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From wearing a white dress to promising to obey the husband 'till death us do part'—weddings are known to come with a lot of rituals. However, with many of these traditions being age-old, more and more lovebirds choose to skip a few of them when planning their wedding or sometimes even ditch the majority of it altogether.

Some time ago, a Quora user asked people on the platform to open up about the wedding traditions they'd choose to skip when planning their own wedding. "What is one wedding tradition you absolutely wouldn't partake in? Why?" their question reads. With that being said, Bored Panda invites you to read through some of the most interesting answers we managed to find in this viral thread. As always, don't forget to vote for your favorite ones and feel free to share the traditions you'd ditch down in the comment section.

More info: Quora

#1

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch The week I got engaged, I went out and bought a bridal magazine. Read through it. Then wanted to jump out of a window.

The main thrust of the magazine was ‘the perfect wedding.’ And for me to have the perfect wedding, at least according to the magazine, I’d have to buy a load of crap, like unity candles and something having to do with sand, plus I’d have go out and research wedding photographers, hair and make-up people, florists, videographers, bands/DJs, and on and on it went. Or plunk down a bunch of scratch to pay a wedding planner to do it for me.

And then the gown. Ay carumba. I’ve owned cars that cost less than some of the gowns they were touting.

So, after the guy I grew up with, who has a very successful DJ/photography/whatever company, told me he could get a DJ for my wedding ‘starting around $2,500’ I finally said, “Screw that, I am NOT hemorrhaging money for this.” Got a nice gown for $700. Got our rings from Etsy. They’re sterling silver with a 14k yellow gold lining. (Didn’t see the point of the lining, but that’s how they came. ) $400 for the pair. Did the flowers myself, from flowers I bought at Produce Junction and Acme. Total about $50. Did my own hair and makeup.

My sister-in-law offered to do the videography. Another friend offered to snap photos of everything. For the reception, I hired a harpist for about $200. Nobody got to dance, but at least they could hold conversations without screaming to be heard. The reception cost about $1,500. Beautiful wedding cake -about $100. No bouquet toss, no garter.

Over and over through out the years, I’ve been told by the people who attended (we had between 40 and 50 people) that ours was the best wedding they’d ever been to.

Barrie Creedon Wennberg , Joel & Justyna Report

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#2

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Pigeons are pets. They are not made to live on their own in the world. White pigeons are specially breeded for weddings and released into the wild, where they die. This tradition is animal cruelty.

Christina Rauscher , Wikimedia Commons Report

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Anna Solan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, I understand that they are usually homing pigeons, and they return to their coop after the release. It would be ridiculously expensive otherwise to breed and raise "disposable" pigeons for ceremonies.

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#3

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch I find this appalling & disrespectful along with it being more fitting at a child's birthday party than a wedding reception. If after spending thousands of dollars on wedding attire, the wedding itself, and spending hours dressing with care only to have my mate abuse & humiliate me in front of our guests, I wouldn't have married him to begin with. It's more than just cake smeared faces, it's the total disregard of feelings & lack of respect that puts this in the top spot of something I'd never take part in. Ever.

Laurie Parks , Al Abut Report

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Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's actually not traditional. The tradition is for the bride and groom to feed one another a bit of cake, not to smash it in one another's faces.

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#4

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Father Escort. I hate this tradition so much because of its original meaning. It stems from a time when a woman was practically “property” for all her life. The tradition basically means the father gives away his daughter (his “property”) to her husband. It’s just awful, no thanks.

Lea Sing , myllissa Report

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Jessica Nametz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the best moments of my life was when my father walked me down the aisle... So to each their own, I suppose ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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Luna Lovegood
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I agree. The tradition comes from a bad view about women, but in the modern context we've kind of reclaimed it and it is usually a really sweet moment for father and daughter. Depends how you feel about it :)

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Aunt Messy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did not permit my father to "give" me away. He always told me I was his property when I was a kid and he was beating my bloody - so no. My husband and I walked in together. Because we are partners, not property.

