Wedding Traditions to Keep, Skip, or Personalize

One of the most beautiful things about planning a wedding today is the freedom to make it entirely your own. As a Saskatoon wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how personalizing traditions—or skipping them altogether—can transform a wedding day into something deeply meaningful and joy-filled. Whatever your vision for the day is, know that you don’t have to follow any rules or check off every tradition to make it happen. Wedding traditions can be comforting and symbolic, connecting us to history and family, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. The best celebrations are the ones that truly feel like you—reflecting your personality, values, and relationship. Some couples love holding on to classic traditions; others prefer to shake things up or create brand-new rituals that speak to their story.

So here’s your permission slip: keep the traditions that resonate, skip the ones that don’t, and personalize the rest. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic and joyful. With that in mind, let’s dive into some common wedding traditions—what you might want to keep, skip, or personalize to make your day truly your own.

Wedding Traditions to Keep (If They Feel Right for You)

Some traditions stick around for a reason—they can be beautiful, meaningful, and full of sentiment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own twist on them.

Vows

Whether you’re keeping it classic or pouring your heart into writing your own, this is your chance to really speak to your person. Personal vows can be such a moving part of the day—often the thing guests talk about long after. And from behind the camera, I can tell you, those moments are magic to capture. But if the thought of sharing something so personal in front of everyone makes you sweat, there are other ways. You could read them privately during a first look, or exchange letters before the ceremony. It’s still just as special, and sometimes even more intimate without the crowd. Bottom line: there’s no “right” way—just the way that feels most like you.

Walking Down the Aisle

This moment is electric—your heart’s racing, your people are watching, and the love of your life is waiting. How you get there? That’s your call. Some love the tradition of walking with a parent or family member—it’s emotional and symbolic. Others choose to walk alone, soaking in every step. Neither is better, neither is wrong. Think about what will make you feel calm, confident, and fully in the moment. That’s the way to go.

Wedding Party

Big wedding party? Just a couple of your closest people? None at all? Totally your call. Having a wedding party can be so much fun—built-in hype crew, support team, and all-around good vibes. But it’s also okay to skip it if that feels more “you.” The only rule here: surround yourself with people who make you feel loved and at ease.

First Dances

If you want to have that first dance as a married couple, go for it—it’s a sweet moment to step into the spotlight together, take a breath, and soak in the start of your celebration. No need to stress about choreography unless that’s your thing—it’s your moment, your way. The same goes for dances with parents or special family members. If you feel like honouring those relationships with a dance, whether it’s a father-daughter, mother-son, or something more unique with a grandparent or sibling, it can be a really touching moment. But if these dances feel more like a chore than a joy, skip them and make room for what truly matters to you.

Wedding Traditions You Can Skip (Guilt-Free)

Not every tradition is going to feel like you—and that’s more than okay. Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, not a checklist of “things you’re supposed to do.” If something doesn’t feel right, let it go without a second thought.

Bouquet & Garter Toss

If the thought of tossing flowers or having your garter removed in front of a cheering crowd makes you squirm, this is your permission slip to skip it. You’re not alone—these traditions can feel outdated or awkward for a lot of couples. Leaving them out gives you more room for something that actually feels special—like a champagne toast with your wedding party, a few extra minutes on the dance floor, or an intimate moment with your grandparents.

Matching Bridesmaid Dresses

We’re officially past the “everyone wears the same dress” era. Letting your crew mix and match styles, colors, or fabrics can create such a beautiful, personal look—and it’s so much more comfortable for them, too. You can still give guidelines so things feel cohesive (like a color palette or length) without making it one-style-fits-all. But if your heart is set on matching dresses because you’ve always loved that look? Go for it. The “rules” are only real if they matter to you.

Grand Entrance

Not everyone dreams of walking into a room with all eyes on them. If a big, hyped-up entrance isn’t your vibe, skip it—especially if you’re planning to attend your own cocktail hour. You can let your MC welcome everyone and then casually slip into the reception when it feels right. Sometimes the low-key approach feels way more natural and comfortable.

Cutting the Cake

If sweets aren’t your thing—or you just don’t care about the “photo moment”—you can absolutely skip the cake cutting. There are so many fun alternatives: a dessert bar, donuts, pie, ice cream truck, or even late-night snacks instead. Some couples drop dessert altogether and use that time for more dancing or mingling. Guests will remember how the night felt—not whether you sliced into a tiered cake.

