Unpacking Tradition: Where Did It Come From? A particularly thought-provoking response from our poll was, “Any tradition with a misogynistic history should go. I wish people knew the origins.” This sentiment resonates deeply. Many customs, like The Garter Toss, stem from outdated notions of ownership or fertility rites, leaving modern couples questioning their place in contemporary weddings. The Garter Toss: Historically tied to superstitions about wedding night consummation, this tradition is often described as “bizarre” and “embarrassing.” Parents Giving Away the Bride: Rooted in the concept of a bride as property, this custom feels out of step with today’s ideals of autonomy and equality.

Reimagining Roles and Relationships: No One “Giving You Away” The traditional father-daughter aisle walk drew mixed reactions. While some love the symbolism of family support, others feel it’s unnecessary. As one respondent put it, “I am my person. No one owned me before or after marriage.” Alternative ideas include walking solo, with both parents or even hand-in-hand with your partner. Uneven Bridal Parties are another expectation being cast aside is the uniformity of bridal parties. Couples are embracing uneven bridal parties—or none at all. The focus is shifting to celebrating friendships rather than adhering to symmetry. “We’ll have an uneven bridal party, and it feels so much more us,” shared one bride.

The Rise of Minimalist Celebrations Ditching the Reception Structure Seated receptions are being swapped for more dynamic formats. Intimate dinners, pre-ceremony cocktails, or casual wedding lunches are becoming popular alternatives. Couples want their events to feel effortless rather than staged. “We’re skipping the traditional reception and hosting an intimate dinner followed by a lively afterparty,” one couple said. Photos with Guests Taking endless posed photos during cocktail hour? Many readers said they’d prefer to skip this entirely, opting for candid shots that capture the day’s spirit. “Guests just want to eat and dance,” noted one bride. Bomboniere and Signage Traditional wedding favours, like bomboniere and elaborate signage, are also disappearing. Couples find them unnecessary, with one bride saying, “No one keeps those favours, and the signage felt wasteful.”

Traditions That Spark Debate While many traditions are being rethought, others remain divisive. For instance: Something Blue, Borrowed, and Old: Though beloved by some, others described it as stressful. “Finding a dress was complicated enough without adding more to the mix,” one bride quipped. Cake Cutting: While dessert tables are trending, the wedding cake remains a staple for others. The charm of a croquembouche or a display of artisanal sweets is often preferred to a towering fondant cake.

New Approach to Personalisation: Despite these shifts, one thing remains constant: the desire for a wedding that reflects the couple’s personality. Traditions like sealing vows with a kiss or dancing with parents are not disappearing altogether but are being adapted to feel more authentic. “We sealed our vows with a kiss but skipped the parent dances—they felt cringe,” shared one couple.

What Makes a Wedding Special? Interestingly, when we asked our readers whether traditions make a wedding special, 64% said no. Instead, they emphasised meaningful moments and quality time with loved ones. From intimate ceremonies to personalised playlists, today’s weddings are about creating experiences that resonate on a deeper level.