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Kendra Miller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want an outdoor wedding in field. I want to ride on a tractor like I did as a kid, driven by my dad and we'd roar all the way to the runway.

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Dave P
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on what culture, in Jewish culture, both of the brides parents walk down the bride and both of the grooms parents walk down the groom.

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Sedona
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother and his wife had both parents walk them down the aisle. Yes he also walked down the aisle.

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Queen Jackson.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, I’m fine with this because of the sentimental meaning it has now, but I’m personally just not doing it.

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Stille20
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't want to do this, but I also don't wish to hurt my father's feelings. My mother passed away a year ago and I really don't feel like making a fuss over it so close to this loss.

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Kay blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your father could walk with you down the aisle but you could miss out the bit in the ceremony that says "who gives this woman to this man", it's less about ownership then.

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Mama Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son, who was 9 at the time, walked me down the aisle. When he was asked if he was giving me away, he told everyone that he was loaning me out for the night lol

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Brooke Weber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everything has a shady history. Personally, it's really important for me to have my dad walk me down the aisle because we have such a close relationship.

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Jennie-Lind Normand
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both my parents walked me down the 'aisle' (even though there wasn't an actual aisle, I got married in a park) my dad had a fit over it, but I wasn't anyone's 'property' to give away

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Martin Cichos
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Think it's a nice gesture that fathers walk their daughters down the aisle

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Agata Konador
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Poland we don't have this tradition. We come to church together as a couple.

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Marianne
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not traditional in Germany. (Although people start doing it more and more because they see it in American movies.) When we talked to our priest before the wedding, he said "Just so you know, I do not allow princess entries in my church. If you want to do that, you need to look for someone else."

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Jo Firth
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also asking father for permission to propose. My husband knew I wouldn't say yes if he did this - back in the 80s. Can't believe women think this is still OK.

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Lillukka79
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother in law did this and my dad told him to ask her because he's not gonna marry him.

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MauKini
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad passed away last year. His dream was to walk me to the altar. I am beyond happy that we were able to make this come true. It was a very special moment for me as I knew the odds were agains us. I miss him so much but him walking me down the isle is a moment I will cherish forever.

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Mimi M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be nice if both father and mother walked bride and groom. (or significant stand-ins)

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Nadine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my case, my father walked me down the aisle because I wanted him to. Not to give me away or anything, but because he lives in another country and I wanted him to be a part of the ceremony.

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My Dying Bride
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The most stupid tradition is to change your name to your husband's

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qwerty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have considered this The Most Stupid Tradition.

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Bonnie Sinclair
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can always have the wording changed to "Who presents the bride?". It's a way to include your father if he is still around, in your wedding. And in some cases still fathers do contribute to the financial part of the ceremony.

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Jjjane20
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you should think about it in a different way. Like you were being taken care, protected and loved by your father, if you have good relationship with your father and as he walks with you down the aisle he allows to your husband to to do so instead of him. I don't think fathers/daughters see it as giving some property one to another as much as it is guiding to a new life.

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Anita Rapp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I remember, in the Jewish tradition both parents walk the groom to the chupah. Then both parents walk the bride halfway down the aisle and kiss her goodbye. Then the groom walks up the aisle to walk her the rest of the way together. I think it's sweet.

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Apollo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I end up getting married my father won't be invited because he is horrible. I plan to ask my favourite Uncle to walk me down the aisle when the time comes because he actually made effort to spend time with me, teach me things, and support my interests unlike my father.

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Julie Johnson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree! Especially as it’s usually the mum that does all the hard work to bring the daughter up. So why should dads get that honour?

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Carrie Roettger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I honestly would have loved having my dad walk me down the aisle. I was so close to him and he was very protective of me. For me it would have meant that he knew I would be loved and cared for by someone he respected. He died when I was almost 13 and when I did get married I was just not into an actual wedding. My husband I went to a justice of the peace with one friend. It was perfect for us. We got married 9n a Friday the 13th and this August will be our 29th anniversary.

