Weddings are full of tradition: white dresses, tiered cakes, tossing bouquets, and choreographed first dances. For some couples, these rituals feel meaningful and timeless. For others, they feel outdated, unnecessary, or just not them. The truth is: your wedding should be a reflection of you and your partner, not a rulebook written centuries ago.

Here are a few classic traditions, and some modern, refreshing ways to break them:

1. The White Dress

Tradition: White gowns symbolise purity and are considered the “proper” choice.
Break It: Wear colour, sequins, florals, or even a chic jumpsuit. Brides today rock everything from black velvet gowns to blush silk.

2. The Bridal Party

Tradition: A neat line of bridesmaids in matching dresses and groomsmen in suits.
Break It: Ditch the gender divide. Have a “wedding crew” where friends wear what they love. Or skip a bridal party entirely—it’s not a requirement.

3. The Ceremony Entrance

Tradition: The bride walks down the aisle with her father.
Break It: Walk together as a couple, come in solo, or with both parents, siblings, or even your dog. Some couples enter from opposite sides and meet in the middle.

4. The Cake

Tradition: A tiered cake cut with great ceremony.
Break It: Serve pies, doughnuts, churros, or a tower of cheese wheels. Dessert can be fun, messy, or bite-sized.

5. Bouquet Toss

Tradition: Guests battle for the bouquet, supposedly predicting who will marry next.
Break It: Instead, give your bouquet to someone meaningful—a grandparent, a mentor, or the longest-married couple in the room. Or skip it altogether.

6. The First Dance

Tradition: A romantic slow dance kicks off the night.
Break It: Start with a group dance, a karaoke moment, or skip dancing if it’s not your thing. Make the first shared act as a married couple something unique—like a toast or a storytelling moment.

You don’t have to follow a script. The most memorable weddings are the ones that feel authentic to the couple—whether that means a black-tie ballroom, a barefoot beach ceremony, or pizza and board games in your backyard.