Wedding Traditions We Should Bring Back (and Ones We Should Toss)

Tradition still has its place in weddings, but today’s couples are taking a more thoughtful approach to which ones make the cut. From clever exits to receiving lines, some customs are being reimagined, while others are quietly making their exit.
It’s less about doing things the “right way” and more about creating something that feels personal. The beauty of modern weddings is that you can blend the meaningful parts of tradition with ideas that reflect who you are. A mix of old and new often makes for the most memorable celebrations!

Here’s what a handful of industry pros have to say about the traditions worth bringing back and the ones it might be time to leave behind.

Wedding Traditions We Should Bring Back (and Ones We Should Toss)

Photo by Fabio Photography – full wedding here

Traditions to Bring Back

 Exit cars

There’s something cinematic about a couple making their grand getaway at the end of the night. While sparklers and confetti send-offs have had their moment, the classic exit car is overdue for a comeback.

Liney Castle, Wedding Planner at Twickenham House and Hall, says, “Some wedding traditions that couples should bring back are vintage exit vehicles! This is often a minor detail that couples leave out these days in the midst of the rest of the larger logistical decisions to make, but it is a sweet way to cap off the evening. Going along with this, I love the cans and ribbons that guests tie to the back of the exit vehicle. This is such a fun and nostalgic tradition.” 

An exit car adds a sense of occasion that often gets lost in the whirlwind of the day. It’s that quiet, in-between moment where you can take a breath, share a laugh, and soak up the fact that you’ve just tied the knot.

photo by  Seth and Beth – Wedding Photography – full wedding here

Wedding bells

Bells, whether rung outside a church, tied to chair backs, or woven into your décor, bring a celebratory sound that feels instantly timeless. They mark the start of something significant, without needing much fuss.

Kelley Nudo, Client Relations & Operations Director at Momental Designs, shares, “Wedding bells ringing is an old tradition that has gone by the wayside, but it is high time we bring them back. According to Celtic folklore, bells are thought to ward off evil spirits and have been used for centuries to announce a wedding, so bringing them back into the modern wedding certainly can’t hurt. When there isn’t a large church bell to ring, guests can be given small hand bells to symbolically celebrate the couple’s union.”

Even subtle bell motifs in your stationery or favours can nod to the tradition in a modern way. It’s the kind of thoughtful touch that feels nostalgic and new at once.

Celebrations each couple can afford

It’s easy to get swept up in Pinterest boards and social media pressure, but there’s real beauty in planning a celebration that fits comfortably within your means. Couples today are rediscovering the joy of doing things their own way: smaller guest lists, local suppliers, and celebrations that reflect their priorities, not their bank statements.

“I think an important tradition that needs a comeback is holding the wedding you can afford,” emphasizes McKenzi Taylor, Owner & Founder of Electric Sugar Elopements. “Spending has gotten out of hand, and this new normal has no end in sight. But we can reverse course and bring back affordable weddings that fit your budget. Not everyone can afford a big traditional wedding, and they shouldn’t go into debt to try to make it happen.”

Bringing back the idea that a wedding doesn’t have to break the bank is a breath of fresh air. It gives couples the freedom to focus on connection over spectacle. Remember: affordable doesn’t mean less special—it often means more intentional.

photo by  Astray Photography – full wedding here 

A modern receiving line

The traditional receiving line used to be a staple of every wedding. These days, it’s often skipped, but there’s something to be said for the structure it offered.

“Receiving line, but updated for modern times,” notes Craig Peterman, Photographer & Videographer at Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “Try a walk-and-greet during cocktail hour; you two visit each cluster for five minutes and actually hug people.”

It’s less about tradition for tradition’s sake, and more about creating connection. An intentional walk around your venue gives you a chance to thank everyone personally, something that often gets lost in the blur of the day.

Traditions to toss

Saving the cake

Unless you’re fond of eating year-old dessert, it might be time to let this one go. The tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake for your first anniversary feels sweet in theory, but in practice, it’s mostly a freezer experiment gone wrong.

“Another tradition that deserves a graceful exit is saving the top tier of the wedding cake,” adds Amos Gott, Chief Event Architect at AmosEvents. “Historically, this layer was frozen and served at the christening of the couple’s first child, often expected within the year. Today, that timeline feels presumptive, and the cake itself rarely survives the freezer unscathed. Many bakers now offer a fresh top tier on the couple’s anniversary that will undoubtedly be more delicious than the science experiment in the freezer.”

A fresh mini version from your baker keeps the sentiment alive without the freezer burn. Celebrations evolve, and there’s no rule that says nostalgia has to come wrapped in cling film!

photo by Into The Embers Photography – full shoot here

Long entrance announcements

There’s a difference between making an entrance and turning your reception into an awards show. Lengthy introductions for every member of the wedding party drag down the energy before things even begin.

Mary Angelini, Videographer at Key Moment Films, confirms, “When the reception starts with 10 minutes of announcements as each member of the wedding party enters, it can feel drawn out. This is especially true when there is a large wedding party, with more than four on each side. Having a long, drawn-out entrance can make guests antsy.”

Skip the formalities and keep it simple. A well-timed song, a quick round of applause, and straight into dinner or dancing keeps the energy natural and upbeat.

Bouquet and garter tosses

What once felt like lighthearted fun can now come off as dated. The bouquet and garter tosses have lost their charm for many modern couples, and honestly, few guests miss them.

“The bouquet toss and garter toss can easily be left behind,” admits Natalia Zuk, Co-Owner of Lilac Studios. “More often than not, guests feel awkward and pressured into participating.”

If you still love the idea of a “passing the torch” moment, there are plenty of ways to reinvent it. Try gifting your bouquet to someone special, or using that moment for a toast to friendship or family. The spirit of the gesture can live on, minus the cringe factor.

photo by Jess Yarwood – full wedding here

Letting others dictate the guest list

Few parts of wedding planning cause more stress than the guest list, especially when family expectations start creeping in. While input from loved ones can be valuable, your wedding shouldn’t feel like a diplomatic exercise.

Natasha Cardinal, Photographer at The Cardinals, reveals, “This one still happens quietly behind the scenes—especially when parents are financially involved. But when the guest list starts to feel like your family’s networking event instead of your celebration, it becomes harder to stay emotionally present. Invite people who make you feel seen and safe. That’s the guest list you’ll remember.”

It’s your day, and the people there should be the ones who make it feel like a celebration, not a performance. Setting boundaries early (and kindly!) gives you the freedom to create the atmosphere you actually want.

Weddings are at their best when they feel personal—a blend of meaning, joy, and a little bit of rule-breaking. Holding onto traditions that still resonate and letting go of ones that don’t makes space for something more genuine. Whether you’re ringing bells, skipping the bouquet toss, or driving off in style, the only real rule is to make it yours!

This is a collaborative post with Meghan Ely, the owner of wedding PR and marketing firm OFD Consulting and the founder of OFD Collective, a membership community for wedding pros looking to elevate their visibility. She’s a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.