Something Old, Something New: New School Rules For Wedding Etiquette

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Something Old, Something New: New School Rules For Wedding Etiquette

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer NYCityWeddings)

Weddings have certainly changed over the years. At least that’s what I’m reminded and told, and am beginning to experience and witness. According to some of my “elders” people years ago got married because they were in love, and the type or scale of party had little, if anything to do with it. In fact, the most “important” part of the celebration was the ceremony. And many couples, had at-home “receptions”, similar to the bring-your-own dish some are still hosting down South. Fast forward a few decades later, and weddings are all about the “party”. But, even when it comes to the gala extravaganza, the rules have changed. How so? The experts weight in.

1. Yesterday: Traditionally only the bride was “allowed” or suppose to wear white. And, black was pretty much “taboo”.
2. Today: both colours are perfectly acceptable. However there are limits. Guests wearing white should opt for shades of “off-white” and nothing that seems too bridal. And, as far as black is concerned, it should be sophisticated and chic and not businessy or funeral-like.

3. b>Yesterday: The most standard engagement gift in the past was household goods and the wedding gift could have also been something (additional) for the couples life now as husband and wife
4. Today: Gifts for the newly engaged couple are typically picked off a pre-set registry lift. And, since most have already established households may also feature some quite unconventional items that cater not only to married life, but also to hobbies, interests, etc. Rarely if ever are “gifts” given as a wedding present with the standard offering being money, typically, and depending on your relationship with the bride or groom, the cost of each plate plus a little more.

5. Yesterday: The bride’s parents paid for the wedding
6. Today: Since weddings have gotten so “big”, and couples are getting married a bit older and after already having set up home, the tradition has shifted from the bride’s parents to the couple themselves. However parents from both sides may offer to cove some or all of the cost.

7. Yesterday: The bridal shower was suppose to be hosted by anyone but a close family member.
8. Today: Anyone who want the honour and responsibility of hosting the shower can toss their hat into the ring. And, the shower can be held either at a public arena such as a restaurant, at the office, or at someone’s home.

9. Yesterday: The bride’s attendants were all close female friends and family members while the groom’s side was comprised of some of his closest guy pals.
10. Both the bride and groom can have a unisex bridal party and they can even opt for a best woman or man of honour in lieu of the traditional.