Mar

One Size does NOT Fit All – How to make a traditional wedding not so traditional

Courtesy of Reflections by Kari

When people talk about weddings and traditions, sometimes the two words become combined in the wrong order. People can have wedding traditions at their reception, but it doesn’t have to be a traditional wedding. However, most people don’t know that, so many weddings end early because they are stiff and boring.

What makes a traditional wedding? Is it the introductions, the first dance, garter and bouquet, or even the music that is being played? In the 20 years of being a DJ one thing I have always known is the majority of weddings are all the same. The reason is that the formal traditions are constantly being done the same way, and the same music is used for every event. The problem with that is not all bride and grooms are the same. One size does NOT fit all!

Over time certain traditions and songs have become synonymous with weddings. The instant someone mentions a wedding several things come to mind: Electric slide, chicken dance, old time rock & roll, and the list goes on. Twenty years ago this may have worked but times have changed, people have changed and new trends have been started. For many, though, the wedding reception is still as formal and traditional now as it was back then.

For too long a traditional wedding would find guests sitting down every time the bride and groom were participating in any formal traditions (i.e. garter bouquet, cake cutting). By involving your guests in all aspects of your reception you will find that they will be more comfortable and more appreciative of being able to share in your special day. This is because you are truly making your day unique to fit your personality and anyone who knows you will see this.

Here are some different ways that you can still have a traditional wedding reception without feeling so traditional:

Personalized introductions: Use different music to fit your personality, include specific details about each member of your wedding party
Be creative with any formal traditions: There is no rule that says the cake cutting, garter & bouquet, or your first dance have to be done a certain way.
When it comes to the intros, cake cutting or garter & bouquet, pick music that fits your taste and style. If you don’t have any ideas, ask your DJ.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. This will definitely make your reception unique for you and your guests.
Put your personality into your reception: Your guests will feel more comfortable and be more apt to participate in festivities throughout the evening.
Involve your guests in as much of the evening as possible.

Of course all these recommendations are not possible unless you have a DJ/MC capable of providing such services. More importantly as an MC it’s not what we say or what we do, but how we say it or how we do it that will have a dramatic impact on your reception. But we’ll save that for another topic.

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