Receiving Line

Traditionally, couples (and sometimes their parents) would stand in a line after the ceremony so every guest could walk through, shake hands, and offer congratulations. While it’s a thoughtful gesture, it can eat up a surprising amount of time—and honestly, by the twentieth “Congratulations!” you might already be dreaming of cocktail hour. If you’d rather skip the formality, there are so many other ways to connect with your guests. Roam the room during dinner, greet people as you pass by their table, or mingle during cocktail hour. It’s just as meaningful, and it feels more like natural conversation than a rehearsed script.

Wedding Favours

A personalized gift for your guests can be a sweet touch—especially if it’s something sentimental or useful. But the truth? Many favours end up forgotten on tables or stuffed into purses and never seen again. If you’re not feeling inspired by the idea, save yourself the time and expense. Put that budget toward something guests will actually use and enjoy in the moment—like a fun late-night snack, open bar during cocktail hour or a photo booth for keepsake pictures they’ll actually take home. Experiences almost always leave a bigger impact than tiny gifts ever could.

Traditional Ceremony Seating

The “bride’s side” vs. “groom’s side” tradition goes way back, but these days it can feel unnecessarily formal. Allowing guests to sit wherever they’d like not only makes the ceremony space more welcoming, it also reflects the reality that most of your friends and family already know each other. Plus, it helps fill every row evenly so no one ends up squished together in one section while the other side sits half-empty.

Wedding Traditions to Personalize

This is where the magic happens—taking a tradition and making it uniquely yours.

Waiting for the Aisle Moment

Seeing each other before the ceremony used to be considered bad luck. But these days, first looks are super popular—and for good reason. They give you a quiet, emotional moment together before the whirlwind begins. That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’ve always dreamed of that classic moment—waiting at the aisle and turning around to see your partner for the first time there—honor that. It’s your day, your vibe. But if you want to calm some nerves, get a bunch of portraits done early, or hang out with guests during cocktail hour, a first look might be exactly what you need. Either way, choose the moment that feels right for you two.

Ceremony Structure

Traditional ceremonies are beautiful and timeless—but that doesn’t mean you have to follow a strict script. This part of your day can be as personal as you want. Maybe you have a close friend or family member officiate to bring warmth and familiarity. Add in custom readings, poems, or letters from loved ones. Include a moment of silence to honor someone special. Or blend cultural elements that celebrate your backgrounds. The key is creating a ceremony that feels authentic and unforgettable for you and your people.

Reception Timeline

Forget the “standard” timeline if it doesn’t suit your style. Want to kick off with a dance party before dinner? Do it. Prefer your first dance at sunset? Go for it. Maybe you want lawn games during cocktail hour or to skip speeches altogether. Your wedding day is yours to design, and the flow should match the vibe you want—whether that’s laid-back and intimate or high-energy and festive. Trust your gut and craft a timeline that makes the day feel natural, fun, and memorable for you and your guests.

Formal Guestbook

Classic guestbooks are nice, but there are so many creative ways to capture love and well wishes that feel way more personal. Think beyond the pen and paper. How about a video booth for heartfelt (or hilarious) messages? An audio guestbook like After The Tone, where guests leave you voicemails you can listen to again and again? A Polaroid wall to capture fun snapshots? Whatever you pick, make sure it fits your vibe. These keepsakes become some of the most treasured parts of your wedding story—little moments you can revisit forever.

Your Wedding, Your Way

Traditions aside, you’ll never regret doing what feels right for you on your day. I hope this inspires you to keep the parts that resonate and let go of the rest. Every couple is different, and so is every wedding—your day should be a reflection of your relationship, not a checklist of “what you’re supposed to do.” If you love a tradition, keep it. If it doesn’t feel right, skip it. And if you want to put your own spin on things—go for it. What truly makes a wedding unforgettable isn’t the traditions, but the love, intention, and joy you pour into every moment.

If you’re planning your Saskatoon wedding and want a photographer who understands your vision and values your story, let’s connect! I’d be so excited to help you capture a day that feels personal, natural, and entirely yours. Get in touch with me here!