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Susan Egan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We "eloped" and then asked family to join us if they wanted. My family is small but my husbands is very large, we couldn't afford it. So we were outside under a flowering dogwood, the priest we'd found that agreed to marry us asked "who gives this woman to wedlock" (or whatever they say). My father, without any discussion said "Her mother and I do". I loved it.

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Eliška Rýdlová
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get it, when you don't have a good relationship with your parents...thinking about yourself as 'property' is pretty bad. For other people it's just nice little tradition. That's all. No property, not afwul. Just heartwarming.

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Lillukka79
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This and the asking the dad for her hand. Relics from a time that should be past for a long time.

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Daniel Gilroy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a wedding officiant, I discourage the "giving away" for this very reason. Some brides want it for "tradition," though.

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Fzah Ruslan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Enhh... at least in my culture, the father sees his daughter as his responsibility (to nurture, to feed, to give education, to raise to be a good person etc..) and when he gives his daughter away, he passes that on to her husband.

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Carolina Fernández González
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it is cute. The original meaning is not good AT ALL! but now I think it looks cute to see the joy of the parents to scort their grown up daughter. My father died a long time ago so if I ever get married I won't have that, but I think it looks cute :)

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Michael Sanders
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Marriage was originally and economic arrangement between families, and was arranged. Also the bouquet toss started because women would rush the bride and try to touch her to get some of her “luck”, even going as far as to rip her dress so she threw the bouquet to get them away from her. So I think it is better to make the traditions what you want them to be at YOUR wedding and not look up where they came from. I’m gonna bet you aren’t going to be thrilled with how any traditions that are centuries old started.

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Gay Llama
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would might do this, 1 because my parents would probably be mad it I didn't and 2 becuase I plan on marrying a girl, so I wouldn't be given away to a man.

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Anne Mitchell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing wrong with looking at this tradition as just a father escorting his daughter to her wedding.

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Lucy Shupe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well my little sister would have loved having her father could walk her down the aisle. Too bad he died before she was married, so I guess you wouldn’t have to be worried about being treat like property, right? I’m 64, I grew up screaming for equal rights for women but in that comes the common sense that some things are extremely petty.

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Lisa Casserly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see your point. However, not all daughters have a bad relationship with their fathers. I would have loved to have had a loving father to escort me into the first day of the next chapter of my life.

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Joy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm currently married. However, if I get divorced and get remarried...it'll be my SON who will be walking me down the aisle.

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Shelby Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To each their own. If you don't want to do it then don't. I personally loved having my father give me away. Traditions change meaning all the time. I didn't feel like an exchange of property.

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ivan bolitekurac
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just an over dramatic view.You are not the property of your father

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Laura Sorensen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not totally against it but I had a different reason for not having my father. Before I got married I had found out some things about my dad that left me a bit bitter. I instead had my kids walk with me which I felt was way more personal as we were officially becoming a family. My dad and I are good now but I still wouldn't have done it different.

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Amy Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had both my parents walk me down the aisle. They were divorced and my mom raised me, so I thought they both deserved that honor.

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Nia Loves Art
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want my father to walk me down the aisle when I get married because he is an important part of my life and because I want to include him, not because of any reason related to property. I don’t think that’s the meaning anyone who does it in the US nowadays ascribes to it.

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Sara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Swedish culture the bride and groom walk in together, as a sign they are marrying each other by free choice

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Donkey boi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mmm, I've got 2 thoughts here. Firstly they have misinterpreted the tradition of 'giving away'. It was to represent a father relinquishing his responsibility to look after and protect his daughter by passing that duty onto another. It was nothing to do with ownership. My other thought is that I don't think there should be a focus on the father to do it, it should be whomever the bride chooses.

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Chewie Baron
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They have t misinterpreted anything at all . As they said, it was one man walking his property down the aisle to become the property of the man waiting at the a.tar.

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Michelle Brandt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I had my mom walk me down the aisle. My dad was super awkward about it for some reason, maybe this was why!

