Wedding traditions can connect you and your partner to centuries of rituals that symbolize love. Your wedding is also a great time to share the joy of new beginnings by starting your own traditions!
In this post, we’ll explore some beloved and classic wedding customs – along with ideas to incorporate a sustainable and modern twist. With more and more couples re-imagining traditions to align with their values and tastes, there’s never been a better time to blend old and new! Read on to learn how.
Edible
Food plays a central role in weddings, marking significant moments in your special occasion. Many couples choose to personalize their weddings to reflect their own unique personalities, their cultural traditions, or even a nod to their love stories. Incorporating intentional food traditions can set the tone for your wedding!
First Bites, First Impressions
We’re seeing a rise in couples looking for ways offer guests a taste of their menu before the ceremony. Consider sharing a pre-ceremony sweet treat, a beverage to sip on during a casual ceremony, or a pre-dinner snack to nibble throughout. From drinks to bites to passed hors d’oeuvres, unexpected culinary delights are a fun way to perk guests up as they walk in to the ceremony.
Reminiscing Through Food
For many, certain foods signify special moments. To make the evening even more meaningful, some couples choose meals that have a deep personal significance. By serving a first date meal or a meal from a special trip or family favorites, you can incorporate memories and share even more love through food. Your guests may even leave with the same reminder of that meal, too!
Family-Style Vibes
Choosing the serving style of dining for your wedding can be a tricky decision! Depending on your wedding vibe, we have found family-style dining at smaller tables to be a nice way to incorporate a warm “dinner party” feeling. Guests seated with old friends, family members from out of town, or common interests, passing dishes family style lends a sense of intimacy commonly felt at a cozy dinner gathering!
Wedding Rituals
Be inspired by tradition, without being bound by it! Look to traditions of the past for ideas you can make your own. Below are a few ideas to spark your thinking.
Handfasting
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition where the couple’s hands are bound together with ribbons or cords, symbolizing their union. This ritual can be a meaningful addition to a modern wedding, particularly for couples who want a non-religious ceremony with a historical touch. You can choose ribbons in colors that have personal significance or match your wedding palette.
Ring Warming
A ring warming ceremony is a beautiful way to involve your guests in the wedding. Before you exchange your rings, they are passed around to each guest, who is invited to hold them and send their good wishes and blessings to the couple. This simple yet profound tradition infuses the rings with the love and support of everyone present, making the exchange even more meaningful.
Unity Ceremonies
Unity ceremonies are a symbolic way of joining two lives into one. There are many creative ways to express this, such as lighting a unity candle, blending different colored sands, or even planting a tree together. Choose a unity ceremony that resonates with your values and reflects your relationship. For example, a tree planting ceremony not only symbolizes growth and strength but also contributes to the environment—a perfect fit for a sustainable wedding.
Adding Touches
As you plan your wedding, remember that traditions are meant to enhance your celebration, not constrain it. By blending timeless rituals with sustainable and modern practices, you can create a day that’s memorable and uniquely yours.
Invite Guests to be a Part of the Day
Involving your guests in meaningful ways not only makes them feel appreciated – it also adds a communal spirit to your wedding. A few of our favorite ideas:
- Provide disposable cameras for guests to photograph moments throughout the evening. This tends to make for some silly selfies and unique perspectives! Pro tip: delegate someone responsible for collecting the cameras at the end of the night.
- Create a memory box station where guests can leave notes, Polaroids, or tokens of advice and encouragement. From a scrapbook station to puzzle pieces to a guest book, your guests will feel a personal connection that you can remember for years to come as they craft their message.
- Communal artwork that you can display in your home is a beautiful reminder of the love and support that surrounded you on your special day. You can have guests participate by contributing to a piece of art by adding their special touch – think collages, painting canvases, quilting, or handprints.
Send-Offs
Cap off your wedding night with a fun and eco-friendly send-off that perfectly wraps up your celebration!
Biodegradable Confetti, Leaves, or Flower Petals
One of the simplest swaps for traditional confetti is using biodegradable confetti instead. Made from materials like recycled paper or plant-based options, this confetti quickly decomposes, leaving no trace behind. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, offered in a variety of colors and shapes to match your wedding theme. You can also go a DIY route, using a hole punch to create confetti from real leaves! An organic and rustic touch, these are perfect for an outdoor, garden, or fall wedding.
Add Whimsical Fun with Bubbles
Add a dose of whimsy and fun to your send-off! Offer each guest a small container of bubbles and a wand for a magical send-off that will also result in fun photos!
Water-Based Send-Offs
Looking for something unique? Instead of throwing objects, why not “throw” water? Guests can use small water bottles or water guns to create a splashy, fun-filled send-off. Or, go wild and jump in the pool! Water-based send-offs can be especially refreshing for summer weddings and add a playful twist your guests will remember for years to come! Plus, they often make for amazing and memorable photos!
Note: be sure to check with your venue’s policies ahead of time, as some may have restrictions around confetti, bubbles, and other send-off items.
Whether it’s a biodegradable confetti toss, a farm-to-table feast, or a personalized unity ceremony, these thoughtful touches will make your wedding day truly your own—an event that reflects your love for each other and for the world around you. Remember to consult with your wedding planner and caterer to explore even more ways to make your special day unforgettable!
