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 seen firsthand how personalizing traditions (or skipping them altogether) can lead to some of the most meaningful, joy-filled wedding days. Whether you're planning a Saskatoon wedding or tying the knot somewhere else in Canada, the truth is—there’s no one “right” way to do it. Traditions can be comforting and symbolic, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. The best celebrations are the ones that feel like you. So here’s your permission slip to keep the traditions that resonate, skip the ones that don’t, and personalize the rest.

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

These traditions have stood the test of time for a reason—but that doesn’t mean they need to be cookie-cutter.

First Look

The first look has become a popular part of many modern weddings, giving couples a quiet, emotional moment to connect before the ceremony. But just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone. Consider the overall flow of your day and what feels most meaningful to you. If you've always dreamed of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, honour that vision and skip the first look. But if you’re hoping to ease any pre-ceremony nerves, attend your cocktail hour, or get the majority of your portraits done ahead of time, a first look might be a great option to consider.

Vows

Whether you opt for traditional vows or write your own, this is your moment to speak from the heart. Sharing personalized vows can add a deeply emotional and meaningful layer to your ceremony—often becoming a favorite part of the day for both you and your guests. From a photographer’s perspective, these heartfelt exchanges are incredibly powerful to capture. That said, writing your own vows isn’t for everyone. If the idea of sharing something so personal in front of a crowd makes you feel uneasy, consider reading your vows privately during a first look or letter exchange instead. This can create an intimate space for those emotions without the pressure of an audience. Ultimately, it’s about choosing the option that feels most true to you and your relationship—there’s no right or wrong way to express your love.

Walking Down the Aisle

This moment is often filled with anticipation and emotion, and how you choose to experience it is entirely up to you. Some couples love the tradition and symbolism of walking down the aisle with a parent or family member—it can be a powerful, meaningful moment shared with someone special. Others prefer to walk down the aisle alone as a reflection of independence, or together as a symbol of unity and equality. There’s no right or wrong approach—only what feels most authentic to you and your relationship. Think about what will make you feel grounded and comfortable in that moment, and let that guide your decision.

Wedding Traditions You Can Skip (Guilt-Free)

Some traditions might not align with your values or vision—and that’s okay. Your wedding should reflect who you are, not who tradition expects you to be.

Bouquet & Garter Toss

If the idea of tossing your bouquet or having your garter removed in front of a crowd makes you cringe—you’re not alone, and you can absolutely skip it. These traditions, while common in some weddings, aren’t requirements and can feel outdated or uncomfortable for many modern couples. What matters most is that your celebration reflects you. Skipping these moments opens up space in your timeline for something that feels more personal—whether that’s an extra dance with your grandparents, a group champagne toast with your wedding party, or a fun, alternative tradition that feels more you.

Matching Bridesmaid Dresses

Gone are the days of identical, one-style-fits-all dresses in a single colour. Today’s couples are leaning into a more relaxed, personalized approach—and it’s a beautiful thing. Embracing a mix-and-match look allows your wedding party to express themselves while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. You might give your party a colour palette, a fabric type, or general style guidelines (like formal vs. casual, floor-length vs. midi) and let them choose something that suits their body type and personality. That said, if you love the idea of everyone in matching dresses and it aligns with the vision you’ve always dreamed of—do it. Tradition is only outdated if it doesn’t feel meaningful to you.

Cutting the Cake

Not into sweets? Don’t stress—there’s no rule that says you have to cut a cake at your wedding. While the cake cutting can be a fun tradition and a great photo opportunity, it’s totally optional. If it doesn’t feel like “you,” there are plenty of creative and personal alternatives. Consider a dessert bar with your favorite treats, a donut wall, a pie table, or even an ice cream truck for a playful twist. Some couples opt to skip the formal dessert moment entirely and focus on dancing, cocktails, or late-night snacks instead. What matters most is that the day feels true to you. Whether you go classic with a tiered cake, swap it for cookies, or ditch the sweets altogether—there’s no wrong choice. Your guests will remember the experience, not whether there was cake and cupcakes.

Wedding Traditions to Personalize

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

Ceremony Structure

Traditional ceremonies are timeless and beautiful, but that doesn’t mean they have to follow a strict format. There’s plenty of space to make this part of the day feel personal. Consider having a close friend or family member officiate—it’s such a fun way to add warmth, familiarity, and meaning to your ceremony. You can also incorporate custom readings, poems, or letters, invite loved ones to share words of wisdom, or create a moment of silence to honour someone special. Blending cultural elements can also be a meaningful way to celebrate your backgrounds and bring added significance to the experience. Traditional or not, it’s about creating a moment that’s authentic and unforgettable.

Reception Timeline

Who says you need to follow a traditional reception timeline? The beauty of planning your wedding is that you get to decide how the day unfolds. Maybe you’d rather kick things off with a dance party before dinner, schedule your first dance at sunset, or have a cocktail hour with lawn games before the ceremony even starts. Want to skip speeches? Go for it. Prefer to serve dessert before dinner? Why not. The “standard” order of events—grand entrance, dinner, speeches, cake cutting, dancing—can absolutely work, but it’s not a rulebook. Think about the overall vibe you want for your celebration. Is it relaxed and intimate? High-energy and festive? Let that vision guide your timeline. Building a flow that feels natural to you and your guests will create a more enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Guestbook Alternatives

Traditional guestbooks are classic, but there are so many fun, interactive ways to capture your guests' love and well wishes that feel more personal and memorable. Think beyond the pen-and-paper setup and try something that fits the vibe of your celebration. Set up a video booth where guests can record heartfelt messages (or hilarious ones after a few cocktails)! Try an audio guestbook like After The Tone—one of my personal favorites—where guests pick up a vintage phone and leave you a voicemail you’ll cherish forever. A Polaroid wall adds a fun visual element and gives guests something playful to do. Whatever you choose, it should feel like you. These keepsakes become some of the most treasured pieces from your day—something to revisit long after the day is over.

Your Wedding, Your Way

Every couple is different and so is every wedding. As a Saskatoon wedding photographer, I always remind my couples that their day should feel like a reflection of their relationship, not a checklist of traditions to follow. If you love a tradition, keep it. If it doesn’t feel right, skip it. And if you’re excited to put your own spin on it—go for it. At the end of the day, what makes a wedding truly unforgettable isn’t the traditions you followed—it’s the love, intention, and joy you poured into every part of it. Planning your Saskatoon wedding and looking for a photographer who gets your vision? Let’s connect! I’d love to help you tell your story in a way that feels personal, natural, and entirely your own. Get in touch with me here!