What do we mean by a "non-traditional" wedding?
How many of you have looked at the bride's magazines and etiquette books and thought, "That's
just not us"? Many modern couples are finding that the wedding traditions from the past have no meaning for them and, in some
cases, are actually offensive. Current statistics show the percentage of couples having ""casual or unique"" ceremonies is
(dramatically) on the rise. In addition, more brides and grooms are paying for their own wedding and so are wanting more involvement,
more control, and more personalization than ever before. But unfortunately, much of the advertising and many of the planning
tools and ideas are still centered on the traditional (and costly) ""American"" wedding; giving non-traditional couples fewer
options and resources with which to plan their day. So what should a modern couple do? Give in and have the same wedding as
every other couple in the last 30 years?
It is YOUR WEDDING! Have it YOUR WAY!
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If you have found yourself considering any of the following, you're probably looking at a non-traditional
wedding.*
You plan on wearing something other than the traditional white dress or tux
You will not have attendants or the arrangement of attendants will be unusual (such as men on
the bride's side and women on the groom's side)
You are considering a day other than Saturday
You and your partner are from two different cultures, faiths or lifestyles
You and your partner are from alternative faiths or lifestyles.
You want to have apple tarts (as an example) instead of a wedding cake
You plan on having the ceremony in a unique location (such as on a mystery train)
You just don't care where the guests sit (i.e., friends of the groom on the left; friends of
the bride on the right, or vice versa)
You wish to walk down the aisle together/don't care to walk down an aisle at all (no one is
going to "give you away")
You're still trying to figure out what the garter is for
You do not plan on inviting everyone you have ever met/worked with
You would like something spiritual without necessarily being religious
You would like a small, intimate affair with only the closest friends and family
*These are simply examples from weddings I have performed in the past and do not represent the
entire array of possibilities. Also, you may consider yourself non-traditional for other reasons not listed.
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The thing to remember is that most states have very few legal requirements as to what has
to be included in a ceremony. Everything else is "tradition." This means that, other than those few legal requirements,
you can structure the ceremony in virtually any way that you desire.
So where does a couple go to find new ideas and creative alternatives?
Alternative Wedding Services!
Whether you want a more formal or traditional celebration (yes, I do those as well) or you want
to throw the book out the window, I will personally support you in creating a lovely and meaningful ceremony, just the way
you want it and in the setting of your choice.
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