Weddings have always been full of traditions, but as we head into 2024, more couples are choosing to break the mould and make their big day truly personal. As wedding videographers who film over 40 weddings a year, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly things are evolving. Many long standing traditions are being left behind in favour of modern, customised celebrations that reflect a couple’s personality and vibe. Let’s take a look at some wedding traditions that are starting to fade and for good reason!
Wedding Traditions That Are Fading Away in 2024
1. Neutral Wedding Palettes Are Out
Once upon a time, weddings were all about soft, neutral palettes, think white, cream, and blush. But not anymore! Couples are ditching traditional colours and going for vibrant, bold choices that reflect their personalities. Whether it’s bright colours, native flowers, or unexpected combinations, today’s weddings are all about being unique. The rule is simple: there are no rules when it comes to colour anymore. Your wedding should look and feel like you.
2. Bridal Party Entrances Are Fading
In the past, bridal party entrances were a big deal, with each set of parents walking in to their own song. Now, we’re seeing fewer and fewer formal entrances altogether. Parents are often seated with the guests right from the start, and some couples are opting to skip grand entrances entirely. Instead, they prefer to mingle with their guests and get straight into the celebration.
3. Speeches Split for Better Flow
Remember when all the speeches were clumped together at one time? Those days are fading. Now, couples are splitting speeches up to keep the energy high and guests engaged. One popular trend is to have a few speeches after the reception entrance, then save the rest for after the main meal. This way, speeches don’t drag on, and it’s a great way to keep the audience’s attention. Plus, keeping speeches concise makes the night flow even better!
4. Cutting the Cake—Or Skipping It Altogether
The cake cutting tradition is becoming less formal and, in many cases, skipped entirely. For those who do cut the cake, it's happening at different times—either right after the ceremony or as soon as the couple enters the reception. Some couples prefer to get it done early, freeing up the rest of the evening for fun. Others are ditching the cake altogether, opting for dessert stations or creative alternatives instead. The key takeaway? Your dessert should match your vibe, not tradition.
5. Shorter First Dances (Or No Dance at All!)
The traditional long, drawn-out first dance is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Now, couples often shorten the dance to 30 seconds or a minute, then invite family members or friends to join them on the dance floor. For some, the idea of being in the spotlight for an entire song is too much. And guess what? You don’t have to have a first dance at all! It’s your wedding, and there’s no need to force anything that doesn’t feel right.
6. Bouquet and Garter Tosses Are Nearly Extinct
One of the most notable fading traditions is the bouquet and garter toss. More than 90% of the weddings we film no longer include these activities. Many couples feel like the bouquet and garter tosses are unnecessary and awkward, and they simply choose to skip them. It’s just another way couples are opting for a more relaxed, modern approach to their celebration.
7. Vendors Staying Until the End? Not Always
Weddings are shrinking in size, and so are the expectations for how long photographers and videographers should stick around. Many couples prefer to have their vendors stay for the first 30 minutes to an hour after the formalities, when the energy is still high and all the important moments are happening. After that, guests start to leave, and formal exits are no longer as common. Instead of paying vendors to film empty dance floors, it's smarter to capture the best parts of the evening and wrap it up.
Your Wedding, Your Way
In 2024, the key to planning a wedding is making it feel like you. Whether you keep some of the old traditions, embrace new ones, or create your own, it’s all about doing what feels right for you and your partner. Gone are the days when weddings followed a strict set of rules. Now, it’s all about customizing your day to fit your personality, your love story, and your style.
So, here’s to wedding traditions changing—for the better! Your day should be as unique as you are, and we’re here for whatever makes your celebration feel authentic.
Photos by some amazing photographers such as:
Matt – The Untold Tales
Matt – The Evoke Company
Emily – A Little Bit Snappy Photography
