4 ways to break with wedding tradition

There’s no escaping the fact that weddings can be formulaic, and we have long-standing traditions to thank for that. There’s nothing wrong with breaking free from tradition and doing things your way, and it’s a surefire way to give your guests a day to remember. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking outside the box for your big day.

1. Arrive together

We’re so used to the tradition that the groom stands at the front awaiting the entrance of the bride, who’ll walk up the aisle on the arm of her father, that it’s hard to imagine it any other way. Walking up the aisle together is a lovely, more modern way to do it, without the connotations that the woman is something to be “given away” by one man to another. It also opens up the possibility of arriving together in spectacular style. Helicopter, anyone?

2. Anyone can give a speech

Who says it has to be the best man, father of the bride and the groom who give a speech? To mix things up, the bride could give a speech, or you could open up the floor and allow any of your guests to speak if they want to. It’s a great way to get lots of different anecdotes from people who’ve known you at different parts of your lives.

3. Other kinds of evening entertainment

Not everyone enjoys dancing, so alongside a disco, why not offer something a little different? There are plenty of forms of evening entertainment you could offer to guests who don’t want to dance, from board games to karaoke – as we saw in this post.

4. Breakfast with your guests the next day

Traditionally, the bride and groom headed straight off on their honeymoon after the wedding reception, but with weddings costing so much these days, why not make the most of this uniquely special occasion by continuing the festivities next morning? At Southdowns, you’ll have the whole Manor to yourselves so that you and your guests can enjoy breakfast the next day in your own home away from home.