Tradition with a Twist: Reimagining Wedding Traditions

We’ve all been to one: the Cookie-Cutter Wedding — 100% predictable from invite to send-off. There’s the white dress (very pretty), the scripted vows (very nice), the matching bridesmaids (so symmetrical), and the checklist reception (so orderly!). All very beautiful, of course. There’s nothing inherently wrong about a “by the book” celebration vibe, but we admit it can feel a little… uninspired, you know? What about something spicy or unexpected? Something personal or unique, AKA the ultimate “wow” factor? If you’re a bride who loves to mix up the classics and honor your love story, we’ve got just what you need: alternatives to tried-and-true wedding traditions to make your celebration truly your own. Scroll on! 

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue

We’ll start with one of the most versatile wedding traditions: the incorporation of something old, new, borrowed, and blue. Here are super easy ways to play with the theme:

• Something Old
  • Choose from family heirlooms like jewelry or accessories
  • Incorporate part of your mother’s wedding dress or your Father’s suit in the lining of your gown

PC: J. Mosley Photo | Glenmar Studios

• Something New
  • Invest in a new custom perfume just for your wedding day that you’ll love to wear on future anniversaries

PC: Kaitlyn Blake Photography | Hello Blue Photo

• Something Borrowed
  • Request to borrow a piece of jewelry from your maid of honor or other besties

PC: Audrey Rose Photo | Riccardo Giommetti Photo

• Something Blue
  • Blue shoes (always fabulous)
  • Have your groom or bride be your “something blue”
  • Add blue embroidery to your wedding dress or accessories
  • Find a covetable blue ring box (very chic)
  • Shop for a wedding dress with a blue tint. We’ve got several:
    • Marigold by Rebecca Ingram
    • Teresa by Rebecca Ingram
    • Juniper by Sottero and Midgley
    • Daisy by Maggie Sottero

PC: L&V Photo | Rachel Laxton Photography

Wedding Traditions To Break: Having An Even Number Of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

You might think this one is mathematically locked in, but trust us — asymmetrical can be super chic! Our twist on this classic is to have as many bridesmaids or groomsmen as you want… and for tons of practical reasons, not just to buck tradition. Maybe your partner is more extroverted than you are and has eight friends lined up for bridesmaid or groomsmen spots, while you prefer to keep your circle small with two or three besties. That’s totally okay! Don’t feel pressure to ask people you aren’t as close with to be in your wedding just for aesthetics. A beautiful bride is a comfortable bride, surrounded by people who love her.

PC: Better Together Moments | Sydnie Leah

Another wedding tradition we’re reimagining: Who says your best guy friend can’t be in your wedding party? Don’t feel pressured to adhere to strict gender roles, if your closest friend is a guy, everyone would love to see him as your “man of honor.”

Reimagined Wedding Traditions: Can The Couple See Each Other Before The Ceremony?

A recent wedding trend we love that puts a fun twist on the traditional wedding? The First Look! Many photographers recommend this intimate photo session between the bride and groom before walking down the aisle.

PC: Madison Richards Photo

There are tons of perks to having a First Look instead of following the wedding tradition of seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle. For one, your hair and makeup will still be fresh for pictures. You’ll also be more relaxed after seeing your soon-to-be spouse already, as it allows a moment of intimacy and calm. It’s also a chance for your photographer to make sure they capture your raw reactions, AND you won’t have to spend your cocktail hour taking your “couples” photos.

Freezing Your Wedding Cake To Eat On Your First Anniversary

In traditional weddings, couples save the top tier of their wedding cake to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. We think the idea of this wedding tradition is adorable, but we can’t help but feel like your cake might not be quite as good after a year. Besides, you might move! You could simply be low on freezer space, and you may just want something new after your first year together…

PC: Jordan Rose Photo | Jessica Jones Photography

Our suggestion for updating this wedding tradition is to order a replica from the same bakery to celebrate! Or if you want to really get wild, plenty of bakeries will let you order a wedding cake sampler delivered right to your doorstep. You’ll get to try a plethora of fun flavors with your sweetheart while you reminisce. 

Wedding Traditions To Break: Matching Bridesmaids

While being a bridesmaid is an absolute honor, we all know we’ve worn our fair share of unflattering bridesmaid dresses. It’s becoming more of a mainstay to let bridesmaids choose their own outfits from a lineup of colors or silhouettes. This is a wedding tradition that you can totally feel free to break!

If you’re worried about your (ahem) “fashionista” friend who tends to go overboard, you have options. Bridesmaids can look super cohesive with a predetermined color palette with purposely mismatched shades. Give your bridal party options you’ve picked out yourself, or have them send their dress picks beforehand so you can tactfully veto dresses that are way outside your comfort zone.

PC: Riccardo Giommetti Photo | Leah Lombardi

The pros of this “anti-tradition” are endless! Your bridesmaids can pick a dress that they feel beautiful in and will wear again; your pictures will be more interesting and authentic; and you’ll create an effortless vibe for the celebration. Perfection! 

