In my last post we looked at some of today's most popular
traditions and I mentioned that in this post we'd look new practices that are
becoming traditions in their own rite. After all, every tradition starts somewhere. For instance, the tradition of wedding flowers started in ancient
Rome when brides carried herbs beneath their veils to ward off evil spirits and
ensure fertility and fidelity for the union. Similarly, in ancient Greece, brides used Ivy to
represent lasting love.
Changes to the wedding flowers tradition
Overtime, the incorporation of flowers in weddings has become a tradition. We have flower girls, wedding flowers, including the bridal bouquet, pew decorations, corsages for mothers of the bride and groom, reception flowers, and more. In fact, wedding flowers are big business with different flowers attributed with unique meanings.
With all that said, today's modern trends in wedding flowers
leave the traditional standard behind and leans toward personal preference.
Traditional white is still in style, but today's trends have brides going with
anything from bold and robust colors to monochromatic selections with only one
flower or color, and bridesmaids' bouquets that no longer have to match the bride's bouquet.
Plus in today's global society, flowers aren't as restricted by season, so if
the bride loves stargazer lilies which traditionally bloom mid-to-late summer and are known for their fragrant perfume they
are available for winter weddings, too.
First dances/father daughter dance and more
Other traditions changing are the bride and groom's
first dance, as well as the father-daughter or mother-and-son dance. Today, the
trend for the newly married couple is to step away from the traditional slow
dance and liven things up with something like a tango or salsa. Another step away from tradition replaces the
father/daughter dance by having the bride dance with her mother, stepfather, or
special friend.
Another trend for wedding dances is to have the DJ call all
the married couples to the dance floor and gradually eliminate them as the
dance goes on leaving the longest married couple with the honor of the last
couple dancing.
Instead of bouquet toss
While the bouquet toss is still one of the most practiced
wedding traditions, the trend seems to have brides moving away from the
practice. The reason behind this seems to be many single friends aren't
interested in participating in the bouquet toss these days, so instead brides
are giving the bouquet to their parents as a special memento.
Instead of garter toss
Instead of the garter toss, couples are including their youngest
guests in the fun. One popular idea is the tossing of a white teddy bear for one
lucky winner to catch. An alternative to this is to toss soft, wrapped candy so
all the kids can grab a prize.
Personalized escort cards
As a special way to thank each wedding guest, some couples write out a personalized thank-you on a small card which doubles
as their escort cards. These also make a special keepsake for wedding guest.
Signature drink
A fairly new trend includes offering a signature drink to guests
during cocktail hour. The hardest part for this one is to think up a clever
name for the drink.
Slideshow
Another new wedding tradition includes a slideshow designed to
entertain guests with slides of the bride and groom starting with childhood
photos and working through their lives to courtship and engagement.
Today, I guess we could say the newest wedding tradition is that anything goes.