Wedding traditions couples are ditching for 2025
Wedding traditions can be beautiful – but they’re not mandatory. Weddings in 2025 are all about creating a day the way that feels right for you and your partner. While every couple has their unique vision for their big day, there’s always a clear list of things that are in or out for the year. And in 2025, we’ve found many couples are saying goodbye to centuries-old traditions to make way for elements that highlight the couple in a more personal and meaningful way.
Traditional weddings remain a popular choice, with over 72% of the couples we’ve worked with opting for a classic style. However, the structure and format of these timeless celebrations are evolving, embracing a more modern twist
So, what traditions are being left behind? Whether they’re considered old-fashioned to the couple or just don’t fit their vibe, here are the traditions that aren’t quite making the cut in 2025.
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Bride vs groom seating
In 2025, couples are saying goodbye to separated sides of the ceremony layout. Embracing a ‘choose your own seat’ approach creates a more inclusive and relaxed experience for everyone involved (especially if you’re a big part of both the couples’ lives and find choosing one side hard). After all, weddings are about bringing two families together so why split them?
Giving the bride away
The classic image of a father walking his daughter down the aisle is one that filled all the wedding scenes from our past. But many couples are choosing to put this tradition in the backseat. And it’s not because we don’t love our fathers: it’s really to honour all family dynamics. Sometimes a bride might have a loved one still walk down with them, but the rule that it has to be a father is shifted to suit each family and couple. This change is less about following traditions and more about celebrating the people who’ve supported you in your journey as a couple.
Veils
Veils have been a long-standing symbol of modesty. And while they look breathtaking, they’re not for everyone. While some brides are removing their veil altogether, some are making a modern switch that’s more them, like headbands or floral crowns.
Skipping the veil can mean more attention to the finer details of your outfit, like dress trimmings, jewellery, and hairstyles.
Shop the look: Michelle Pagonis Bridal
First look down the aisle
The heart-stopping moment when you both lock eyes down the aisle is a moment we can say everyone loves! While you can’t really cut this out of your wedding, some couples are opting for a private first-look before the ceremony.
This intimate moment gives couples a chance to connect, and be a bit more emotional then they might’ve been in front of all their friends and family. It’s also an absolute goldmine for photographers and videographers, capturing genuine emotions in a relaxed setting. But don’t worry – seeing your partner again on the aisle is still just as emotional the first time, so your guests can still live in the unforgettable, heart-melting moment as well.
Matching bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits
While identical outfits for your wedding party are always a stunning choice, some couples are adding a little more individuality in 2025. Think bridesmaids in coordinating colours but different styles, or groomsmen mixing suits with playful accessories. It’s a choice to let your wedding party dress – and feel – more like themselves while still looking cohesive. By choosing a single colour for the outfits while allowing unique details and silhouettes, your photos can capture a more personal feel, celebrating the individuality of each person in your wedding party.
Shop the look: Model Chic
The bouquet toss
For decades, the bouquet toss has been a wedding reception staple. But this tradition is being traded for a range of reasons. Some couples want to make this tradition more inclusive or gift it to a special person, like their friend or mentor, or to spend more time on the dance floor instead. Other couples want to preserve their bouquet as a keepsake by drying them or creating a shadow box or resin art, giving the bouquet a second life that they can look back on outside of their wedding album.
Traditional ceremonies
Cookie-cutter ceremonies you could probably repeat word-for-word from many Hollywood movies are a thing of the past for more couples. Instead, they’re wanting to create a less traditional ceremony that instead focuses on their story, values, and loved ones. These modern ceremonies can include meaningful readings, personal vows, and cultural or family traditions that hold more significance for a ceremony that feels uniquely ‘them’. Ceremonies aren’t just about saying “I do” anymore – it’s about telling the world what makes your love special.
Saying goodbye to veils | Image by Lovesick Weddings
Rewrite the rules and make the day yours!
Whether you’re saying goodbye to veils, tossing the bouquet, or tweaking the ceremony, it’s all about what matters most to you and your partner. So, feel free to ditch the traditions that don’t fit and embrace the ones that do – or make up your own! After all, the best weddings are the ones that feel authentically, unforgettably yours.