Wedding Traditions to Break: Your Dad Walking You Down The Aisle

Having your dad walk you down the aisle — the ultimate daddy-daughter moment and the sweetest way to honor your parents. It’s a big moment and beloved tradition, so if it’s right for you, embrace it! But for those brides with different circumstances or unorthodox sensibilities, we’d like to highlight some really beautiful twists on the ceremony.

PC: J. Mosley Photo

One way to reimagine this wedding tradition is to ask both your mom and dad to walk you down the aisle. We think including your mom is such a sweet way to honor the love and support your parents have given you. 

If your parents aren’t involved in your wedding celebration, another option is to ask another family member or loved one to walk you down the aisle. Having a sibling, grandparent, or close father or mother figure give you away is just as special as a parent, even if it isn’t “tradition.”

PC: Jessica Jones Photography

Lastly, we’ve also seen a lot of brides opt to walk themselves down the aisle! Maybe you want all eyes on you, or maybe you just don’t vibe with the tradition at all, but we say go for it. Your wedding day should be about you and your sweetheart. Do what honors the most authentic versions of yourselves! 

Wedding Traditions To Break: A White Dress

PC: Sarkodie Photography | Light As Gold

White wedding dresses are timeless and elegant, but you are by no means confined to the palette… There are plenty of fun dress options for a more bold, playful, or eccentric bridal vibe. Whether you want something casual and colorful or luxe and over-the-top, we have you covered here at Maggie Sottero. These are our picks!

Black Dresses

If you’re leaning toward a bold, nontraditional statement, look no further than black bridal gowns with Gothic-chic embellishments. We love these palettes for a fall or winter celebration, themed ball, spooky dance party, or dreamy international elopement…

• Aspen by Sottero and Midgley makes a stunning case for simplicity, featuring a lush ballgown silhouette, minimalist satin, and clean, graceful lines. Black makes a major statement in this covetable design. 

• Zander by Sottero and Midgley is one of our all-time bridal favorites. It’s sexy yet sophisticated, timeless yet edgy, and exceptionally comfortable… You’ll never wear another dress like it!

• Taryn by Maggie Sottero serves up sultry red-carpet vibes. The nontraditional satin looks incredible in photos… Just imagine the styling for a black-tie celebration.  

Colorful Dresses

Beyond black, we’re smitten with luxe and romantic colorways like Valentine red and rose gold. Take a look at our latest picks…

• Ambrose by Maggie Sottero features a deep red colorway to light up a celebration with a regal, wintery, or Old Hollywood theme. The silhouette is simple yet striking — the perfect counterpoint for an unexpected hue. 

• Scarlet by Maggie Sottero features a delectable shade of (you guessed it) scarlet! This eye-catching design is all about the lush layers, versatile silhouette, and classic-meets-modern details. You’ll feel both timeless and totally on trend.  

• Cyprus by Sottero and Midgley offers up all the simplicity and grace of a classic ballgown, but the unique colorway and texture make it feel totally fresh for a 21st century wedding vibe. Rose gold makes for an unforgettable twist on this iconic silhouette. The color is exceptional!

Short Dresses

Feeling extra flirty? Dare to bare with a mini cocktail-inspired bridal dress from our latest collections. These styles make for a gorgeous Second Look change-up or the star of an elopement, courthouse wedding, or minimony. You’ll look fabulous for the all-night dance party, and you get the added perk of investing in a chic style to repurpose for future events!

• Vercille Lane by Sottero and Midgley is all about the high-low hemline and unique layers. It’s also another way to play with color if you love the pink! 

• Jackie by Rebecca Ingram is chic and playful — an effortless pick for a more casual wedding vibe. 

• Zoe by Rebecca Ingram is romantic, boho, and ultra-feminine. We’re all about the off-the-shoulder sleeves and dreamy textured lace. 

Bow Dresses

Whether a dainty detail or statement feature, a bow can add a perfect flourish to your “reimagined” wedding vibe. Here are three irresistible options to consider:

• Marilyn by Sottero and Midgley features an origami-inspired satin silhouette. Add the detachable bow (sold separately) for a stunning back treatment. You’ll feel like a present! 

• Moriah by Rebecca Ingram is a minimalist silhouette with a delicate bow detail on the belt. It’s a chic flourish for a modern bridal aesthetic. 

• Hilo Marie by Maggie Sottero is all about the train accessory — an oversized bow over a tiered hem. Fabulous from every angle!  

More blogs like this:

Trend Alert: Wedding Bows For Your Chic Bridal Look

Colorful Wedding Dresses for a Unique Bridal Look

Down the Aisle in Style: Wedding Shoes and Styling Inspiration for Your Overall Bridal Look

Cheers to making your wedding traditions (or anti-traditions) as unique as your love story!