Things You Do Not Need To Do Or Have On Your Wedding Day

By The Celebration Team 24 Aug, 2010

If you are simply not the sort of person that appreciates the conventional, but feel obliged to indulge your friends and family in a traditional wedding, take heart. Modern brides and grooms have so much freedom that old-fashioned rules need not apply. In fact, your wedding day is about you, as a couple, and it needs to represent your tastes, personalities and preferences. So, here are some traditional elements that are just not necessary as well as some novel alternatives:

Wearing white – for just a slightly different look, opt for pastel colours or gold. If you want a really unique look, go for charcoal, fuchsia or turquoise.
The tiered, white cake – this is very traditional. To break from the mould, opt for brightly coloured cupcakes, a heap of chocolates and truffles, ice cream in a cone or a candyfloss stand.
Floral centrepieces – exchange the traditional table flowers with a pile of old books, a guest book or board games to keep guests busy while you have photos taken.
A registry for gifts – if your home is already full of all the necessities, tactfully ask guests to contribute towards your honeymoon (in cash or in the form of romantic experiences, such as a champagne cruise), or make a donation in their name to a charity of your choice.
Matching bridesmaids – although this may seem like the natural way to go, choosing different coloured dresses in a specific style that suits each girl still creates a cohesive picture and leaves your entourage feeling and looking their best.
A veil – instead of the traditional white headpiece, don a wreath of flowers, an elegant fascinator, hippy-style ribbons or nothing but a gorgeous hairdo.
The first dance – if you prefer for all attention not to be on you for this one, invite everyone up for a fun line dance (you could include a quick lesson) or the Chicken Dance.