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Sonja
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, original meaning sucks. But why do we need to let it go completely? I want my dad to accompany me "to the altar". He deserves it for being my dad, we had many good and bad moments,but he is still my dad. He was "by my side" for my life till the wedding and after the wedding the husband and wife are expected to stand on their side (to each other). That is why I want my dad there. F... the original meaning.

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deathrose
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Walking down the aisle with my Dad was my favorite moment of my wedding. He gave me the strength to keep walking when I just wanted to panic. Not because of my husband or anything it was because of his mother, she was trying to pin her insurance fraud on him and we thought he was going to jail not long after the wedding. I just wanted to cry but my father gave me the strength to keep moving forward like he was does

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sylvantic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I disagree. Yeah, the tradition has an original meaning, but now it's just kinda a special moment that your dad's going to cherish for his entire life.

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HooowlAtTheMoon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree to disagree. I would love for my father to walk me down the aisle.

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Callia Donoven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree, also it was a way to keep the bride from running away. The father would dragg the bride, usually fighting, screaming, and crying, down the isle and the pass her to the groom, who would have to physically restrain her until the ceremony was over.

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Kika González
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even so, it has since grown to become a sense of pride for the Father. And some people mourn the loss of NOT having their father walk them down the isle. You are offended by it so already deam the negative connotation as ONLY origin.

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Sarah Grape
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always assumed it was a promise from the dad to not kill the boyfriend

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Leodavinci
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Things change. Whatever this tradition hailed from, it's now about loving fathers saying goodbye to their daughters. Making a mountain out of a molehill.

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Easily Excitable Panda
Community Member
2 years ago

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Florian Gerstmeier
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Germany this "tradition" was imported via hollywood films like 20--30 years ago. I never understood it. We got married as a couple and therefore went together down the isle. It is also, that the wedding should not focus on the bride, but on the couple. Like, the groom stands suddenly unnoticed at the altar, but the bride has a glamorous entrance? Nope.

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#5

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch I hate white for two main reasons: First, it looks boring, second, it looks awful on me. Doesn’t suit me at all. Also, most wedding dresses look just like that: a wedding dress. You spend a ridiculously high amount of money for a dress you’re probably only gonna wear once in your life. I’d rather wear something in navy blue or a really dark purple. Looks much more interesting in my opinion, and you can also wear it in the future.

Lea Sing , 99mimimi Report

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#6

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch I basically planned my own bridal shower. That’s probably weird to some people, but it just seemed like the easiest thing to do. I just wanted something simple where I could spend the afternoon with some of my closest friends. We went bowling, drove go-karts, went through a laser maze, and checked out the arcade games and virtual reality set-up that the venue had. A few girls came over to hang out afterwards. Affordable and fun for everyone involved.

Jessica Duhon Quinn , georgia Report

#7

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Diamond engagement ring… nope. I had a garnet in my first engagement ring and my second one was zirconia that I eventually replaced with a garnet. Diamonds (and tradition) are not my thing.

Victoria Elder , Diamond Expert Report

#8

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Nah, I won't invite people whom I haven't talked to for months to my wedding. I won't invite all my relatives that I don't really know. I won't invite old friends from school, neighbours, colleagues and so on. A wedding is a very private thing for me. Actually I'd like to invite no one so my husband and I can share this special moment alone.

Christina Rauscher , Lee Haywood Report

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N G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can't do that in most places. You need witnesses. It's a legal requirement just about everywhere. I believe (happy to be corrected) even drive-thru Vegas weddings provide a witness as part of the package. There will ALWAYS be at least two other people besides the bride and groom involved. There is no special moment alone.

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#9

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch I will not be given away by my father. I don’t want the officiant asking him who gives me to be married to my hypothetical spouse. This isn’t because I have anything against my father or my relationship with him. I just don’t like the idea that I’m his to give away as he sees fit. I want both of my parents to escort me in as a sign that they, as people who love me and raised me, support me and my marriage. I want my spouse’s parents to do the same.

Cherelle-Renée Childs , InAweofGod'sCreation Report

#10

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch The garter. I think its tasteless and I wouldn't have been able to have had a toss either with less than 20 people in attendance.

