After doing 40+ weddings, we have seen all sorts of wedding ceremonies and wedding traditions. Perhaps you’re looking for something special or unique for your wedding day or wedding ceremony, and we want to help!
We have compiled some of our favorite traditions that we’ve seen incorporated into our clients weddings and hope this gives you some inspiration. These are not ranked in any particular order 🙂
- Blessing of the ring: we love the idea that your guests can bless, say a prayer, or give some good juju to your ring. At the wedding where I saw this tradition, the Best Man and Maid of Honor did not have the rings-there was a special “Lady of the Rings” that held onto them. While guests were arriving, she stood by the ushers and had the guests bless the ring as they went into the ceremony space.
- Leaving an empty chair at the ceremony for loved ones who have passed/table of loved ones photos/photo of them in your bouquet: we have seen this tradition done many ways and love them all. This is a great way to honor those loved ones and keep them in your heart on your day.
- Giving roses/hugs/special items to beloved immediate family during unity ceremony: We have seen all sorts of variations on this tradition, but it’s always so sweet. The people who are special in your life have most certainly done a lot for you, prior to wedding planning and during wedding planning. It’s nice to show them that you appreciate and love them.
- Incorporating humor/your special interests into the vows: do you love dogs? cats? ice cream? pizza? Make the day special by adding in who you are! One couple we had did something very unique for their vows; they had a back and forth vows where they each said a line of their vows, creating a sort of spoken poetry/performance piece. It was amazing.
- Including heirloom/special items: Any way you can honor the love that has come before you or honor the love that has made you who you are is so beautiful to us. Perhaps you are using your grandma’s ring, perhaps you’ve sewn something special into your dress, perhaps it’s having your grandpa build the backdrop you’re using. Incorporating your family is so beautiful.
- Choreographed dance for your first dance: Want to make your guests REALLY pay attention to your first dance? Choreograph it! We have had one couple who did an actual choreographed dance that included props and fun dance moves. This got EVERYONE’S attention! We have also had a couple who took dance lessons and had the most fluid, beautiful dance. If you have the time to do this, we highly recommend it!
- Friday evening weddings: We love Friday weddings! Friday weddings are so fun because everyone is READY TO PARTY! This is best for summer weddings, since you have plenty of time before sunsets. We had a Friday evening wedding where there was a champagne table at the entrance to the ceremony, so everyone could start enjoying themselves right away. So much fun!
- Sunday brunch/Sunday evening weddings: Sunday brunch weddings are perfect for introverts or people who don’t have to serve a big meal and have a big reception. This is a great money saving option, as well! Brunch is often a more fun and cheaper meal, and you can enjoy the rest of your day as a married couple. We also love Sunday evenings, because it’s a nice way to end the weekend. One of our Sunday evening weddings served pizza, and it was perfect!
- Forgoing wedding favors for donating to your favorite charity: If you are passionate about a certain cause, get an estimate for the cost of favors and put that money towards your favorite charity! You can always tell guests about this by having signs in photo frames on the tables. One of our 2017 couples did this, and we think it is so sweet.
- Anniversary Dance: We absolutely love the anniversary dance! This gives other couples the chance to celebrate their own love, and you get a beautiful piece of real life advice that is TESTED from the couple who has been married the longest.
We wanted to keep this list short and sweet…do you think we missed any? What are YOUR favorite wedding traditions? Let us know!
xoxo,
Wild Soul Weddings
Iowa, Idaho, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oregon, Florida, destination, traveling, elopement wedding photographer
