3 Non-traditional Wedding Trends for the Anti-bride at Heart

Do wedding traditions feel old-fashioned to you? When I photograph weddings, I frequently wonder why we do certain traditions. Spoiler: usually, there isn't a compelling reason to do these practices anymore. Think deeply about every many traditions we do on wedding days and if they resonate with your personality as a couple. I hope to inspire you with 3 fun ways to break from wedding traditions you might have yet to consider.

BRIDAL PARTIES

You don't need a bridal party. In fact, bridal parties can be expensive, drama-filled, distracting, and a time waste on the wedding day. We all know that time is money for a wedding because all your vendors' contracts are based on time spent on the day of. Depending on the bridal party size, I typically spend 30 - 45 minutes taking photos of my clients' friends. That time could be dedicated to couple portraits, family portraits, detail shots, solo shots of the bride, candids, and other artful essential things. I have heard more than a handful of times that people regret dedicating so much time to bridal party photos because the images are less important with time. However, you can still honor your friends by having a life-of-the-party group where you get ready together, wear similar colors, take one group photo, and be done with it all. No fuss or time lost. If you want a more intentional wedding focusing on your relationship with your partner rather than others, I recommend forgoing the bridal party tradition.

GETTING READY APART

Why do people get ready apart rather than together on their wedding day? Getting ready together is an excellent opportunity for a couple's boudoir photoshoot. Wouldn't it be sexy for your partner to zip up your dress? Maybe that's just me. Also, a good portion of a typical wedding day is spent getting ready and away from your partner. I would want to experience every aspect of the day with my soon-to-be life partner. If you typically get ready together in the morning, and that's special to you, then why would you do any different on your wedding day? If getting ready together feels more natural to your relationship, ditch the tradition, and you do you.

BEING “GIVEN AWAY” AT THE ALTER

No one has to give you away at the altar. You're a competent consenting adult with your own agency. But, in all seriousness, family dynamics are complicated. You can choose whoever you please to give you away at the altar, or if that notion is too old-fashioned for you, then you can walk down the aisle with your partner. After all, you are making this lifetime decision together.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Do any wedding traditions not resonate with you as a couple? How are you going to make your wedding uniquely you? You should think outside the box and not just go through the wedding tradition motions. Your wedding can be as intentional and thoughtful as you want.