PAGE 87 X METROPOLITAN WEDDINGS X SUMMER / FALL 2023
Instead of a bridal procession down the aisle ...
Have your guests proceed to you ! You and your groom could be waiting inside to welcome your guests or you could set up chairs in the round . There are so many different ways to enter and exit your venue , it does not have to be a traditional walk down the aisle . The same is true for who you choose to escort you in , ask a person or people who are important to you .
Forget traditional kids roles ...
Who says your flower girls and ring bearers must be young children ? How about flower grandmas ? Or confetti men ? Or ring bearer pets ? Everyone you love can have an important role in your special day .
Your first dance ...
What about a private first dance at the venue before your guests enter ? Imagine how beautiful the pictures will be while it is completely fresh and set up without distractions in the background such as dirty plates , suit jackets hanging on the backs of chairs , etc . You can also see your beautiful space and take in this private moment , just the two of you .
Ditch the awkward bouquet and garter tosses ...
Many couples are not doing this tradition at all anymore . Their single friends are not always eager to participate . Consider presenting your bouquet to a special mentor or parents . How about a white teddy bear toss to the younger guests at your wedding ? Or launch soft , wrapped candy at the children ’ s feet so that every little one can grab a prize .
Forget getting “ John Hancocks ” in the guest book ...
Why not create a time capsule ? Have guests put a polaroid of themselves , notes or predictions in a keepsake box and lock it . Opening the time capsule on your first anniversary is a lot more fun than eating a stale cake topper ! Today ’ s newlyweds have also gotten creative with different ways to capture who was at their wedding . From signing picture frames and signs , to fingerprint art and photos , signed guest books are a tradition that is begging for a new twist !
Instead of an open bar ...
Signature cocktails have become a wedding staple . Choose your favorite drink to serve during cocktail hour and give it a clever name like “ Something Blue ” or “ The Just Married-tini !”
Toss the rice , bird seed and sparklers ...
Many venues will not allow couples to have rice , bird seed or sparkler send-offs for fear of bugs , sprouting seeds and fire hazards . Have you seen color bombs ? They make a special moment even more dramatic and the pictures you get will be amazing ! Or use color bombs to punctuate important moments during your ceremony like a first kiss or pronouncing the married couple for the first time . Also , try cold sparklers . They can be set up by your rental agency or DJ and can send a shower of sparkle into the air , elevating the mood , as your guests send you off as a married couple .
It is okay to pass on old traditions if they do not feel right . There are many ways to put a new twist on the same meaning or intent that can be a reflection of you !
X xoxo