Weddings have no shortage or traditions and etiquette that dictates what you should and shouldn’t do on the big day. While researching best practices, we found that so many of the big wedding rules were antiquated. So, instead of maintaining the status quo, we decided to play a game of Do or Ditch! These are things that you can let go if they don’t match your style (it’s your wedding after all) or wedding day elements you shouldn’t cross off your list, no matter how badly you want to. Let’s dive in!
Ditch
Expensive Stationary - Traditionally, weddings are filled with paper (invitations, STDs, menus, etc.), but they don’t have to be. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly or affordable option, go digital!
Ceremony Seating Arrangements - Say goodbye to separated sides on the ceremony for the different families.
Cake - Not that into cake? Swap it for pie or an elaborate dessert display.
Wedding Party - More and more low-key couples are opting out of traditional wedding parties. You can forego a formal wedding party and still have a few friends or family members get ready with you on your big wedding morning!
Wedding Dress - Ditch the idea of a wedding dress if it’s not your style. Jumpsuits are all the rage this season.
Photo | Amy Karp Photography
Do
Dinner - Feed your guests, but if you can’t let them know formally via your wedding invitations, so they know to grab a bite beforehand.
Wedding Website - Create a wedding website! It can be as straightforward or as elaborate as you want
Welcome - Do something special to welcome out of town guests.
Alone Time - Carve some time out for just the two of you.
Technology - Respect the couple’s tech requests. Unplugged means unplugged.
Ditch
Name Changes - Changing your last name doesn’t have to be a requirement. Discuss it and ditch it if you want.
Tosses - Garter and bouquet tosses single out your single friends and may be a little awkward in front of everyone (the whole under the wedding dress this can be a little 😬).
Matching - Bridesmaids don’t have to match. There’s a wide range of bridal party look to choose from. Explore your options!
Understated Grooms(men) - Mix it up, boys can get fancy too!
Brides Family Responsibilities - Traditions of yesteryear say that the bride’s parents foot the wedding bill, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Do
Vendor Meals - Feed your vendors. After working all day to create the perfect day, your staff gets hungry too!
Dress Code - Follow the desired dress code, no matter what. Confused about what the dress code means? We can help!
RSVPs - If you RSVP yes, then get your booty to the wedding.
Gifts - Thank your wedding party with a little something-something. It doesn’t have too pricey and over the top, just something to thank them for all the support they’ve given you.
Invites - Pay attention to your invitation. Never show up with a surprise plus ones or be a surprise guest. No invite (or a very clear plus one) means don’t show up.
Ditch
White Dresses - White's a beautiful color, but if it doesn't make you *heart emoji*, then consider something out of the box! All black everything, perhaps?
Asking for Permission - It's 2020, so unless specifically requested, don't feel pressure to ask the to-be bride's parent' s/dad's permission for her hand in marriage.
Diamonds - There's a world of stones out there (different colors, cuts, and price ranges) shop around!
Gendered Wedding Parties - Who says you can't have a Man of Honor or Best Woman?
Being Given Away - Dads walking their daughters down the aisle is sweet, but if you aren't close and want another loved one to walk you down the aisle. Take the leap and go for the non-traditional. Or you can walk down the aisle solo.