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For Tradition’s Sake? Nontraditional Wedding Trends Today

Weddings are often steeped in tradition from the Victorian era and beyond. Today’s traditional weddings still feature things like white bridal gowns and diamond rings. But, many brides and grooms are opting to step outside the box and try different things when it comes to their big day.

The very act of having a wedding is a way to celebrate two people coming together for a lifetime commitment. That’s a tradition that will never change, and one that has been around long before the Victorian era.

But, the celebration itself has adapted over time. From small ceremonies to parties that last all night, wedding trends come and go, but some seem to stick around longer than others. While we could certainly talk about some of the traditions that have stood the test of time, it’s also fun to see how weddings have evolved over the years.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some nontraditional wedding trends today, and how some traditions are okay to break.

It’s A Nice Day for a … Non-White Wedding?

Billy Idol may have been speaking to tradition when he sang about a white wedding, but nowadays, many brides are going the nontraditional route with their dresses. Throughout the 20th century, the white wedding dress was a symbol of virtue and purity. It represented a lifelong commitment to one person, so much so that the dress itself often became the star of every wedding.

Today, some of those stigmas and stereotypes have passed. Now, brides are breaking tradition with the colors and styles of their dresses. Millennial brides are taking the reins on this trend. Nonwhite dresses are available almost everywhere. They offer a way to save money and be unique. Some brides are ditching the dress altogether and opting for pantsuits and rompers.

Colorful weddings are becoming more popular than ever as stark white is fading into the background. It’s not just the dresses that are changing, it’s the overall color scheme. Some of the most popular wedding colors this season include:

• Dark blue
• Champagne
• Gold and white
• Burgundy
• Pink
• Dark gray
• Green

By choosing a wedding dress that isn’t white, brides can create a whole color palette for their wedding that all fits together rather than standing out from everything else. For many women, having that playful pop of color is a great way to express themselves on their special day.

Ditching the Diamonds

Diamond rings are still a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands. That’s a tradition that’s likely to never go away. But, some couples are exploring different jewelry options, and it’s becoming quite the trend. Diamond ring alternatives can often be more affordable. But, they’re also more unique and can showcase your personality. Some of the most popular diamond alternatives are:

• Sapphires
• Aquamarine
• Morganite
• Ruby
• Amethyst

Some sustainable-minded couples have even started to opt for more eco-friendly ring options, like bands made of stainless steel, wood, or recycled materials. The days of needing a flashy ring to show off are over as environmental concerns become more important. Thankfully, many of these alternatives are just as beautiful as any diamond, and by being a bit nontraditional in your selection, the jewelry can feel more personal and intimate.

WiFi Weddings

Obviously, Zoom gatherings weren’t a thing in the Victorian era. But, in the age of COVID-19, they have become a way of life. Throughout the pandemic, many couples opted for virtual weddings so family members and friends could safely “attend” online. Some still held small ceremonies while others got married in their own homes with family and friends watching via video.

Even now, as things are starting to go back to normal, online platforms have become a more permanent option for weddings. It’s likely a trend that is here to stay as long as technology keeps advancing.

Why?

It’s not uncommon for families to live in different parts of the country – or the world. It can be difficult (and expensive) to bring everyone together in one place.

By using an online platform and giving everyone a link, you can “stream” your wedding for those who can’t be there in person. Doing so allows them to take part in your event from the comfort of their own home. You can get as creative as you’d like with virtual ceremonies and celebrations, inviting your digital guests to eat with you, or even having a “digital dance party” by playing the same song and having everyone dance in front of their cameras.

Wedding trends will continue to change and adapt over time. While some traditions will undoubtedly continue to stick around, breaking away from certain things doesn’t have to be a “faux pax” in any way. After all, at the heart of every wedding is a couple wanting to celebrate their love, and there are countless ways to do that.