The Best Wedding Traditions (That You Should Totally Have At Your Wedding)

So, what are the best wedding traditions?

You know the ones I’m referring to. The ones that stand the test of time. That we tend to see at just about every wedding. The best wedding traditions are those that really make the wedding. Make it official, make it special, make it feel like you’re ready to get married. Those are the wedding traditions that you should totally have at your wedding.

The thing is, with time comes change. Change brings out new traditions and gets rid of the old ones. However, though certain traditions, like not seeing each other before the wedding and the garter toss, are becoming less and less common, the best wedding traditions are here to stay. And for good reason.

The Best Wedding Traditions (That You Should Totally Have At Your Wedding)

This post is going to go over the best wedding traditions that you should totally have at your wedding. No, this is not prescriptive. If a tradition on this list doesn’t sit well with you, don’t do it. However, if you’re on the fence about it, perhaps this post can sway you to keep the tradition. I personally love the traditions on this list, and I know most other people do, too.

Let’s get into it.

WEARING AN ENGAGEMENT RING WHILE ENGAGED

Okay, hear me out.

Engagement rings get a bad rep. Many people think that they are a waste of money, and some people have serious issues with diamonds. However, no one said you need to wear an expensive ring. Or even one made from precious metals or gems. The key here is to wear something that signals you’re getting married. This could be true for women, or men.

There really is something special about an engagement ring. It reminds you you’re in love and you’re going to make it official with your partner.

ENJOYING PRE-WEDDING EVENTS (LIKE BACHELORETTES AND SHOWERS)

The process of being engaged can be a fun one. And, pre-wedding events are among the best wedding traditions.

Now, there are the obvious pre-wedding events like bridal showers and bachelorette parties. However, there are also events like dress shopping, rehearsal dinners, and engagement parties. While engaged, it’s important to enjoy these events. Like your wedding, they only occur once in a lifetime. They are truly traditions that should be enjoyed.

ASKING FOR OPINIONS FOR YOUR WEDDING ATTIRE

Many brides opt to go dress shopping with an entourage. Even if you go shopping alone, it’s still a nice wedding tradition to gather other’s opinions on your wedding attire.

Whether you bring a large group with you to the bridal salon, or buy off the rack and showcase your outfit over drinks with a girlfriend, stick with this tradition. It’s a special thing to give an inner circle a preview of what you will wear and hear all the ooh’s and ahh’s that come with it. Plus, they can help guide you on accessories, footwear, and how you’ll wear your hair at your wedding.

OPTING FOR A WEDDING REGISTRY

Among the best wedding traditions includes a wedding registry.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Many couples think that if they skip making a wedding registry that guests will automatically give them money. However, this is not the case. Guests will give you a gift, if they are the gift giving type. Other guests will give you money even if you have a registry. So, you might as well make a registry so if you do get gifts, they are the ones you want.

Need more tips on creating a wedding registry? Check out this link.

GOING FOR THE ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT

Engagement photo shoots are amazing for so many reasons.

Not only do engagement photos help you get more comfortable in front of the camera, and help you get to know your wedding photographer, but they have many uses. Lots of couples use their engagement photos for their save the dates. Or their invitations. Or their wedding website, for signs at their wedding, or even to just share the news that they are engaged on social media. Don’t skip this tradition if you can help it.

HAVING A REHEARSAL BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Did you know that some people think that their bridal party will just know what to do at the ceremony? That some quick instructions about marching up an aisle and standing to the side is all they need?

Think again.

Even if you only have five minutes to rehearse, make a rehearsal happen. I don’t care if it’s between hair and makeup and everyone is in their pajamas on your wedding day. Make sure your people know the order that they walk in, the cues that they will get, the side of the aisle to stand on, and how to exit your ceremony. Thank me later.

GETTING READY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Look, I know that for some people, getting ready on their wedding day alone may sound amazing. However, in actuality, it can be a lonely experience.

It’s a bonding experience to help someone get ready on their wedding day. The act of hanging out, making sure everyone knows the plan, and looks amazing, creates special moments. Emotions can be high, but in a good way. This is definitely one of the best wedding traditions, in my opinion.

WRITING EACH OTHER WEDDING DAY LETTERS

Oh, man, I wish this tradition happened on my wedding day.

Now, I did write my fiancé a letter. A good one. I put thought and care into it. I asked him to write me one, but he was too preoccupied or busy to make it happen. So, he got his but I didn’t get mine. Years later, I’m still waiting on it (hint, hint, honey!).

Look, not everyone is the writing type. And, if not, get a card that is pre-written and sign your name. It will be cherished no matter what.

KEEPING THE CEREMONY BEFORE THE RECEPTION

I have seen some backwards weddings on TV before, and to be honest, I don’t get them.

