We’ve all experienced a changing world, faster than ever before. Social media is a constant part of our lives, family structures and dynamics have no rules, and well really, anything goes these days. So what is modern wedding etiquette and do you need to consider these things when planning your wedding?
Don’t post photos or announcements on social media before….
Couples should still share news of their engagement and wedding plans personally with loved ones before announcing it to the world on social media. These are life changing events and very special moments for you and your nearest and dearest, so treasure and nurture your relationships by keeping it real and personal.
No one wants a guest in the audience who above all else, wants to be the first person in the world to post your wedding vows and photo to the internet. It’s quite common now to display an unplugged sign, or have the marriage celebrant or wedding co-ordinator inform wedding guests to respect the couples wishes to have no photos or social media posts by guests during the ceremony until the official photographer and couple have been able to do it first.
You don’t have to invite everyone
These days as more couples contribute to wedding costs it’s quite acceptable to limit the guest list. Gone are the days of feeling like it’s a rule to invite distant cousins just to avoid family rifts or show to off. Parents now are more abiding in respecting the couples wishes regarding guests and one way to handle it is to allocate a number of invitations to the parents for them to decide who they would like invited from their relatives and friends.
Who pays
Traditionally, the brides family paid for most of the wedding however with family structures and circumstances no longer traditional and the rising costs of weddings, it’s more relevant now for either everyone to pitch in with costs or often the couple will take care of everything so they can have exactly what they want and avoid family dramas.
Who can I have in my bridal party
Remember when brides and grooms had to have the same number of same gender attendants all wearing the same colours and outfits?! Well it’s probably a good thing that times have changed and now anything goes. That means you can have whoever you like (or no one) by your side supporting you during this special occasion. Often female brides may have a male best friend, the groom wants his beloved dog … you get the idea.
Who should walk me down the aisle
Like everything else here, anything now goes regarding who walks who down the aisle. These days its not about traditions and protocols but what matters to you getting married. It was traditional for brides to be walked down the aisle by their dad and many still do, however its also now common for mums, step-parents, grandparents, friends, children, siblings, or no one, to perform this special role.
Choose the paper invitations
With day to day digital technology overwhelming us, it’s still much nicer to receive a printed or hand written wedding invitation. This will emphasise the special occasion and your relationships as well build excitement.
Can you ask for cash as a wedding gift
Today it is very acceptable to ask for & give cash or gift cards as wedding gifts. Couples often already have household items, or are already living together and have their own style. A cash gift is likely to be more appreciated as a contribution towards the wedding costs, honeymoon or home deposit.
