While weddings are full of customs and rules, modern brides are taking a new approach to their weddings. Now, more than ever, couples are incorporating individual aspects into their ceremony and reception. Thankfully, a lot of old-school rules are now viewed as optional, and brides don’t feel the pressure they once did to follow each and every one.
We suggest that each couple chooses personal aspects and touches that make this a special occasion. Here are a few “rules” that were once deemed mandatory that you can totally break:
- The bride has to wear white.
Maybe you don’t look good in white. Or perhaps you have your eye on a floral dress for the big day. Either way, colored wedding dresses are currently on trend and more brides than ever are breaking out of the ivory mold.
Most brides no longer feel the pressure to don a white gown for her big day. You should be able to feel free to choose a dress that makes you feel confident and gorgeous, whether that is in a blush to ivory hue or something very different.
- You must have an even number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Your mother and grandmother would never have thought to have an uneven wedding party; however, times are changing, and it is now totally acceptable to have an uneven amount of bridesmaids and groomsmen. There are plenty of creative ways to arrange the group for photos, and you can either have each person walk down the aisle individually, or in groups of three.
- The couple is forbidden from seeing each before the ceremony.
This is a very personal decision for each couple. However, if you want to forgo this tradition, seeing your husband-to-be before the ceremony might help calm both of your nerves. Another plus to seeing each other before the ceremony is the ability to capture the “first look” in a video or photo. In fact, many photographers have stunning ideas to set up this shot. Just think: your makeup and hair will still be perfect before you get teary eyed.
- You should save some wedding cake for the first anniversary.
Custom will tell you to save the top tier (or a piece) of your wedding cake to eat on the first anniversary. It’s a sweet idea, but if you don’t have room in your freezer to store extra cake, you shouldn’t feel bad for not saving any cake. If you want to celebrate the anniversary, why not find a bakery and buy a new cake, rather than a cake that tastes like freezer burn.
- The bride’s family pays for everything.
This goes for any wedding rules about who pays for what. This is an old tradition that just isn’t fair to the bride’s family (or anyone else). There is no reason that other family members and the couple cannot contribute.
In fact, today most couples create budgets and decide to pay for their own. Parents or family members may offer to pay for certain expenses if they can. We have to say, this is a much better option than leaving the entire bill for one side of the family.
- The guests cannot wear white.
It has long been thought that your guests should not wear white. However, as with the growing popularity of colored wedding gowns, some brides encourage their guests or bridesmaids to wear white. Some couples even have a strict dress code where the guests must wear all white or white and black. And, we’re pretty sure that no one will confuse a guest for the bride.
- Moms can’t host the bridal shower.
This is yet another one of those silly traditions that, for whatever reason, has stuck around for some time. While back in the day it was considered rude for a mom to host the bridal shower, this no longer applies. So, if your mom is a party planning pro, go ahead and let her throw the bridal shower!
- Ceremony seating must be separated.
Traditionally, the guests were split into a designated “groom’s side” and “bride’s side” for the ceremony seating. However, today many couples choose to let everyone sit where they want. Why not, since a wedding is about two people’s (and families’) lives joining together.
