About Wedding Traditions & Meanings

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Newer wedding trends and traditions

In my last post, we explored some of today’s most popular wedding traditions. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at new practices that are emerging as traditions in their own right. After all, every tradition starts somewhere! For example, the tradition of wedding flowers began in ancient Rome, when brides carried herbs beneath their veils to ward off evil spirits and ensure fertility and fidelity. Similarly, ancient Greek brides used ivy to symbolize lasting love.
 


The Evolution of Wedding Flowers

Over time, flowers have become an essential part of weddings. Today, we have flower girls, bridal bouquets, pew decorations, corsages for the parents, reception arrangements, and more. Wedding flowers are big business, and each bloom often carries its own meaning. For instance, the rose is a perennial favorite: red for passion, white for purity, yellow for friendship and joy, and pink for admiration.

Modern couples, however, are redefining floral traditions. While classic white remains popular, brides increasingly embrace bold colors, single-flower arrangements, or monochromatic palettes. Bridesmaids’ bouquets no longer need to match the bridal bouquet, and thanks to global flower sourcing, seasonal restrictions no longer limit floral choices. A bride can now have stargazer lilies in a winter wedding, bringing fragrance and elegance year-round.

Other trends include incorporating dried flowers, pampas grass, or even succulents into bouquets and centerpieces, adding texture and a modern, sustainable twist.



Wedding Dances: First Dance and Family Dances

Traditionally, the bride and groom’s first dance, as well as the father-daughter or mother-son dances, were slow and sentimental. Today, couples are putting a modern spin on these moments. Some opt for choreographed routines to upbeat music—think salsa, tango, or even TikTok-inspired dance moves.

Family dances are also evolving. Instead of strictly dancing with their fathers, brides may choose to dance with mothers, stepfathers, siblings, or other significant people. Another fun twist is the “anniversary dance,” where all married couples join the dance floor, and couples are gradually eliminated until the longest-married couple remains.

 



Rethinking Bouquet and Garter Tosses

The classic bouquet toss is slowly being replaced by more meaningful alternatives. Many brides now gift their bouquet to a parent or a loved one as a sentimental keepsake rather than tossing it to single friends.

Similarly, the garter toss is evolving. Couples are creating kid-friendly alternatives, such as tossing a soft teddy bear or wrapped candies so younger guests can participate safely and enjoyably.

 

Personalized Touches

Personalized escort cards are becoming increasingly popular. Couples write a small thank-you note to each guest on their place card, combining a warm gesture with a practical function—and giving guests a keepsake to remember the day.

Signature Drinks

A modern wedding trend is offering a signature drink during cocktail hour. It’s a fun way to reflect the couple’s personality, and creative names add a playful touch. Non-alcoholic options are also trending, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

Slideshow and Interactive Media

Couples are increasingly using slideshows to entertain guests. These often start with childhood photos and follow the couple’s journey to their engagement. Some modern couples even include short video clips or interactive elements, turning the slideshow into a storytelling experience rather than just a photo montage.

Modern Wedding Mantra: Anything Goes

The newest wedding “tradition” is that there are no strict rules. Couples are personalizing every element of their wedding, from flowers to dances, gifts, and décor. The focus is on creating a day that reflects their personalities and shared journey, rather than adhering strictly to tradition.

Whether you’re planning a classic ceremony or a completely unconventional celebration, today’s weddings are all about creativity, connection, and fun.

(updated Aug. 2025) 


Photo credits: Pixbay, piqsels, Viemo

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Wedding traditions most practiced today


Every bride and groom wants their wedding day to be special and memorable. And many want it to stand out from the rest by doing something different or unique. But it gets harder and harder to find the new and different because word spreads fast. For instance, I remember the first time I had carrot wedding cake. What a delicious difference. That might have been twenty years ago. Now it is common place to have wedding cakes comprised of different flavors for each layer, or even wedding cupcakes. So the traditional wedding cake is gradually becoming an obsolete tradition. 

The Evolution and Meaning of Wedding Traditions

Some wedding traditions are so ingrained in culture that they often feel like rules rather than options. How you respond to that depends on whether you’re someone who prefers to honor tradition or someone who believes traditions are meant to be reimagined. Many are followed without an understanding of their origins, while others are embraced for the personal meanings and symbolism couples attach to them. With that in mind, this post explores some of the most commonly practiced wedding traditions today.


Father giving the bride away

According to a recent Easy Wedding poll most people still think the father of the bride should give the bride away. However, people aren't so sure about sticking him with the bill for the wedding anymore.

Night before the wedding spent apart

The UK's four-star Hallmark Hotels also polled people in the UK regarding wedding traditions and 54 percent of them believe couples should spend the night before the wedding apart. In the U.S. we are even more traditional with 74 percent of us following this tradition.

 

Something old, new, borrowed, and blue

This tradition of the bride wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue is a tradition that originates from an Old English rhyme but is still widely practiced today. 

Adding these items to what the bride wears is among wedding traditions thought to bring good luck, but each item has its own meaning. The old represents continuity, the new signifies optimism, the borrowed item stands for happiness, and the blue symbolizes love, purity, and fidelity.


Throwing the Bouquet

Throwing the bridal bouquet is another popular tradition which stems from a time when other women tried to rip pieces of the bride's dress and flowers to steal some of her good luck for themselves. Back then, the bride tossed her flowers into the air in order to make her get away while the guests were distracted. Today, the belief tied to this practice has morphed into whoever catches it will be the next to be married.

In my next blog we'll take a look at new practices that are quickly becoming traditions in their own rite.
 

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Related article: Wedding Traditions Origins: Newer Wedding Trends and Traditions


Photo credits: John Mayer, Timothy Marsee