Certain long-standing traditions still hold a place at present-day weddings.
Countless couples had to postpone their wedding plans at the height of the pandemic, but now, as we emerge into a new normal, more and more lovebirds are finding reasons to celebrate with family and friends. When it comes to planning a wedding, there are so many things to consider, and while new trends keep things interesting, some age-old traditions remain popular even at the most contemporary nuptials. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind if you’ll be tying the knot soon.
SOMETHING OLD
Keeping alive the tradition of incorporating ‘something old’ into your wedding is a wonderful opportunity to honour your family heritage. The bride, for example, might borrow a piece of jewellery from her mother or grandmother, or family heirlooms can be included in the décor. If you’ve lost a loved one who you would like to honour and include in some way, you might consider wearing a locket with a small photograph inside.
SOMETHING NEW
In many ways, weddings are about looking to the future and beginning a new life, so incorporating something new into your ceremony can serve as the perfect symbol of hope. Some popular trends include last-name rings that feature a new shared surname, custom-made cufflinks, monogrammed ring pillows, and modern jewels that reflect the couple’s style. Of course, many of the components of your wedding will be new, so this particular tradition is fairly easy to uphold — your fragrance, bouquet, and outfits, for example, are all likely to make their debut on your wedding day.
SOMETHING BORROWED
This tradition goes way back and is a beautiful nod to the shared nature of a wedding celebration. Some brides are lucky enough to borrow a wedding dress (or elements thereof) from a family member, but if this isn’t possible or practical, you might consider using a precious old veil, a relative’s tie, or a piece of family jewellery. If you have the opportunity to borrow a wedding venue that means something to you — a family member’s garden or a friend’s beach house, for example — this will serve as an ideal homage to the long-standing tradition.
SOMETHING BLUE
A symbol of purity and fidelity, adding a touch of blue to your celebration often adds some aesthetic charm. You might choose accessories like shoes, ties, and handkerchiefs in shades of blue, but if you prefer something more discreet, a blue garter is a great option. If you want blue to take centre stage, you might consider the hue as part of your jewellery selection — sapphires are among the most known and loved blue stones, but other striking options include opals, topaz, turquoise and aquamarine.
WEDDING SCENTS
There’s something about scents that can evoke memories with beautiful clarity. You’ll want to remember your celebration down to the last detail, so it’s well worth linking your memories with a carefully-chosen fragrance. When selecting a scent, both partners should consider their personalities and personal preferences — whether it’s strength, romance or softness you’re looking for, try to find notes to match. It’s also worth thinking about what season your wedding falls in. Autumn and winter celebrations call for warm, spicy notes, while spring and summer are well suited to florals and fruits. You might consider the symbolic meanings associated with certain fragrances — peony, for example, is traditionally a sign of good fortune, while honeysuckle signifies loyalty and everlasting love. Ultimately, your scent of choice is deeply personal and will be forever tied to the emotion of the day.