Cole Ferguson , kaboompics Report

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Maximum Ride
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well you could make the garter more interesting by using it to hold a gun or a knife, like in movies. Just need to change the theme of the wedding a bit...

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#11

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch My answer will be short because the one prohibition for my wedding was in the vows. I ensured that the phrase “to love, honor and OBEY” were not uttered. I know me - somewhat of a traditionalist - but only when a role is CHOSEN, not assigned because of gender. I didn’t feel it necessary to promise to do something that I would never do - on principle alone!

Approaching 20 years, my husband sometimes still teases me if we have a disagreement and I’ve dug my feet in on the issue. He’ll say “hey, weren’t you supposed to love, honor and OBEY?! … oh yeah, you did say you wouldn’t “obey,” didn’t you!” (He thinks he’s being funny!)

Shelia Gulledge , Matthew Hurst Report

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#12

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Speaking for Turkish Wedding Traditions:

I actually have many, but I’ll go with the one that really annoys the hell out of me:

The Red Ribbon. Before the bride leaves the parents’ home for the wedding, her close relatives put a red ribbon around her waist in order to symbolise her chastity. Since the bridegroom is the only one who gets to untie that knot, it also shows her promise to him that he will be the first one to gain access to her body.

Thankfully, this is rarely performed by the modern couples today, but I guess it is still a very common practice in rural areas.

Needless to say, I won’t wear a “maidenhood belt” to make myself look like a gift wrapped up in a box ready for my husband to open.

If, by the time of our wedding, both of us are virgins, then WE may BOTH wear purity rings or something similar to show our commitment to each other, but even this completely egalitarian and not misogynistic substitute would make me uncomfortable. Why does a huge number of people involving many strangers need to know about the intimate details of our relationship? It’s NONE of their business.

Its cultural connotations aside, I think a red ribbon looks awful on a white dress. The right wedding dress is the most elegant and classy thing you can possibly wear, I believe. Something so tacky as a red ribbon instantly ruins the elegance of the special dress you’ll get to wear only once. (Generally speaking)

Zeynep Cemre , Marco Verch Report

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Jayne Kyra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is disgusting how many people are obsessed with the idea of virginity.

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#13

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch I despise the so-called “tradition” of the groom removing the bride’s garter and tossing it to the groomsmen, with the one who catches it expected to put it on the leg of the mortified woman who caught the bouquet.
Why?

A garter is underwear, and any removal of bridal underwear should definitely take place in private, after the wedding is over.
Given the competitive instincts of some young men, especially when free alcohol is involved, injuries are possible.
Any “tradition” that encourages a man to slide a piece of clothing up a woman’s leg in public — possibly a woman he doesn’t even know — while his friends yell “HIGHER!! HIGHER!!” should be discouraged.
It is not even a tradition, it is an unfortunate fad recently introduced in the mistaken idea that the bouquet-toss needed some masculine equivalent.
Even if it were a tradition, not all traditions are worth preserving. The closest tradition I can think of to this is the old one of displaying the bloody sheets the morning after the wedding night to prove the bride was a virgin — and for some reason that one has died out.

Jennifer Georgia , erge Report

#14

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Flower Girls. Won’t be there either, again, because of the original meaning behind this tradition. From what I understand, this tradition stands for fertility for the couple, and since I never ever want children, I will definitely ditch this tradition…maybe I am gonna be doing a strict ban on flowers of any kind to reduce my fertility lol.

Lea Sing , Marquette LaForest Report

#15

This tradition actually involves family and friends showering the couple with disgusting things (usually wet things) and then tying bride to a tree. This is meant to show that the bride and groom are ready for anything.

I think I might stick to killing the ender dragon and the wither at the same time in Minecraft to show I’m up to anything.

Kyle Dring Report

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Xylle Flora
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd rather kill ten withers while fighting the ender dragon with mining fatigue than have that happen to me lol

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#16

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch I like hanging out with my buddies but I don’t drink, I don’t like strippers, and I certainly don’t think of marriage as a trap or an end to my freedom.

