Many brides and grooms dream of their wedding day from a young age. The dream weddings seen in movies, television and magazines rely on stereotypical and traditional weddings. There’s no reason to be stuck in traditions unless you really want that. If you’re interested in breaking wedding traditions, here are six that are being questioned by modern couples.

A Long White Gown

The white wedding gown became popular when Queen Victoria got married. Prior to her wedding, many brides would choose a gown of color that could be worn again, both out of frugality and practicality. There’s no reason that you need to select a white wedding dress. Choose an outfit that you love and that shows off your personality. Look your best in colors and styles that make you stand out on the wedding dance floor.

Engagement Rings

Historically, it’s been the woman who gets an engagement ring as she’s being proposed to. Who gets the ring when two brides are getting married? Does no one get a ring when two grooms get engaged? Maybe it’s time to rethink engagement rings. Instead of one person wearing the ring, maybe both of you decide on something that each of you can use, a charm bracelet, a tattoo or even a piece of artwork for the wall.

Diamond Jewelry

Speaking of engagement rings, why do people traditionally choose diamonds? Diamonds are precious jewels that were once reserved for the upper class. Today, diamonds have a complex and controversial history. Diamonds represent purity, love, wealth and faithfulness, but many other gems have similar meanings. Break with tradition and choose jewelry that matches your style and personality but may not be traditional.

First Dance

Not every couple wants all eyes on them for their first dance. One new trend is a final dance, in which just the DJ or band is left with the couple and the photographer. Who says you have to have a wedding dance anyways? With more weddings being held outside of the traditional evening reception time frame, maybe you’d have more fun doing something besides dancing at your wedding. Play board or card games. Have a bingo game. Host a trivia game. Have your reception poolside and let guests swim.

Not Seeing Each Other Before the Wedding

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the best days of your life. It can go quickly, often without a lot of time actually spent with the one you love. This tradition probably began when people didn’t spend nights together unless they were married. There’s really no reason to avoid your future spouse the day and night before the big day. Get the first look out of the way before one of you walks down the aisle to make it even more memorable.

A Big Ceremony and Reception With Everyone

One thing the pandemic taught us is that weddings can go on, even with a small group in attendance. Weddings don’t have to be the big church ceremony with the huge reception following. Couples are doing their own thing. Many couples are holding a small ceremony one day with a reception on their one-year anniversary. Don’t host a reception at all if a big party isn’t your scene.
Wedding trends are changing. Wedding couples are changing. They’re thinking about their impact on the environment. Brides and grooms are thinking about what they really want for their special day instead of blindly carrying on with unmeaningful traditions.

It’s absolutely fine if you’re breaking wedding traditions because it’s your day. The only real rules are that the officiant must have your legal acknowledgment that you do consent to the wedding and must make a pronouncement that the wedding couple is married. Go do your own thing for your wedding.