Wedding traditions and myths you should ditch for 2023
If your New Year's resolution was to make your wedding unique, then you're in luck - 2023 is the perfect time to shake things up and ditch outdated wedding traditions. Get ready to be a wedding revolutionary and say goodbye to boring ceremonies – I’ve got a list of wedding traditions that might just be ready for retirement. Let's start 2021 right with a wedding that’s all about you!
Having a ton of people during your getting ready.
Having a ton of people around during the bride and groom's getting-ready process can be overwhelming, and it can create anxiety for some couples. Not only are there a lot of people in a small space, but there's also the pressure of having to look perfect for the big day. To avoid this anxiety, some couples choose to get ready alone or with just a few close family members or friends. This can be a much more intimate and relaxing experience. There is less pressure to look perfect, which can help reduce stress levels. Plus, it allows the couple to spend some quality time together before the ceremony. Getting ready alone or with just a few close people can create a more peaceful atmosphere and ensure that the couple is feeling their best before they walk down the aisle.
Balloons display and plastic confetti
Balloon displays and plastic confetti have become popular decorations for weddings and other events, but they are not environmentally friendly options. Balloons are made from latex and plastic, and when released into the environment, they can be mistaken for food by wildlife, leading to serious health problems. Plastic confetti is also a problem, as it is non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose.
For a more eco-friendly option at weddings, consider using biodegradable decorations such as paper confetti or flower petals. Not only are they better for the environment, but they can also create a beautiful and unique atmosphere.
Pranking the spouses during the wedding
Pranks and videos during a wedding reception can be a huge distraction and take away from the meaning of the day. The wedding is supposed to be a time to celebrate the love between two people and the union of two families. Pranks and videos can disrupt the solemnity of the ceremony and make it more of a circus than a serious occasion. They can also be embarrassing for the bride and groom, as well as their families. Additionally, they can cause discomfort to other guests, as they may not be in on the joke.
Unplanned speeches
Unplanned speeches at a wedding reception can ruin the atmosphere and detract from the joy of the occasion. This is because wedding receptions are meant to be a time for celebration and for the couple to express their love for one another. Long, unplanned speeches can interrupt this flow and make it harder for the couple to share their special moment. Additionally, these speeches can also be awkward for invited guests and make them feel uncomfortable. The best way to avoid this is to provide a list of pre-approved speakers who should stick to a script or time limit in their speeches. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the reception and the couple can have their special moment without any unwelcome interruptions.
The first dance
The first dance can be a very special moment for a couple, but it can also be a bit awkward. For many couples, the first dance is the first time they have danced together in public, and that can be a little nerve-wracking. On top of that, couples may be too focused on having the perfect dance, which can be a lot of pressure. If a couple is not used to dancing or is not very confident in their dancing ability, it can be an even more uncomfortable experience. Even if a couple is comfortable dancing, they may still feel strange and self-conscious with all eyes on them. All of this can make the first dance a bit of an awkward moment for a couple.
Meaningless favors
When it comes to weddings, there is no denying that couples want everything to be perfect. But in the midst of the planning and preparations, couples should be aware that some so-called "favors" may be a waste of money. Meaningless favors - such as trinkets or cheap giveaways - are often forgotten by guests and do nothing to add to the overall feel of the event. One area that couples often struggle with is favors; while many still opt to give favors to their guests as a token of appreciation, these favors can often be pricey and ultimately meaningless. Instead of spending money on favors that will likely be forgotten or thrown away, it may be better to invest that money into something more meaningful. Consider using the money to fund an unforgettable experience for your guests, such as a live band or an after-party. This way, your guests will have something to remember your wedding by, rather than a trinket that won't last.
Cake cutting
Cutting the cake is a traditional part of a wedding reception, but it can be an awkward moment for some couples. After all, it involves standing in front of a large crowd and being the center of attention. If this isn't your cup of tea, you might want to consider opting for a sweets and desserts buffet instead. This can be a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience for the couple, as well as their guests. You can still cut a cake for photos, but the focus won't be on the couple as much. Plus, it's a great way to offer your guests a variety of delicious desserts to enjoy. So if you're looking for an alternative to the traditional cake cutting, a sweets and desserts buffet could be a great option.
Same-gender bridal party
In the past, many couples opted for same-gender bridal parties when they were planning their weddings. This usually meant that the bride had an all-women bridal party and the groom had an all-men bridal party. However, this is no longer the norm. Many modern couples are choosing to have a mixed gender bridal party instead. This allows them to include friends and family members of all genders in their wedding day celebrations. It also allows them to create a more inclusive atmosphere and recognize the importance of all the people in their lives. Having a mixed gender bridal party is an easy way to ensure that everyone feels included and appreciated on your special day.
Doing what your parents want
When it comes to planning a wedding, couples should be sure to follow their own hearts and not the expectations of their parents. While parents may have good intentions, the wedding should be a reflection of the couple themselves. Ultimately, it is the couple's day and they should be the ones making decisions about the details of the event. Listening to what the parents want could lead to couples feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied with the wedding.
Couples should focus on what they want and what will make them happy. It may be helpful to discuss the couple's vision with the parents and explain why certain things are important to them. This can help bring everyone together and ensure that all parties are on the same page. Ultimately, the couple should always make sure that they are doing what feels right for them, as this will ensure that their wedding is an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.
Typical wedding dresses
Traditional wedding attire can be beautiful, but if you're not used to wearing formal clothing, it may not be the best choice. Opting for a traditional wedding dress or groom's attire can be uncomfortable and restrictive, and it may not reflect your personal style. Instead, you may want to consider more modern options. For example, a jumpsuit or a two-piece suit can give you the formal look without feeling too constricting. Alternatively, you can choose a dress or suit in a more casual style, such as a sundress for brides or linen pants for grooms. There are also plenty of options for more creative ensembles, such as patterned suits or brightly colored dresses. No matter what you choose, make sure that the outfit reflects your personality and makes you feel comfortable.
Hiring a planner is a waste of money
Couples planning a wedding often think that hiring a wedding planner is not worth the cost. However, this could not be further from the truth. In fact, hiring a planner can be an invaluable investment for couples planning their wedding. A good planner can help you stay organized and on track with the wedding planning process. They can help you find the best deals, negotiate with vendors, and manage all of the details of your wedding so that you can focus on the important things. They can also provide valuable advice and insight that can help you make the best decisions for your special day. Hiring a wedding planner can be a great way to ensure that your wedding goes off without a hitch and that it is a beautiful, memorable experience for everyone involved.
While some of these traditions are widely accepted and followed, others are specific to certain cultures or regions. No matter where you're from, though, you can be sure that there are plenty of other couples out there who feel the same way you do about wedding traditions.
So, if you're looking to break the mold and have a truly unique wedding, consider ditching some of these outdated traditions. Your guests will thank you for it!
This article features Vittoria and Luigi’s wedding photos and this is the team that made it come together:
VENUE: Portico del Seminario
DESIGN &PLANNING : A Modo Wed
MUAH: Serena Sampietro
MUSICA: Good Vibes Music
FIORI CERIMONIA E ACCESSORI SPOSI: Letizia dei Fiori
FIORI TAVOLI E LOCATION: Portico del Seminario
GRAFICHE Lettera Ventidue
ABITO SPOSA: Maura Brandino