The best wedding traditions just make sense. And, having your ceremony first makes sense. Ceremony, then reception.

There are some people who think if you have a gathering first, and everyone eats and has fun, and then when the “feeling is right” it’s ceremony time. Personally, I think this will confuse guests. It’s almost anticlimactic, and I promise, people will be looking forward to the “real” celebration. So, keep the ceremony before the reception.

SWAPPING RINGS DURING YOUR CEREMONY

One of the best wedding traditions that just about everyone follows, and everyone loves to see, is the swapping of rings.

Now, I’ve written about rings before. There is a long history of why we use rings to symbolize and seal our marriages. Rings symbolize a never ending state, and when you start to wear one you are communicating with the world that you are “taken”. Rings are a constant reminder that you have a significant other. The act of giving each other a ring during the ceremony is a sweet one.

Need help caring for your rings? Check out this post!

HAVING SOMEONE YOU KNOW AND TRUST OFFICIATE YOUR UNION

You know what is the worst thing to see at wedding ceremonies? An officiant who really doesn’t know the couple they are marrying.

From saying the wrong names, to being unable to connect to the couple, officiants who the couples don’t really know, or trust, are just not as good as those the couple does know and trust. So, whether your officiant is a trusted friend, a religious leader, or someone from your community you just feel connected to, it’s important to choose the right one. Not only will their sealing of your union be more powerful, but they are more likely to be a part of your life afterwards.

SEALING YOUR MARRIAGE WITH A KISS

Now, I know that not every marriage ceremony follows this wedding tradition, but I do love when couples seal their marriage with a kiss.

It’s a celebratory moment when the officiant pronounces the couple married and they get to kiss. Of course, not everyone wants to kiss their spouse in front of all their friends and family. I promise, though, you can keep it short and tasteful.

Pro note: Have your officiant put in their notes that they need to step away when you kiss. Your photos will be so much better!

EATING REALLY, REALLY GOOD FOOD

The best wedding traditions can absolutely include food. I mean, if the wedding has no food was it really a wedding?

I jest. Food is important to weddings. And, the food should be good food. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and spend a ton of money on catering. In fact, I’ve written posts about affordable wedding food many times. You can even save by going the DIY route for your cocktail hour and dessert. The key takeaway here is to attempt to have good food at your wedding. That is all.

PLAYING MUSIC ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Music on your wedding day is a tradition? Well, yes, even though it’s not often called out.

Music has had a long standing place of importance at weddings. From ceremony music to reception celebratory music, it’s hard to find a wedding today, or in history, that has had no music. However, I want to go a bit farther than that. Let’s make having music play all day long at your wedding one of the best wedding traditions you should stick to. From music playing while getting ready, all the way to the big exit tunes, having music fill your wedding day will enhance your experience and bring back memories well after the day has passed.

For tips on choosing your wedding music, and links to great resources to pick songs out, check out this post.

CELEBRATING WITH YOUR LOVED ONES

Alright, this one has a disclaimer. If you choose to get married with just you and your partner, that’s totally okay. There is nothing wrong with eloping. It is what it is for the reasons it was.

However, at some point, whether it’s after your wedding day, or on the actual day, it’s important to celebrate with your loved ones. And, that celebration has to be all about your new union. I don’t care if it’s a casual after-the-fact barbeque with your best friends. Or, if it’s huge wedding celebration at the Plaza Hotel. The celebration is what matters, and it’s a tradition worth sticking to.

MAKING SURE THERE IS DESSERT

I said before that food is an important wedding tradition. Along with that, so is dessert.

I know that not everyone is a dessert person. However, many of us are. And, dessert symbolizes the sweetness that your marriage will bring to your life. Having it at your wedding is an indulgence, and it shouldn’t be skipped in the name of saving the budget or because “no one will miss it”. Trust me, they will.

For tips on DIY wedding dessert, check out this post. Your dessert doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be available.

GOING ON A HONEYMOON

A lot of people put off going on a honeymoon, and it’s a total shame. I honestly think honeymoons are among the very best wedding traditions.

Not only is a honeymoon a special, intimate celebration with just you and your partner, but it’s the break you deserve after your wedding. Weddings can be exhausting, and your honeymoon is just about you. You don’t have to impress anyone, and the pressure is off. Go for it. I promise you won’t regret it.

For tips on honeymoon regrets, check out this post. 

THOUGHTS ON THE BEST WEDDING TRADITIONS THAT YOU SHOULD TOTALLY HAVE AT YOUR WEDDING

Friends, I hope you got some takeaways about the best wedding traditions you should totally have at your wedding. Remember, you can design your wedding, your way. However, the traditions on this list will make your wedding day that much better, and your overall wedding experience will be enhanced. This I promise you. Happy wedding planning! 

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