Wedding tradition … does it still mean anything in today’s world?
What IS “wedding tradition” anyway?
That very phrase also changes from country to country of course too!
Wedding traditions (at least here in Australia) include just some of the following …
- The bride walks down the aisle escorted by her father
- The celebrant asks “who gives this woman to be married?”
- Vows are exchanged
- Rings are exchanged
- A pronouncement of “I now pronounce you husband and wife” is said.
- A first kiss happens with the words “You may now kiss the bride”
And these are just SOME of the traditions from the ceremony only. The reception has a lot more “traditions”.
So, do you need them?
No. You don’t. But if you want them, if they add value or meaning to your ceremony then go for them. But don’t feel that you NEED to follow tradition.
If you are a male / female couple, it’s tradition to have the groom stand at the end of the aisle waiting for the bride to walk down. That’s the typical way it is done and there is nothing wrong with it, but you don’t HAVE to do it that way. You could both walk down the aisle together hand in hand if you want!
You don’t HAVE to have a father (or anyone) give a blessing or “give away” the bride. (In fact, many women today do not want this as they feel like it misrepresents them as someone’s property, however others have fathers with old school values and it means a lot to them to include this).
Over all, traditions were made to be broken. Don’t feel you are compelled to stick to wedding tradition if it doesn’t feel that it helps your ceremony.
I would love to have the opportunity to talk to you about your wedding and ceremony.
Warmly,
Nik Reeds
Civil Marriage Celebrant