I get that bachelor parties aren’t specifically tied to all that stuff, I can just go out to dinner with like six of my really close friends but I wouldn’t do that because I’m getting married, I’d do that because they’re my friends. Also the best thing to do the night before a big event that starts at like noon is probably, I would imagine, not going out and staying up super late with guys who are talking like you’re marching towards death row.

Charles Johnson , Youperspective Report

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McPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bachelor parties can still be an awesome tradition that don't involve that at all. We played basketball, board games, video games, and rented bouncy houses for my buddy. Three-day sleepover like we were in middle school again, and it was awesome

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#17

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Bridesmaids and Best Man. Not necessary either. Never understood this tradition to be honest.

Lea Sing , Tommy Huynh Report

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N G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as you have someone else present to act as a witness - we had a best man and a man of honour who had to sign the register as our witnesses - just made it easier to have them already standing at the front.

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#18

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch As far as the wedding day, we didn’t participate in the dollar dance, although we considered it. I’m pretty introverted myself and can’t dance as is, so we elected not to. We also chose not to smash cake in each other’s faces…to each their own, but to us just seemed like more of a mess than it was worth.

Jessica Duhon Quinn , Antonio Delgado Report

#19

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch It’s traditional for all of the guests to stand when the bride came out. I personally have never liked that. I decided to have my officiant tell everyone to remain seated when I came out before the processional began. Some of the people at the rehearsal the night before thought I was completely insane (some to the point of being combative). They were adamant that I couldn’t go against that tradition and people were going to get confused and stand anyway. I’m a pretty laid back person, so my response was, “Well, then they stand.” Whatever. It’s not going to ruin my day! In the end, no one stood. Everyone remained seated. And my photographer got a great picture of my dad and I coming down the aisle!

Kelly Bailey , Patina Report

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Anna Solan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Especially when there are some elderly guests who can't stand, then they don't get to see anything either.

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#20

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Cutting the cake. I would rather put multiple cakes on a huge buffet and people can just take some as they like.

Lea Sing , Nicole Sánchez Report

#21

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch I love to dance and I have always enjoyed weddings that have dancing, but I also have been to weddings where there was a small group of people dancing while the rest of the guests sit at their tables waiting for the appropriate amount of time to stay until they can go home. Those guests can’t talk to each other over the loud DJ, so if they’re not in the mood for dancing, then they just sit there [...] We had a lowcountry boil and the majority of tables were standing oyster tables (with a few tables for people that may have wanted to sit down). People were able to move around and talk and play lawn games instead of hitting the dance floor. It was so fun! We did have our guitarist sing and play in the background, though.

Kelly Bailey , Jon Fravel Report

#22

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch One pre-wedding tradition I selected not to take part in was having a bridal shower. Prior to my wedding, I had been invited to a couple of bridal showers. They were well-meaning, but they were also just downright awkward.

So many people didn’t know each other, and of course the ages ranged from young adults, to middle-aged women, and the elderly. It also felt weird playing some of the bridal shower games with such a…diverse group.

When two of my bridesmaids brought up the subject to me, they offered to host the bridal shower and even had a theme picked out. Don’t get me wrong— I appreciated the thought, but it just wasn’t for me, and I knew it would only be added stress and anxiety that I already felt just preparing for the wedding itself.

For some of the same reasons, mentioned above, I just felt like it would be more of an uncomfortable event versus the fun event it was supposed to be. Too many people not knowing each other, and a wide variety of ages, stacked upon the fact that I knew some people on my side were very introverted and probably wouldn’t enjoy it themselves.

Jessica Duhon Quinn , C x 2 Report

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Easily Excitable Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been to one bridal shower, never going to another. It was awful. I was a friend of the bride's, but neither her sister nor mother (the ones who threw the party) knew who I was, and treated me like dirt. I got out of there as quickly as possible, and I'm pretty sure they sighed in relief when I was gone.

