Wedding Etiquette

Have you ever attended a wedding that was so formal it was uncomfortable for the guests? Many young couples are opting to throw tradition out the window and update traditions to fit their generation. Here are some unique ways to spice up your wedding and reception festivities.

• The couple's first dance is always a nail bitter for the bride and groom, especially if neither one of them is an accomplished dancer. Instead of muddling through by just swaying back and forth under the spotlight, invest some time into learning how to tango or salsa. This will boost your confidence and insert liveliness into to the evening's event. Guests will get involved with whistles and applause to urge you on.
• Instead of having traditional toasts for the bride and groom, why not turn the tables and offer toasts to your guests. Thank them for coming and sharing this special day with you, and offer kind words to those who have influenced your lives.
• A new trend is sharing the spotlight of the father/daughter dance. Rather than the traditional father/daughter dance, invite other fathers and daughters to join you on the dance floor.
• Many people don't like cake. Instead of serving traditional wedding cake, be creative. Make smaller cakes that can be used a part of the centerpiece. If you want to be totally unique, serve sundaes, cheese cake or pie instead. Ice cream scooping and pie slicing can be just a romantic as a traditional cake cutting ceremony.
• The age old tradition of tossing the bouquet is losing popularity. In lieu of tossing the bouquet, offer a toast to your attendants then present the bouquet to your parents or special mentor as a memento.
• Try a new spin on the anniversary dance. Call couples out in reverse order so a crowd forms as the song goes on rather than whittling the group done to one couple. This makes a nice segue and keeps more dancers on the dance floor.
• Many couples are opting to stay for the entire reception to dance the night way with their honored guests. A new twist to having a designated driver is to offer shuttles to get guests home or back to their hotel safely.

New traditions are replacing old. Times change as new generations come of age. Tailor the traditions to fit your personality and wedding style. The idea is to show appreciation and honor to those you love most.

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