Seven wedding ceremony traditions you can totally flip
Do you get the feeling some wedding traditions don’t exactly scream “you”? Honestly, same. In today’s world, there’s no rulebook that says you have to do things the old-school way (unless we're talking the legal bits - those still matter).
But the rest? Totally up for reinvention. Whether you’re going big, keeping it low-key, or planning something completely offbeat, here are seven classic ceremony traditions you can remix, ditch, or turn into something that feels way more you.
A twist on tradition
1. Walking Down the Aisle
You don’t have to make a solo grand entrance (unless you want to - cue the power ballad). Walk down the aisle together, arm in arm. Bring your dog (yes). Stroll in with your best mate or your nan. Or skip the aisle thing entirely and just start the ceremony with everyone already gathered. It’s your call.
2. Wedding Outfits
There are zero rules here. White dress? Great. Bright pink pantsuit? Hell yes. Matching suits? Iconic. Mix it up, dress for comfort, and wear something that makes you feel like a rockstar version of yourself. Bonus points for glitter.
3. Vows
This is your chance to say what really matters, so make them yours. Share a silly story, make a cheeky promise, or just speak from the heart. Forget the stiff, cookie-cutter stuff. Need help getting started? I’ve got some vow-writing tips up my sleeve.
4. The Flower Crew
Who said kids get to have all the petal-tossing fun? Create a flower crew of your besties or your grandparents (one wedding I did had Drag Queens throw flowers… amazing). You could swap petals for confetti, bubbles, handwritten notes, or even... interpretive dance. The options are endless.
5. First Dance
Not into slow dancing? Don’t do it! Kick things off with a choreographed number, a flash mob, or your favourite party banger. Or ditch the “first” dance altogether and just open the dance floor right away, let the good times roll.
6. Cutting the Cake
Not a cake person? You’ve got options. Think donuts, gelato carts, a dessert grazing table, or a massive cheese wheel. You don’t have to cut anything ceremonially - you can just eat and be happy.
7. Tossing the Bouquet
If launching a bunch of flowers into a crowd isn’t your vibe, don’t stress. You could hand your bouquet to someone special, split it into mini bunches to gift, or turn the whole thing into a dance-off with a prize for the winner.
The takeaway? Break tradition, not hearts. You don’t have to follow a script, in fact, it’s way more fun when you don’t. Give the old traditions a twist and create something that feels 100% you.
Thinking of doing things a little differently? Let’s chat about how to make your ceremony anything but ordinary.