There are so many traditions and trends that people include in their big day for no reason other than that they think they need to, but I believe couples would be happier if they planned ceremonies that ditched the commonalities.
Here are the top wedding customs I think couples should skip in 2022:
The bouquet toss can be isolating and embarrassing for single friends
I was single for most of my career as a professional bridesmaid, so when the bride went to toss the bouquet, I tried to hide in the bathroom.
While it might seem fun to throw a floral arrangement at your single friends in hopes that whoever catches it finds love ASAP, it can be isolating and embarrassing.
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Instead, take that bouquet home or gift it to a family member who was helpful during your wedding experience. It will mean more to them than to your single friends.
If the thought of walking down the aisle is stressful, skip it
When I ask the brides what part of their wedding makes them the most nervous, seven out of 10 times, they say walking down the aisle. It's a moment when all eyes are on you, and that can feel overwhelming.
There's no rule that says you must walk down the aisle, so if that's making you anxious, skip the tradition and stand at the altar as your guests sit down for the ceremony.
You don't need to find people to make up a large bridal party
One of the main reasons people hire me is that they don't have any close friends who can be in their wedding party.
And while being a support system for strangers ahead of and on their big day is the heartbeat of my business, I don't believe that everyone needs to or should have bridesmaids.
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If you don't have a lot of close friends, skip the bridesmaid tradition. You shouldn't feel stressed trying to find 10 people to make up a big bridal party.
There's no reason to wear white if you don't want to
The concept of wearing a traditional wedding dress started in the 19th century and is outdated. Wear white if you'd like, but don't feel obligated to.
If you don't want to go with a traditional look, you'll have more dress options and won't be locked into spending top dollar for a fit that's marketed as a wedding gown.
While people like to enjoy drinks and appetizers, shortening the length of the cocktail hour lets your guests head straight to the entertainment.
Party favors can eat into your budget and often get left behind
If you're looking to save some money, skip paying for party favors. Most of the time, nobody remembers to grab them on the way out.
Your reception alone is enough of a party favor for your guests — you don't need to give them anything more.
Hiring traditional wedding vendors can cost you more money
Right after getting engaged, many couples instantly go on the hunt to pick their wedding vendors, but hiring outside the traditional industry can save you cash in 2022.
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People often pay more when they book traditional wedding vendors. If you're on a budget, skip hiring a "wedding photographer," and research the rates of "event photographers" or "general photographers" instead.
Expensive bachelor and bachelorette parties can cost your friends a lot of money and time
While having an Instagram-worthy bachelorette party might be high up on your engagement wish list, it's a huge ask to request that your friends drop a few thousand dollars and take time off work to go on a five-day vacation.
Don't opt for bridesmaid dresses that your wedding party will wear only once
It's time to say goodbye to picking a single-style chiffon dress that hardly looks good on any of your bridesmaids.
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Plus, it costs them a lot for a dress they'll wear only once. Stop lying and telling them that they'll use it again — they won't.
Instead, pick a color or a fabric, and let your bridesmaids find outfits that they like.
Enjoy room service instead of throwing a post-wedding brunch
Even though it seems like a kind gesture to offer your guests a breakfast spread the day after your wedding, most of your friends and family are eager to pack up and head home.
Skip the post-wedding brunch, pocket the cash, and spend the morning ordering room service with your partner.
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