends/family getting in the way. Plus, your guest will get to feel the raw emotion of your ceremony.
PICK A SIDE VS. PICK A SEAT
Old Tradition: Bride’s family and friends on the left side, and groom’s loved ones on the right side.
New Tradition: Encourage your guests to sit wherever they want. This makes the ceremony a lot more relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. Only reserve space for immediate family.
WEDDING PARTY
Old Tradition: Large wedding parties with your childhood best friend, adult best friend, siblings, cousins, etc.
New Tradition: Many couples are cutting down on the bridal party and opting to have a more intimate group. Save your sanity by having 1-3 close family/friends join you as you exchange your vows.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Old Tradition: We’ve all seen the “staged” photos. Wedding parties in a straight line, or over-posed group photos.
New Tradition: Couples want to live in the moment, and want their wedding photography to be authentic. Photojournalism or Lifestyle photographers are in high demand in the wedding industry, offering couples with photos that are unscripted and reflect the true nature of your wedding.
BOUQUET TOSS (OPTIONAL)?
Old Tradition: One of the oldest traditions is the toss of the bouquet.
New Tradition: Honoring love by giving the bridal bouquet to the longest married couple, or perhaps splitting up your bouquet and sharing it with the people that are closest to you.
HONEYMOON
Old Tradition: Honeymoons right after the wedding day. You worked so hard for the perfect wedding, now take a vacation.
New Tradition: Many couples are now waiting for a later date to travel for their honeymoon. A wedding can be expensive and saving money for a honeymoon, simultaneously, can be financially draining. Couples are opting to wait to save some money, so they can truly enjoy the perfect honeymoon. Expert Tip: Get a professional to help you with International travel. Ever After is a great destination wedding and honeymoon company that provides experts to help you find and book your dream getaway.
WEDDING REGISTRY
Old Tradition: Give cash to the newlyweds, or gifting something on their registry.
New Tradition: Let’s face it, most people go out and buy what they want. Back-in-the-day, the purpose of the registry was to help couples buy things for the house for then they move-in together (since it was frowned upon to live with your fiance prior to your “I dos”). Today, couples are asking their guests to make donations towards a good cause instead of gifting them with material goods.
Some wedding traditions just stick and stay with us forever — like getting married in Las Vegas. Couples have been “tying the knot” at Chapel of the Flowers for nearly 60 years, and generations of their family continues to wed and renew vows at the historic chapel. Contact our wedding planners to start your own tradition by exchange vows at the best wedding chapel in Las Vegas. Have a look at the Vegas wedding packages, and see what suits you and your fiancé.
