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To learn more about which wedding traditions are fading out of style, we reached out to Jhona Yellin, Editor in Chief at Bespoke Bride, who was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda. She shared that one tradition she’s noticed happening far less recently is the father-daughter dance.
“This is a tradition where the bride dances with her father as a symbol of their bond and his approval of her marriage,” Jhona explained. “While this may seem sweet and sentimental, it can also be problematic for many reasons. For one thing, not every bride has a father or a good relationship with him. For another, this tradition can imply that the bride is being ‘given away’ by her father to her husband, as if she is a property or a prize. This is not only outdated, but also sexist and patriarchal.”
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“I think [the] tradition [of the father-daughter dance] has become outdated and should be replaced by something more inclusive and empowering,” Jhona suggests. “For example, the bride can dance with any person who has been influential or supportive in her life, regardless of their gender or relation. Or, the bride can skip the dance altogether and do something else that showcases her personality and talents, such as singing a song, giving a speech, or performing a skit.”
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As for brides and grooms who feel pressure to continue these traditions, even if they may not like them, Jhona urges them to stand up for themselves and their preferences. “It’s your wedding day, and you should be able to celebrate it in a way that reflects your style, values, and vision,” the expert says. “Don’t let anyone else dictate what you should or shouldn’t do, especially if it makes you uncomfortable or unhappy.”
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“Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to be rude or dismissive of other people’s opinions or expectations,” Jhona added. “You can still be respectful and diplomatic, but firm and assertive. You can explain your reasons for choosing or rejecting certain traditions, and offer alternatives or compromises if possible. You can also enlist the help of your partner, friends, or wedding planner to support you and communicate with others on your behalf.”
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In lieu of some of the traditions they may not love, Jhona recommends that couples find fun and unique ways to incorporate cultural traditions into their weddings. “For example, if you want to showcase some Spanish culture in your wedding, you can do so by choosing a Spanish-inspired venue, such as a hacienda or a vineyard, or by adding some Spanish elements to the decor, such as colorful tiles, fans, or flowers,” she told Bored Panda. “You can also wear some Spanish accessories, such as a mantilla veil, a bolero jacket, or a red rose. Take a look at this real Spanish-inspired wedding that we covered a while ago.”
“Remember, the most important thing is that you and your partner are happy and satisfied with your wedding day, not anyone else,” Jhona added.
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As old traditions fade, new ones emerge. And one popular wedding trend Jhona says she’s noticed recently is the personalized vow exchange. “This is a trend where the bride and groom write and recite their own vows to each other, instead of repeating the standard ones provided by the officiant,” she explained. “This trend allows the couple to express their love, commitment, and promises in their own words, and to make their ceremony more intimate and meaningful.”
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“I think [the trend of personalized vows] is a wonderful and refreshing way to celebrate the uniqueness and authenticity of each couple and their relationship,” Jhona says. “It also gives the guests a chance to witness and share in the couple’s emotions and stories, and to feel more connected and involved in the ceremony. I highly recommend this trend to any couple who wants to add a personal touch and a creative flair to their wedding day.”
If you’d like to hear more about trends or traditions you might want to incorporate into your big day, be sure to visit Bespoke Bride for endless inspiration!