By: Emily Valentine
Join The Wedding Edition as we delve into Emily Valentine’s refreshingly non-traditional wedding plans, the eight traditions Emily will be skipping at her upcoming 2024 wedding, and her unfiltered reasons for doing so.
No Long Ceremony
When it comes to the ceremony, Nate and I are keeping it short and sweet—20 minutes, to be precise. While I love the romantic aspect of the ceremony, Nate isn’t a fan of long, drawn-out affairs and doesn’t really enjoy the ceremony part of weddings (Hi ADHD!). The ceremony is about both of us, so I was happy to reduce it down to 20 minutes. Just enough time to walk down the aisle, exchange vows and rings, have a kiss, and leave so we can start the party.
No Bridal Party
The decision to have no bridal party was made out of my indecision as to who I wanted as my bridesmaids. I have a big friendship group and two sisters, so choosing who would make the cut as bridesmaid and who would get the maid of honour title was way more drama than it was worth. In the end, I didn’t pick anyone. Instead, I’ll have a lady-in-waiting, part of the wedding planning team payroll, to make sure I have everything I need without bossing around my sisters or best friends.
No Sweetheart Table
Honestly, I didn’t even know what a sweetheart table was until I was engaged. The idea of being at a table with Nate on our own gives me major FOMO. We have our entire life together. I want to be surrounded by the people I love most, in the thick of conversation, making memories.
No Staged Group Photos
Wedding photos are a must for the memories, but I have a very specific vision for my non-traditional wedding. Instead of the classic staged group photos, I’m going for high flash editorial and documentary-style photography. I want photos that capture people in the moment, having fun, a fly-on-the-wall perspective. Plus, when my sister got married a few years back my other sister brought her ex-boyfriend, and although we will never see him, again he’s immortalised on my mum’s mantlepiece forever— no thanks.
No Father-Daughter Dance
The father-daughter dance is another tradition I’m leaving behind. I don’t want to sound harsh, but my father and I don’t really have the type of relationship where we would slow dance in front of a bunch of people. And not going to lie, it kind of gives me the ick. I love my Dad, but slow dancing with him on my big day isn’t something I’m comfortable with.
No Inviting My Mum To My Hen Do
My mum is definitely not going to take part in my hen do. This is my last rodeo, and I do not want my mum seeing or remembering me in any compromising situations reserved for my best girls. She was a little disappointed when I told her, but I think she didn’t understand why I wouldn’t want her there. Deep down, she definitely doesn’t want to see a stripper gyrating his booty. Mum, I’m doing you a favour.
No Kids
When I announced a no-kids wedding, Instagram went crazy. This really is a divider. I won’t plaster “no kids” all over my invites, but I’ll say “adults only.” I don’t have children, and not many of my friends do, so it was mainly because our wedding is prioritising fun and a party time. Also, have you ever been to a wedding where a baby cries? It’s the worst. This is my moment. No children, thanks. Also, where are all the adults who want a night away from their kids? Thought they’d be thanking me!
No Big Bouquet
I adore flowers, but carrying the Chelsea Flower Show down the aisle feels over the top. I’m petite, and a big bouquet would overshadow me and look ridiculous in proportion. So, I’m going with a very neat, small bouquet of pink roses.
Yes, I’m shaking things up with my non-traditional wedding decisions but I stand by every one of them! My choices are a reminder that your wedding should be a reflection of you and your partner, free from any pressure to conform to outdated customs or things “expected” of you.
Cheers to making your big day uniquely yours!
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