A New Take on Wedding Traditions

We all think of certain traditions when the word "wedding" comes to mind.  The bride's walk down the aisle, the bouquet toss, the garter toss, the cake cutting...all of these are expected events at a typical wedding.  One great thing about modern weddings is being able to pick which traditions you like and get rid of the ones you don't.  Here are some new takes on old traditions.

The Bouquet Toss:  One of the first things I decided when I started wedding planning was that the bouquet toss was out.  Having been a guest at dozens of weddings before my own, I knew all too well the horror of standing on a dance floor with one or two poor other single girls, while all the happily marrieds watched.  If you're lucky there may be a cute flower girl to detract from your sad, pitiful un-marriedness.  I was thrilled when we went to our first wedding after being engaged--no more "Single Ladies" for me!  If you have a crowd that is mostly married off already, skip this potentially embarrassing tradition.  But if you are one of the first of your friends to tie the knot, by all means, toss away!

The Garter Toss:  While most single boys are happy to get out on the floor and go all NFL wide receiver on that garter, this tradition may be a little tired.  Do you really want Grandma watching as your new hubby sticks his hand up your dress?  This might be one tradition to say bye to.

Parent Dances: Let's face the facts: more than half of all marriages end in divorce, which means many "kids" these days have one parent, three parents, four parents, adopted parents, gay parents, grandparents, you name it.  Everyone has their own unique and special family.  If you have a great relationship with your dad, this can be a great moment.  But if the bride or groom has a not so perfect relationship with either parent, this is a tradition you can feel okay about skipping.

Bride and Dad Walking Down the Aisle:  For the same reasons mentioned above, this may not be an option for many brides.  Why not have Mom walk you down the aisle instead?  You could also ask your brother, grandfather, uncle, man of honor...anyone that has been there for you during your tough times.  If you're really bold and independent, walk yourself down the aisle.  After all, no one can really "give" you away except for you!

Cake Cutting:  Many brides and grooms are ditching the traditional wedding cake in favor of more unique desserts like cupcakes, pies, and full on sweets tables.  If you aren't having a cake (or even if you are) go ahead and ditch the whole cake cutting ceremony.  You know you don't want to end up with pie in the face on your wedding day!

Bridal Party Grand Entrance:  Instead of going through each bridesmaid and groomsman, why not just introduce the bride and groom and then invite all your guests out on the dance floor.  By the time cocktail hour is over, many guests are ready for a little boogie, and to be honest, most of them don't care about seeing the bridal party dance around like awkward teenagers at their first school dance.

I hope I haven't crushed any wedding dreams!  No matter what, remember that it is YOUR day and you can skip or include any traditions your heart desires.