Will you miss them?
Wedding traditions that are slowly being forgotten
Image: Aranprime
Love, family, and centuries-old customs. Not all of those traditions are making it to the altar anymore, though. Some were born from superstition, others from practicality, and a few from trends that have, well, gone out of style. Many rituals are fading as modern couples trade formality for personality. Do you embrace new forms of celebration, or are you on the nostalgic side? Let’s look at the little old moments that once defined "I do."
1
Not seeing each other before the wedding
Image: Katy Duclos
Not seeing each other before the wedding was once considered essential. This superstition comes from the era of arranged marriages, when it was feared the couple might back out if they met beforehand. It evolved into the romantic "first look" at the altar. Many couples now skip it in favor of private pre-ceremony photos. Understandable!
2
Marrying in white
Image: Javier González Fotógrafo
Popularized by Queen Victoria in 1840, the white gown symbolized purity and wealth. U.S. brides embraced the trend for over a century, but modern weddings increasingly feature colorful gowns or non-traditional attire. Some pick their favorite color! Why not?
3
Wearing a veil
Image: Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz
Once meant to protect brides from evil spirits or hide them from jealous eyes, the veil became a symbol of modesty. In the U.S., it persisted more as a fashion choice. Today, many brides favor hairpieces, flowers, or nothing at all.
4
Roast speeches
Image: Mads Eneqvist
Roast-style speeches became popular as toasts with a humorous edge, sometimes poking fun at the couple, especially at casual receptions. While funny for some, they’ve also led to plenty of awkward moments. Have you ever seen a video online of particularly harsh ones? As a result, many weddings now stick to heartfelt speeches to avoid offense.
5
Throwing a bouquet
Image: Michal Mikulec
This playful tradition gave single women a "good luck" charm for marriage. It replaced older customs where guests tore pieces from the bride’s dress for luck. Many couples now swap it for alternative games or skip it entirely.
6
Receiving queues
Image: Shardayyy Photography
For decades, couples stood in a formal line after the ceremony to greet each guest in turn. It was a way to ensure everyone felt acknowledged. But some prefer not to miss that informal mingling during the reception! Instead, they spend time with their loved ones more casually, enjoying the natural flow of the party.
7
Matching bridesmaids’ dresses
Image: Joeyy Lee
Tradition once had bridesmaids dressed alike in the same color, cut, and fabric to create a uniform look. Today’s weddings often mix styles, shades, and even prints. The change allows friends to choose something flattering—and something they can actually wear again.
8
Full sit-down dinners
Image: Hồng Xuân Văn
The classic multi-course plated meal was once a wedding reception staple. Today, many couples opt for food trucks, buffet tables, or hearty hors d’oeuvres for a more social, less formal vibe. And, let’s face it, it also helps with costs and keeps the timeline flexible.
9
Saving the top tier of the cake
Image: Raquel Ming
Couples once froze the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary, as a symbol of enduring love. But after a year in the freezer, the result was often stale and unappetizing. These days, many order a fresh mini cake instead.
10
Rice throwing
Image: Emma Miller
Showering the couple with rice at the exit was a long-held sign of prosperity and fertility. Concerns over mess, safety, and wildlife led to alternatives like bubbles, sparklers, or flower petals. The celebration remains, just with less sweeping.
11
Dollar dance
Image: Tiko Giorgadze
In this tradition, guests paid for a short dance with the bride or groom, contributing to the couple’s honeymoon fund. It was playful and personal, but could feel awkward or even outdated. Many couples now skip it in favor of more inclusive group dances.
12
Matching family seating sides
Image: Thomas Beaman
Traditionally, guests sat on the side of the family they knew best—the bride’s family on the left, the groom’s on the right. Today, signs inviting guests to "sit anywhere" reflect a blending of families and a more casual approach. Alternatively, tables may be intentionally assigned to mix new people together.
13
Garter tosses
Image: Jeanie de Klerk
Once a bawdy medieval custom where guests scrambled for proof of consummation, it became a lighthearted party moment in American weddings. The groom removes and tosses the bride’s garter to single men. Today, it’s often skipped because it can feel outdated or awkward.
