How to Incorporate Tradition Into Your Modern Wedding
Some things are worth holding on to, like wedding traditions. Some wedding traditions are just too timeless and meaningful to toss away (think receiving gifts. However, weddings are constantly evolving so that couples can see more of themselves on their big day. A healthy mix of new and old wouldn’t hurt for your wedding. Learn about common traditional wedding features that have been around for quite some time:
White Wedding Gown: In many cultures, the bride wears an elegant white wedding gown with a train and matching veil and a bouquet.
Wedding Party: Family members and friends are by the bride’s and groom’s sides to help them become one union. The wedding party consists of bridesmaids, groomsmen, the maid of honor, the best man, the ring bearer, the flower girl, the officiant, and others.
Family Heirlooms: Couples might use or wear family heirlooms, such as wedding rings.
Wedding Invitations: Wedding invitations on stationery are sent out weeks before the wedding to give guests time to RSVP and plan accordingly for the event.
Wedding Songs: There are so many wedding songs associated with weddings, from “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn to “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner. These songs are usually played throughout the wedding ceremony, such as when the bride walks down the aisle. The music brings a sense of romance and love to the event.
Honeymoon: Newly engaged couples usually go on a honeymoon the day after the wedding.
For your wedding, consider having the best of both worlds by merging the traditions of your choice with your modern wedding. Here are some ways you can combine traditional with modern:
Don Your Mom’s or Grandmother’s Wedding Dress
As mentioned before, in many cultures, wearing a long dress that’s white is a tradition. Many women hang on to their wedding gowns, too, for sentimental purposes and might take pride in their daughters or granddaughters wearing the same dress that they wore on their special day.
Consider wearing your mom’s or grandma’s wedding dress but jazzing it up with something modern. This could be a new veil or another accent. However, you could also repurpose the dress by altering the neckline, shoulders, or sleeves.
Have a Mixed Wedding Party
Traditionally, bridesmaids and groomsmen are by the couple’s side on the wedding day. Consider a mixed wedding party. Non-traditional members of a wedding party can be groomsmaids or bridesmen.
Friendship knows no gender, so consider mixing up your wedding party. Research ways you can coordinate your wedding party’s attire with men’s suits, cocktail dresses, and more.
Wear (or Use) a Family Heirloom
A family heirloom is a treasured item passed down after a family member has died. This item could be a pearl necklace, a brooch, a Bible, and so much more. You could wear or use a family heirloom during your wedding ceremony. For example, you could wear pearls that have been passed down or use a family Bible during the ceremony. This is a way of having family members who are no longer alive by your side on your big day.
Preserve Family Rings
Many families also pass down wedding bands for their descendants to wear one day. Wearing wedding bands of yesteryear is another way you could incorporate tradition into your modern-day wedding. Plus, you can even update the wedding rings to your liking. If you’re still interested in purchasing new wedding bands but have family wedding bands to spare, don’t worry! You can still use the wedding bands in other ways, such as on a necklace, as earrings, or even as art!
Send Out Stationery
Sending out wedding invitations on fine stationery is another tradition. Wedding invitations date back to having a town crier announce a wedding to the postal service delivering wedding invitations. Wedding invitations might also have an address so that people will know where to send wedding gifts. This tradition isn’t going away anytime soon. However, consider bringing it to the modern-day. Research modern designs you could use, such as an unconventional shape or more contemporary text.
Play Both Traditional and Modern Wedding Songs
Traditional wedding songs consist of “Canon in D Major” by Johann Pachelbel, “Air on a G String” by Johann Sebastian Bach, and “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn. These songs are very beautiful and timeless, which is why people still play them during their wedding ceremonies. However, you could play both traditional and modern songs during your wedding. There are plenty of modern songs that you can play that’ll lend romance and a sense of joy (think Mariah Carey).
Take a Pre-Honeymoon
You might be wondering, “What’s a pre-honeymoon?” A pre-honeymoon is a pre-wedding escape or trip that engaged couples go on to renew before the big day. Wedding planning can sometimes take a toll on engaged couples, and a pre-honeymoon allows for couples to recharge as they kick back in vacation clothing and swimsuits. Usually, newly married couples go on a honeymoon after the wedding. But why not do both!? Consider incorporating this event into your wedding plans.
We hope you learned about traditions worth holding on to for your wedding and ways to modernize your wedding, too. A healthy mix of new and old wedding features can make your day memorable for years for you and everyone else involved.