How to Modernize Classic Wedding Traditions

Go Crazy With Your Cake

Instead of doing a traditional tiered wedding cake, swap out the tasty dessert for a treat that you and your fiancé enjoy the most. Perhaps it's mini cupcakes, one giant pie, or even chocolate chip cookies. Instead of doing a cake cutting, you can cut into the cupcake or pie, or split a cookie together.

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An Untraditional First Dance

Image Source: Danette Chappell

A lot of couples are terrified at the thought of doing a traditional first dance because they have no idea how to slow dance together. Instead, pick a more upbeat song and dance like you normally would. This will be a good chance to let your personality shine and also have a memorable wedding song for years to come.

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Make a Different Kind of Exit

Image Source: Amy E Photography

Instead of being the first to leave, having guests throw rice at you, or lighting a path of sparklers for you to walk through, plan for your guests to leave safely first. Provide them with transportation back to the hotel with a school bus or even to their homes with a prepaid taxi service.

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Pre-Written Thank You Cards

Image Source: Al Gawlik Photography

It's always been tradition to send thank you cards after your wedding, once you've received a gift. Instead, you can write the thank you cards before, personally thanking each guest for coming to the wedding, and use these notes as their table escort cards.

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Wearing Heels

Image Source: Pasha Belman Photography

Think you need to pair your fancy dress with a pair of high-up heels? You can skip the uncomfortable shoes and instead wear your dress with flats. Your feet will thank you very much for doing this.

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Smile, You’re on Camera

Image Source: Brooke Images

Instead of having a photographer take poised shots of you and your family members, you can opt for more fun photos that are taken with a seflie stick, a GoPro, or even disposable cameras that your guests carry around with them throughout the night.

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Bye-Bye, Guest Book

Image Source: The Light + Color

Asking your guests to sign a guest book when they arrive is always a task that people forget to do. Instead, set up a video booth and have them record a 30-second hello video for you. This will be something you cherish and view more often than reading through a wedding guest book over the years.

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Skip the Party Favors

Image Source: Pasha Belman Photography

Instead of sending your guests home with party favors, use the money you would spend on these items and donate it to a charity that means a lot to you. You can display a sign with information on the charity you donated money to so that your guests can see this on the way out of the wedding.

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