4 Modern Takes on Old Wedding Formalities
Are traditional wedding formalities totally cramping your style? Modernize them and make them your own. From Cocktail Hour to the Bouquet Toss, here are some great ways to freshen things up.
Photo courtesy of Move Mountains Co.
Cocktail Hour
Traditionally, there’s a mad dash right after the ceremony where you round up your party and head to the photo locations. Squeezing a photoshoot into that hour can be stressful AND you miss all the great finger foods and cocktails. We’re seeing people doing first looks and photo shoots ahead of the actual wedding day in order to enjoy more time with their family and friends.
Bouquet Toss
If the bouquet toss doesn’t quite fit the vibe of your modern-day wedding, never fear. There are tons of cool alternatives popping up. One fun way to revamp this old tradition is to have your florist create a bouquet with individually wrapped stems. You can hand the flowers out to your guests to create a unique and personal touch. It will be a nice surprise and you’ll still feel like you’re passing the proverbial baton.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Pomeroy Photography
Photo courtesy of Annmarie Swift Photography
Photo courtesy of Ann Skidmore Photography
“...hand the flowers out to your guests to create a unique and personal touch”
Formal Dinners
The average reception is 4 hours. Sounds like a lot but it really isn’t. Between toasts, first dances, and making the rounds, many couples feel like their reception flies by. We’re seeing couples say no to formal dinners and instead go for small plates with high tops, or even food trucks. This gives you as much time to socialize and dance as possible.
Late Night Munchies
Typically towards the end of the night you have the cake cutting and dessert. But are those sweets really enough to soak up all the booze from the open bar? Couples have begun offering snacky late-night foods to their guests during the later portion of their reception. This is like the high-end-grown-up version of going to a diner after a long night out. Think burgers and fries like this couple who had their wedding at the ICA.
Photo courtesy of Anne Skidmore Photography
With a culinary background and an eye on etiquette, Peral Farquharson brings every part of her unique identity to her business, Designed by Delsie. Pearl talks to us about the mistakes she sees couples make when planning their wedding, and her take on navigating tricky family dynamics.