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#23

Some cultures kidnap the bride either just before the dancing or cutting the cake. This is an awful tradition because the people who do the kidnapping usually just go sit in a bar and drink with her. It’s very disrespectful to everyone. Plus, I once heard a story about a kidnapped bride and a tragic car accident. The bride was killed on her wedding day early in the reception. What selfish people. It isn’t even a clever prank. So if I ever saw someone trying to concoct this, I would blow the whistle and do everything I could to stop it.

Amy Rubins Report

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Bettie-Jean Neal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got kidnapped and we just sat in the limo and drank. It was fun. Didn't have to go anywhere.

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#24

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Jeez…Who thought drunk men attaching money with sharp, pointed objects to a costly, delicate dress was a good idea? And that's the good part. I first heard of this & saw it in 1991. I couldn't even comprehend the explanation I was given, and then I saw it. Truly, it's one of the tackiest things I've ever seen. The bride covered in paper money while male relatives cajole & ridicule guests into pinning larger bills to the bride's dress. If guests want to give money as a wedding gift they will. They don't need to be coerced into buying time with the bride. Well, maybe some brides, but I mean really…what's next? $100 bills in the bride’s garter? I just…can't.

Laurie Parks , Wikimedia Commons Report

#25

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Neither my husband nor I are fans of the tradition of pounding on the tables or glassware for the bride and groom to kiss during dinner. We were both hungry, wanted to enjoy our dinner, were grossed out at the thought of kissing someone with a mouth full of food, and also are not big into public displays of affection. After the prayer and toasts at the reception before dinner, we announced that we would kiss once (and we did) and then asked our guests to refrain from doing this. A few non-compliant individuals still tried it, but we basically ignored them and they got the message that we truly weren’t going to do it.

Teri Barrons , Kayla Sawyer Report

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Sara Diogo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even as a guest I hate that tradition. This is the XXI century, hasn't everybody seen the couple kiss before?

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#26

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch I refused to wear white. Not because I wasn’t a virgin, though that was certainly true… but really, not everyone looks good in white and I’ve seen way more white wedding gowns that looked like cheap dress-up clothes I would buy for my daughter when she was a toddler than ones that looked luxurious and beautiful. I also refused to buy something I would only wear once that cost more than I spent for the rest of the wedding and reception combined. I wore a red dress to the first one and a red skirt with a black, white, and red sweater to the second.

Victoria Elder , Wikimedia Commons Report

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Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, I think that an off-white gown looks much more luxurious and beautiful than a stark white one. But I also love that modern brides are going with gorgeous, saturated colors and unique designs.

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#27

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch Bouquet toss, the bouquet was dried flowers, fragile and handmade from etsy. I also believe that I paid $155 for it.

Cole Ferguson , hippo px Report

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Aunt Messy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine was freesias and orchids, and I was NOT just going to toss that. I gave it to my godmother, where it lasted about ten days as a centerpiece on her dining room table.

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#28

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch To be honest, I couldn’t care less about it. For my wedding, people can come as they like, as long as they’re wearing something, it is fine with me.

Lea Sing , sylvar Report

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Sarah Grape
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so close to having water guns/silly string/ doge ball at my reception so no one dresses up. because then I don't have to wear a dress while partaking in these activities

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#29

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch I don’t want to wear a white dress. While, as stated in a previous answer, it didn’t originate as a symbol of purity, it has long been associated with that, and I find the focus on a woman’s so-called purity to be weird and disturbing. Wearing a dress in a different color is a way of saying that my sexual history is nobody’s business but my own and the point is that I’m making a life commitment to someone I love, not whether or not I had sex with anyone else before.

Cherelle-Renée Childs , Wikimedia Commons Report

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Arctic Fox Lover
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She must really, really hate white dresses--so far, the white dress thing was mentioned 3 times.

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#30

30 Wedding Traditions People In This Online Group Chose Or Would Choose To Ditch You know these typical wedding cakes. When looking at the photo above, the only thing that goes through my mind is B O R I N G. Also, it looks so…creamy? I feel like I am gonna vomit just by looking at it.

I’d rather do something special and unusual.

Lea Sing , jeremywongweddings Report

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