5 Wedding Etiquette Rules that Can Be Broken

Are you getting ready to plan your dream wedding? In the past, couples were expected to adhere to a strict code of tradition surrounding their nuptials. But these days, much of that is changing. Read on to learn more about five ways that wedding etiquette has changed recently.

1. The bride’s family doesn’t always have to fit the bill

In the past, tradition dictated that the bride’s family paid for the wedding day expenses, while the groom’s parents paid for the rehearsal dinner. But nowadays, as women have been able to build careers and professional lives before tying the knot, couples are more flexible about who foots the bill for each event.

2. You can have whoever you want in your wedding party

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to have a male maid-of-honor (what would that be called exactly?) or a female groomsman. Some people even have a dog as the ring bearer! Since it’s your wedding day, you can make the decisions.

3. The window for giving gifts is narrower

In the past, friends and family of the couple were allowed up to a year to give wedding gifts. But recently, that window has narrowed to just three months.

4. You can politely decline a wedding party request

It used to be considered a grave affront to deny a wedding party invitation. But nowadays, with people being more budget conscious and the prevalence of lavish destination weddings, it’s perfectly acceptable to politely say not to a dear friend who is planning her wedding. You won’t have to face the prospect of a friendship ending just because you can’t afford yet another ugly dress.

5. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for cash and gift cards as wedding gifts

Perhaps the reason that the gift-giving window has narrowed is the acceptability of giving something as generic as cash for a wedding gift. In fact, many brides and grooms ask for cash directly instead of creating a registry for wedding gifts. While in the past this would be considered tacky, it could be because of the down economy, or because guests are often pressed for time while couples are happy to receive cash, with which they can buy what they need.

Are you planning a wedding? What are some other ways in which you’re planning to bend tradition? Share your ideas in the comments below!