Photography: Viktoria Romanova, Love Breas
Time keeps moving forward, and so does the wedding industry! Some old traditions are starting to lose their charm for today’s couples, making way for newer ideas and fresher approaches to the big day. If you're like us—someone who loves to experiment and break the mold—we’ve got exciting news for you. THE WED teamed up with top industry experts to share 12 creative alternatives to classic wedding traditions, that are slowly becoming a thing of the past.
Marianna Idirin, Myriam Ménard
Photography: LA76 Photography, Myriam Ménard
Skip Traditional Ceremony for Private Vows
There's something so very intimate about sharing your vows in private. Just the two of you—no cameras, no applause, only pure connection. We're loving how more couples are embracing this incredible idea, turning their vows into a personal, heart-to-heart secret. "Instead of reading vows in the traditional way, the couple can write them as a letter. It could be a narrative style, like telling a story or a love letter, which is read aloud to each other, without the need to do it in front of the guests. This form allows for a lot of emotional depth without being overly formal," suggest planners Maria & Julia of LaFederica.
Skip a Conventional Wedding Venue for Your Favorite Spot
Yes, traditional wedding venues still remain a classic choice, but more couples are going for unique locations like museums, galleries, libraries, and other unexpected spots. Wedding photographer Myriam Ménard suggests picking a place that’s meaningful to you—maybe a favorite restaurant, for example. She elaborates: "Enjoy the food you adore and share it with the people you care about. You’ll feel comfortable in a space that’s already familiar, building even more memories in a setting that holds a place in your heart. Best of all, you can revisit it later and relive the magic of your special day all over again."
Photography: Matt Godkin, Artem Politsuk
Skip a Large Wedding Party for a Smaller One
For a long time, big wedding parties with lots of bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers were the norm. But if you’re ready to break with tradition, feel free to go for a smaller, more intimate wedding party or even skip the formal bridal party altogether. "Instead of a large group of attendants, couples involve only their closest friends or family members in a more meaningful and relaxed way," says Raquel Bickford, the visionary planner behind ROQUE Events. "This change in wedding party size reflects the desire for authenticity and a focus on quality over quantity. Many couples prefer a more low-key, personal experience with those who have had the most significant impact on their lives."
Skip Having a Single-Sex Wedding Party for an Inclusive One
While it's still pretty common for wedding parties to follow traditional gender roles, with bridesmaids for the bride and groomsmen for the groom, there's absolutely no reason you have to stick to that! As Valentina Lindi, founder and creative director of LaLindi, so wisely puts it: "Your wedding party is about the people who matter most to you, not their gender. If you’re a bride with a male best friend, make him your 'Man of Honor'. Grooms can choose a 'Best Woman' if that feels right. The important thing is that your wedding party reflects you, not outdated conventions."
The White Planner, FarNiente
Photography: Días de Vino y Rosas, Polina Yarmush
Skip the Ceremony First for a Fun Party Before the Vows
The rules are made to be broken! The creative duo at LaFederica suggest starting the celebration with the party and saving the ceremony for later. "Instead of following the traditional order of the ceremony followed by the reception, you can begin with a relaxed and fun party with cocktails, dinner, and then follow it with an intimate ceremony before continuing with the evening celebration. This allows for a lighter, less formal experience, giving guests the opportunity to socialize first and then experience a meaningful and emotional moment," explain Maria & Julia.
Wedding planner Marianna Idirin also suggests slightly changing the timeline, by skiping the post-ceremony cocktail hour for a pre-ceremony one. "In our experience, the bride and groom are super nervous before they exchange vows," she says. "One way to lighten the mood and break the ice, is having the cocktail hour before the ceremony."
Skip the Hurry for a Thoughtful Pace
Rather than rushing through the day, take the opportunity to slow things down and enjoy each moment fully. Wedding days can be hectic, with a schedule packed to the max, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Myriam Ménard encourages couples to embrace a thoughtful pace. "Create space in your timeline to breathe, savor moments, and enjoy. If your guests feel rushed, you’ll feel it too, so a relaxed pace benefits everyone."
Animäe Events, LaFederica
Photography: Días de Vino y Rosas, Ivan Ladejo
Skip Being Walked Down the Aisle for a Meaningful Alternative
Traditionally, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father—a custom that dates back to when weddings were more formal and transactional. But times have changed, and this tradition may not feel right for everyone anymore. LaLindi suggests exploring alternative ways: "If you’d like to walk down the aisle with a parent—or anyone meaningful to you—it doesn’t have to be your father (of course if you want to do it!). Alternatively, you can choose to walk alone or walk with your partner to symbolize the shared decision to marry...or simply do whatever you want!"
"There’s no reason why you should stick to what everyone has done for the last hundred years," agrees Marianna Idirin. "The couple can mix it up walking up the asile together and having a big entrance."
Skip Traditional Rows of Chairs for Low Cocktail Tables
Looking for a unique seating arrangement? LaFederica has a creative idea: "Replace the traditional rows of chairs with low cocktail tables placed along the aisle. This setup encourages guests to stand or sit at their tables with a drink in hand, fostering a casual and social environment. The idea is to create a space where guests feel more comfortable and open to sharing their stories, anecdotes, and memories of the couple."
Alfrescowedding, Roque Events
Photography: Nous Nous, Samantha Olmos
Skip Sweetheart Tables for Sitting Together with Your Guests
It's a common tradition for couples to sit alone at a sweetheart table during their wedding reception, representing their special moment together. But you can have it your own way! "More and more couples are opting to sit with their guests, either at long communal tables or more intimate, cozy lounge-style setups," notes ROQUE Events. "This change allows the couple to feel more present during the celebration, deepening their connection with friends and family who are sharing in their special day."
Skip Set Menus for Share Plate Dining
Instead of a set menu, go for share plate dining experience! It’s a more relaxed and interactive way for your guests to enjoy the meal, allowing everyone to sample a little bit of everything. Perfect for encouraging conversation and creating a fun, communal feel.
LaLindi, Shona Nozolino
Photography: Días de Vino y Rosas, RMNE
Skip Champagne Towers for Cocktail Towers
Cocktail towers are a fun and trendy take on the classic champagne tower, giving your wedding a flavorful twist. Whether it’s a sparkling cascade of coupes or martini glasses, drink towers can be customized in so many ways. You can even style it with fruits or flowing drapery to really amp up the visual appeal and create a moment your guests won’t forget!
Skip Cake Cutting for Live Cake Decorating
It’s no longer just about the cake cutting! Many couples are now opting for a more unique twist–a lively wedding cake presentation where they decorate the sweet treat right in front of their friends and family. This interactive experience not only adds fun, but also gives guests a taste of the couple's creativity.
