As I clicked my way through my favourite wedding website – The Knot – I came across an article about wedding traditions, and it got me think about the amount of times I have been with Brides that are trying on white dresses because they feel they should, or stressing because their bridesmaids don’t all like the same dress, or worried about who they should put at the top table. Why? Why stick to tradition when you don’t have to? Here are some traditions you definitely don’t need to stick to:
Your dress should be white
Okay, a white or ivory dress is classic and stylish, but it isn’t your only option. You can go for subtle undretones of colours, like pale blue, gold or silver. Or go all out in midnight blue and purple like Dita Von Teese, or pink and white in the style of Gwen Stefani, or black a la Sarah Jessica Parker.
You have to wear a veil
Headbands, fascinators and sparkly hair clips can compliment an outfit perfectly without taking anything away from the dress, or you! Or how about no hair accessory at all?!
You can only walk down the aisle to the wedding march
Wrong! Why not consider something more personal? A traditional song from your heritage, or a special and meaningful song to you and your partner? It doesn’t need to be a CD/MP3, you could have a string quartet or harpist play it. Do consider the lyrics though! U2 ‘I still haven’t found what I’m looking for’ might not be appropriate, however much you love the song!
You shouldn’t see one another until the ceremony
Sneaking a few minutes before the ceremony starts can be a great idea, so to not get too overwhelmed during the ceremony, settle any nerves, and ensure you actually get to spend a few minutes alone and catch your breath – once the wedding gets underway you might find you get caught up with guests, photographs, dancing, etc etc. The day can pass in the blink of an eye, make sure you are your new spouse get a minute to reflect and enjoy it, just the 2 of you.
Bridesmaids are women, Groomsmen are men
The role of Bridesmaid/Groomsman should only be given to your closest, dearest friends. Therefore Brides, if your best friend is a boy, make him your bridesman. Ayda Field, who married Robbie Williams this year had their dogs accompany her! Same goes for the Groom – have a Groomswoman instead of a Groomsman if you wish! Think Carrie as Standford’s Groomswoman in SATC2. The role of walking up the aisle with the bride is a very special one, and this person should be a significant and important person in your life, whether that be your father, brother, Mum or friend. Or walk with your soon to be spouse.
Your bridesmaids should all wear the same
Let your girls’ individual personalities shine by letting them pick a dress (perhaps in the same fabric or colour) that suits their own taste and shape. Or personalise each look with funky accessories like chunky jewellery, modern boleros, or patterned tights.
Top table is reserved for family and the wedding party
You can choose to order seating arrangements of your guests in anyway you please. Too stressful deciding who sits where? Why not have your own ‘love table’, where just you and your new other-hlaf sit, and let everyone else choose their own seats?
Wedding traditions are endless. Yes, some are lovely and can help make a wedding a wedding. However, it is YOUR day – do as YOU please! Have the wedding of YOUR dreams, not what you ‘think’ you ‘should’ have. And most importantly? Enjoy every moment!
Lucy
Engaged? Contact Premier Wedding Planner Scotland for a free consultation to see how we can help you achieve your dream day (traditional or not!)
