The wedding planning process involves lots of decision-making, including whether you intend to keep or break the slew of associated traditions. Many of those traditions have to do with the roles and responsibilities of the wedding party (itself a tradition!).
However, as wedding planners, we’ve noticed many couples breaking the mold. Whether by forgoing the wedding party tradition entirely or making it their own, these couples demonstrate the importance of curating a wedding experience that’s all about YOUR vision—just the way we like it at JLE. Today we’re talking ways to mix up wedding party traditions so you can plan a celebration in step with your personality and style!
Ways to Mix Up Wedding Party Traditions
Have A Mix of Friends For Your Wedding Party
Gone are the days of needing to choose an all-male or all-female wedding party. Most of us have a mix of friends of all genders, so why shouldn’t your wedding party reflect that? Before one of our weddings, one group spent a relaxing morning getting ready and taking pictures while the other played pickleball. The bride and groom’s sides were close friends, so each wedding party member chose what to do based on their preferred activity!
Skip Traditional Duties (but Keep the Fun!)
Sometimes, we have couples who want to skip the traditional wedding party but still want to spend time getting ready with their friends. Their VIPs get honorary seats at the ceremony and they take photos together afterward. However, their friends don’t have any official duties, such as walking down the aisle. In other words, they enjoy all the perks of being a wedding party member, completely stress-free!
Make the Bridal Luncheon Your Own
If you’re from the South, you’re likely familiar with the tradition of hosting a bridal luncheon or tea on the Thursday before the rehearsal dinner. Typically, every guest receives a small gift such as a pair of earrings.
However, our brides have felt free to make this tradition their own, and we encourage you to do the same! Our bride Sydney hosted a bridal dinner with prompts encouraging the wedding party members to tell their favorite stories from their friendship. Another bride, Liz, hosted a relaxed poolside version of the bridal luncheon. She bought out a cabana and she and her VIPs spent the afternoon eating, drinking, and taking dips in the water.
Trade Matching PJs for Mimosas
Our couple Laura and John wanted to brunch with their friends on the morning of their wedding instead of getting ready for hours. So, we rented out an entire restaurant and made it happen! This was such a relaxed way to spend their wedding morning, resulting in a nerves-free ceremony. If the traditional getting-ready photos in matching PJs aren’t your style, remember: this is YOUR day and you can spend it however you choose.
Have an All-Family Wedding Party
Laura and John’s wedding morning wasn’t the only nontraditional aspect of their weekend. Their wedding party was just family, with Laura’s side including her two sisters-in-law and mom. The couple found a special way to honor their close-knit relationships with the rest of their family, too. Their rehearsal dinner at a chic Mexican restaurant began with an hour just for family, including photos and a meet and greet. Then, the remainder of their 200 guests joined them for the second hour of the meal.
We hope this guide helps you plan a wedding party experience that feels true to you. Wedding party traditions are made to be broken, so don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Your and your partner’s opinions are the only ones that matter!
At JLE, we’re here to guide you step by step through the wedding planning process, always referring back to your vision as our guiding light. Informed by a combined 30+ years of events and hospitality experience, our team will assist you with laying a solid foundation for your event and building it from the ground up. Through it all, your ideas and unique story will always come first. Are you ready to get started?
Vendors:
Wedding Planning: Julian Leaver Events
Venue: Brook Hollow Golf Club
Event Design: Jackson Durham Events
Bridal Salon: Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon
Tailoring: The Fitting Room
Hair and Makeup: Jones Beauty & Co
Stationery: Ellis Hill
Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren
Tent Rental: Sandone Productions
Videography: Candlelight Films
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