Honouring the Past While Embracing the Present
Many couples love the idea of including traditions in their wedding, but want those customs to reflect who they are today. There’s no need to follow every rule to the letter. Instead, updating or personalising traditions can make your celebration feel more relevant, inclusive and truly yours.
Rethinking Wedding Stationery
Classic invitation suites are timeless, but there’s room to refresh the format. Consider using contemporary fonts, minimalist layouts or sustainable materials. You can still include all the traditional elements - invite, RSVP, details card - while presenting them in a way that reflects your style. Using personalised wording instead of formal phrasing can also make your stationery feel more relaxed and true to you.
Updating Ceremony Customs
Walking down the aisle with a parent, having a set order for the ceremony, or sticking to traditional vows are all lovely - but they’re not mandatory. Some couples choose to walk together, invite both parents to escort them, or write personal vows. Others swap religious elements for readings that feel more meaningful to their relationship. The key is to find what feels authentic, rather than just expected.
Modern Alternatives to Old Traditions
Here are a few simple ways couples are updating older customs:
- Guestbooks: Swap a bound book for a printed photo display or notes on keepsake cards.
- First look: Choose a private moment before the ceremony instead of waiting for the aisle reveal.
- Receiving lines: Replace with informal mingling during a drinks reception.
- Favour bags: Opt for one meaningful token rather than a collection of small items.
Creating Your Own Meaning
Traditions are meant to be passed on, but also reshaped. Modernising a wedding doesn’t mean losing sentiment - it means rethinking it with intention. Whether you're reimagining your stationery or rewriting your ceremony script, the best traditions are the ones that hold meaning for you and your partner.
